As many of you know from my last few posts, I'm less than happy with Cold Steel's selection of steel in their Kudu model, a knockoff of a South African knife called the Okapi. The Kudu uses a new steel called 4116 Krupp, and the Okapi uses 1055 high carbon steel. I favor the 1055 for ease of shrpening and keeping sharp. The Kudu also uses a Zytel handle, which is more durable than the Okapi's wooden handle. They both have a similar ratcheting lock, and both have blades of about 4 inches (the Kudu's blade is .25" longer).
So, can I take the best qualities of both, and make a knife that will work for me? I'll be removing the blade form the Kudu and replacing it with the Okapi blade. Some minor fitting may be required, but I think this will be a fun little project. I'll post pictures and a summary when I'm done. If only Okapi made a plastic-handled version, or one with liners....
So, can I take the best qualities of both, and make a knife that will work for me? I'll be removing the blade form the Kudu and replacing it with the Okapi blade. Some minor fitting may be required, but I think this will be a fun little project. I'll post pictures and a summary when I'm done. If only Okapi made a plastic-handled version, or one with liners....