Recommendation? Knife Modding Questions

Sharp Knives 86

Sharp Knives 86

Joined
Oct 27, 2009
Messages
783
Not sure if this is the correct forum to post this in and if it's not, I apologize in advance.

So I'm planning modding my Martindale Bolo machete into a big Bowie knife. I've never changed the geometry of a blade like this before so this is new to me. I was originally planning to do the rough shaping of the blade with an angle grinder and then use hand files to do the rest (don't have a belt sander atm) but I know using a power grinder can run the risk of warping the blade's heat treat if not careful. What are some of the ways you guys use to keep your blades cool while grinding and are there ways to tell if your blade is starting to get too hot? Also would a grinding disc or cut-off disc be more efficient at removing steel? Admittedly I don't have much experience using an angle grinder in the first place. Since I'm not super familiar with this particular power tool, should I just forgo the grinder and stick with a hacksaw and hand files to shape my knife? I know that will take a fair bit longer but ruining the heat treat on my knife is my biggest concern at the moment. Are their any other tools (besides a belt sander) I should consider for shaping the blade? Any tools you guys recommend for this sort of work period?

While shaping the blade is my current objective, I plan to add some antler scales and a brass guard at some point. I would like to do a thinner style "S" guard (about 2mm thick and 4" in length) but can't seem to find a pre-made one I like so I might take a stab at making my own. Would I need to heat up the brass to bend the edges to give it that S shape or would 2mm brass be thin enough to be bent in a vise or something without heating it?

Sorry this was a long post. Like I stated earlier I'm totally new to this level of knife modding so any advice or tips you guys can give, is very much appreciated.
 
I had a 24" machete that found its way into my shop years ago and just wasn't needed around our property. Cut blade down to 12" with cut off wheel in a die grinder. Used a paint can and scribe to draw the new belly. Used same die grinder cut off wheel to remove excess stock to reshape the blade. Next step was to use a 2x72 belt grinder to blend all the lines of the blade and put a killer edge on it.
The great thing about some inexpensive machetes is the handle shape they have. It makes a nice 12" utility knife that fits my hand and I'm not afraid to "thrash on". So far the edge has held up pretty good.
Keep a container of water close to cool the blade as you cut and shape it.
 
I agree 100% on the machetes. I've seen some guys on here do some real sweet stuff with their $10 Trams. Hell if my Martindale Bolo/Bowie mod goes well, I envision myself picking up a 22" Ontario machete and shortening the blade to around 14" and making a small utility knife (using my cheapo folder as a template) from the cut-off portion.

The Martindale machete I'm modding I plan to shorten the blade down to 13" and give it a nice, long clip point. It's also significantly thicker at the spine than most machetes at 4mm which is a good thickness for a large Bowie IMHO.
 
115Italian said:
I need to address the safety issue here. If you don’t have experience with an angle grind please be careful. They can be dangerous.
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Indeed and thank you for your concern my friend. Like I said, I have minimal experience with and angle grinder and have only used one on wood a few times. While I'm always extra cautious when using power tools, my biggest concerned is my lack of experience doing this sort of work could end up ruining a perfectly good blade.
 
X 2 on the angle grinder safety. Put on a face shield or at least some safety glasses just in case. I let my friend use mine to trim some bolts of on a swing set he built and he must have put too much pressure on the cutting wheel and it broke apart sending a chunk 50 plus feet in the air over his house and shattering a skylight on his uncle's house who lives behind him on the next street. We didn't know about the skylight until his uncle came walking over with the piece:confused:. That was an expensive mistake but like I told him, Glass is replaceable but eyes are not. Sorry if I sound like your dad
 
I take all safety tips to heart especially from those with more experience than myself and I definitely needed a reminder on the safety goggles. Thanks guys :)
 
You need to worry less about the blade and more about your safety.
A chunk of angle grinder disk to your head could be deadly. They are dangerous tools. The dust is also very dangerous, so you need proper breathing protection.
 
Modding a machete is a cool idea. Especially using a $10 Tramontina as a starting point.

WhitleyStu WhitleyStu you have any pics to share? I’d like to see the new shape.
 
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