knife modification question

[Lee]

Hi. I have a question concerning moving the clip on knives to the opposite handle. (I'm left handed) Has anyone ever tried drilling and tapping through G10 and titanium/steel to mount the clip on the opposite handle? Can it be done? Any pitfalls or warnings I need to know before hand? Is it possible to do by yourself? (I am fairly mechanically inclined, with acess to a wide range of tools) The knife I would like to attempt to modify first is my Spyderco civilian. Does anyone know of where I could send the knife to have it done for me? Thanks for your time and advice.

 

[maddog2020]

Hi fellow southpaw! I do things like that all the time since I am left handed- it may void warrantee though.

You need a drill press, center punch, drill, tap, screws, and a clip. You need some tapping fluid, or some light oil works as well, and you take your time. Some of the makers here swear buy using a cordless screw driver with a chuck attachment in titanium.

I haven't tried that yet, we have a tap stand, Tapmatic, and manual milling machines with DRO where I work, but generally I do my conversion in the basement when I make the time. I just did my BM 720 PLAIN edge for tip UP carry though generally I like tip UP, and have done Rekat Hobbit, Carnivore & Pioneer.
If you want to send it to me, I can do it for you for free, just enclose return shipping. I can't guarantee I will get it back to you immediately (since I have a couple of other things piled on my work bench....khukuri handles for example).

Send me an e-mail if you are interested, or want a more detail step, by step prodecure.




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Ray 'md2020'

ATKI member #A001042

 

[Matt Shade]

Its pretty straight forward. Drill holes with the proper size pilot drill for your tap. Then tap the holes, a HSS tap should work. It won't stay sharp as long as a cobalt or carbide tap will, but it doesn't sound like you'll be using it to much. One thing you need to make sure of is that you place the holes so that they don't interfere with any parts of the knife like the backspring,locking bar, or anything like that(not much to worry about in a liner lock, lockbacks have more to look for). If your going to make it a tip down carry, you'll have to take the knife apart so you can drill/tap holes without damdaging the tang or any other part of the blade. And you'll have to file the screws off flush , or even use them short enough that they don't quite go through so that everything will fit up right again.

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