I have mentioned my heavily modified BenchMade 140HS a few times before, and some people wanted to see pictures, so here they are!
Over the Christmas break I made what will hopefully be the last handle I put on this knife. My previous attempts had been with vet wrap and epoxy, pretty messy. This one is made of Lexan. I got a sheet from Lee Valley tools, used a hacksaw to cut out the approximate shape, a hand file and Dremel to finish off shaping it, then a bunch of sandpaper for polish.
I believe I have addressed all the issues I had with the stock handle; the choil is now the thickest part, which makes it easy to grip. The thumb ramp provides a large surface to push on, my only concern is that it might be a bit abrasive but its infinitely better than the original one, which seemed like putting your thumb on saw teeth.
Then theres the blade, honestly I preferred it with a straight edge. As a utility/beater knife there doesnt seem to be a need for a re-curve, if I had the edge set to a really shallow angle for slicing I might see more benefit but for hard cutting its not really of any use.
To get the pattern on the blade I used plasticene and vinegar. First I spread pieces of plasticene on and tore the edges off to give it that jagged look, then about 30-40 minuets in vinegar, wash it off and its done.
I hope everyone enjoys the pictures and information.
Over the Christmas break I made what will hopefully be the last handle I put on this knife. My previous attempts had been with vet wrap and epoxy, pretty messy. This one is made of Lexan. I got a sheet from Lee Valley tools, used a hacksaw to cut out the approximate shape, a hand file and Dremel to finish off shaping it, then a bunch of sandpaper for polish.
I believe I have addressed all the issues I had with the stock handle; the choil is now the thickest part, which makes it easy to grip. The thumb ramp provides a large surface to push on, my only concern is that it might be a bit abrasive but its infinitely better than the original one, which seemed like putting your thumb on saw teeth.
Then theres the blade, honestly I preferred it with a straight edge. As a utility/beater knife there doesnt seem to be a need for a re-curve, if I had the edge set to a really shallow angle for slicing I might see more benefit but for hard cutting its not really of any use.
To get the pattern on the blade I used plasticene and vinegar. First I spread pieces of plasticene on and tore the edges off to give it that jagged look, then about 30-40 minuets in vinegar, wash it off and its done.
I hope everyone enjoys the pictures and information.
