modifing a ka-bar impact D2 spearpoint

[octave210]

Hello everyone!

I am in the military and deploying in about a month over the pond and want to make my knife better or at least personlize it without taking anything away from performance so, it is completely a tactical knife and don't want it to fail when I will need it most. I have never done any modifing to a kinfe before and just had a couple of questions but, first what i plan to do. I'm going to make a new black canvas micarta handle(don't really like the feel of the stock handle) and i wanted to modify the blade a little bit maybe by drilling some holes along the spine towards the handle to lighten it up a bit and give it a personal touch. Ok so here are the question's. Is there any real easy way to make a new micarta handle and is canvas a lot better that linen? Second by drilling holes in the blade am i going to weaken it at all? What is the best way to accomplish it? (how far away from the spine should it be and how big i can make the holes) Lastly how will i be able to refinish the blade in a tactical black?

thanks for your time reading and replying!

octave210

"the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him."

--SunTzu

 

[Cliff Stamp]

...by drilling holes in the blade am i going to weaken it at all?

Yes, both in regards to impacts very much and prying because of the sharp edges it leaves. You would be better off using a wheel to ground out a fuller if possible, or just thin back the primary grind if you want to reduce blade weight. In general though these are fairly major modifications unless you have decent equipment, I'd probably suggest looking at another knife.

-Cliff

 

[deserthawk]

also remember that when modifying a blade, be carefull of heat build up that may affect the temper. something as simple as drilling a hole or bigger project of grinding a fuller can have unseen consequences. go with the handle replacement and call it good. also remember that Micarta particles is poisonous to breathe, wear a good respirator if you do replace handle. i have a stock Impact and love it, one of my main blades in the field. if it aint broke, don't fix it. have you thought of getting a 'hawk for your tour?
good luck and God speed on your tour, keep us posted please...

dhawk

 

[c1328chase]

a great tactical knife i have come to find that is pretty lightweight is the black hawk MOD mark v oh and i love the stock handles on the ka-bars, the kraton g stuff or the leather wrap, cuz i have the kraton stuff the black rubbery stuff, i really like it