I finally got the chance to make the small modifications to my Military that I had previously detailed. Sorry I didn't post immediately, been kinda busy.
I used a brand new cordless Dremel tool for the task (I love my Heavy Duty Flex Shaft, but decided I needed something more portable). I opened the blade about 45 degrees for the best access, then secured and masked the handle with several layers of masking tape. That let me be less careful about Dremeling the handle and scuffing the G-10; a little advance warning when the tool got too close. Using a fine-grit drum-sanding bit, I applied a 45-degree chamfer to both sides of the "hump," starting just behind the top and going as far as the fourth thumb-notch. The chamfer is deep enough to go just past the depth of the notches on the sides of the blade. I tapered the chamfer off at both ends and kept the two sides even, so it really doesn't look half bad. The grit from the drum about matched the rough-finish on the Military's spine, so I probably won't finish it further.
So far, the effect on the knife's "draw" has been very positive. While it still has a noticeable tug from the hump when I pull it fast, it has not snagged at all so far. I have to carry it more with different pants, but I'm optimistic. No longer does the knife snag badly enough to simply halt the draw or even get yanked from my hand. Plus, the thumb notches are still at their full depth in the middle of the spine and feel just as grippy to my thumb. In short, if my experience with the rest of my wardrobe continues what I've seen so far, I'd say this was a complete success. A very small modification, but one that makes a huge difference to me, because I won't carry a knife that might snag when I need to draw it quickly.
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-Drew Gleason
Little Bear Knives
I used a brand new cordless Dremel tool for the task (I love my Heavy Duty Flex Shaft, but decided I needed something more portable). I opened the blade about 45 degrees for the best access, then secured and masked the handle with several layers of masking tape. That let me be less careful about Dremeling the handle and scuffing the G-10; a little advance warning when the tool got too close. Using a fine-grit drum-sanding bit, I applied a 45-degree chamfer to both sides of the "hump," starting just behind the top and going as far as the fourth thumb-notch. The chamfer is deep enough to go just past the depth of the notches on the sides of the blade. I tapered the chamfer off at both ends and kept the two sides even, so it really doesn't look half bad. The grit from the drum about matched the rough-finish on the Military's spine, so I probably won't finish it further.
So far, the effect on the knife's "draw" has been very positive. While it still has a noticeable tug from the hump when I pull it fast, it has not snagged at all so far. I have to carry it more with different pants, but I'm optimistic. No longer does the knife snag badly enough to simply halt the draw or even get yanked from my hand. Plus, the thumb notches are still at their full depth in the middle of the spine and feel just as grippy to my thumb. In short, if my experience with the rest of my wardrobe continues what I've seen so far, I'd say this was a complete success. A very small modification, but one that makes a huge difference to me, because I won't carry a knife that might snag when I need to draw it quickly.
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-Drew Gleason
Little Bear Knives
