Modded my Ka-Bar's crossguard, and now...

M

MG_Saldivar

Joined
Feb 5, 2005
Messages
857
I bought my first Ka-Bar (classic USMC model with 7" blade and leather washer grip) a few weeks ago and today I got around to modifying the crossguard - specifically, I used a hacksaw and file to remove the part of the guard on the spine-side so I can put my thumb on the spine of the blade more easily. This is a grip I use a lot on my Moras and I wanted the same capability on my Ka-Bar.

Here're my questions:

1. Is the crossguard made of the same 1095 carbon steel as the blade?
2. If so, what can I do to coat/modify the now-shiny part of the guard that has been cut and filed down? I'm worried about rust.

Or, am I being paranoid about the "health" of the ground-down guard? :o
 
Oh boy, you in trouble now. Guard gonna rust right off. :p

Could brush a little black paint over it.
It's not going to get stressed like the blade.
 
im pretty sure it is a mild steel guard, what i would do is tape off the blade and handle and sand the original paint then give it a new coat over your guard, might be a dumb idea but who knows.
 
I have found that a black Sharpie will color the steel for you nicely and is quickly and easily redone if needed. I use them for that type of thing now and again and it works great.:thumbup:
 
Thanks

Just did the same

the guard certianly felt like mild steel - it certianly cut with a hacksaw and shaped with a file quick enough

Using an endelible maker has left colour but came off quickly. Might use a bit of tomato suace to acid etc/mild oxidise then use the marker again
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top