Mod Vic Pioneer Harvester into Perfect Bushcraft Knife?

[w.t. anderson]

Hello to All,
I'm new to this multi-tool & multi-purpose forum, although I've EDC'd some sort of Vic SAK for well over 40 years now - I'd like to ask a question to those of you who are far more experienced about a modification I have in mind.
While I usually carry a Farmer or a Huntsman around town, I've been thinking about having a SAK just for bushcraft activities. I think that the Vic Pioneer Harvester would be just about the perfect candidate - a large leaf blade, a decent saw, an awl for drilling holes, and a small hooked pruning blade for stripping bark and leaves or working rounded wood.
But here's where I think a simple improvement could be made - I'd like to modify the large screwdriver blade on the knife into a wood chisel blade for making or smoothing sharp cuts and detailed angles. Has anyone had any experience sharpening the face of their screwdriver blade? How would you suggest doing it? What would be the best angle? Any other considerations?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions and comments.
Best Wishes to All,
"Bloody Bill"

 

[MikeJackmin]

I'm guessing, but I'd assume a screwdriver blade would be tempered for toughness rather than for edge holding. The steel is probably too soft to hold a good edge.

Best way to know is to try.

 

[canook]

The screwdrivers, can openers and awl are all heat treated to 52 HRC. It's pretty soft but it should hold the edge good enough for softer woods.

If I was doing that mod I would start by removing the hook with a Dremel. Then flatten the bottom edge of the screwdriver to make a 90 deg point then sharpen the side with the nail nick to a 45 deg edge. I've never done the mod before but I would imagine that would work out pretty well.

 

[SAKsRCool]

I did that on a Tinker that I was turning into a whittling knife. I think I started on a coarse file and ended up on a diamond stone. If possible you will want to angle it a little from the top to the bottom so your line of force while pushing with the chisel will want to keep the tool open rather than fold it.

 

[Steve_Holt]

If possible you will want to angle it a little from the top to the bottom so your line of force while pushing with the chisel will want to keep the tool open rather than fold it.

Excellent point. I sharpened the screwdriver blade of a Camillus TL-29 to a chisel point for woodcarving a while back and like it a lot. But the screwdriver/wire stripper on a TL-29 locks open, so this wasn't a factor.