Paramilitary Sharp Tang - safe to round it?

fcondron · Feb 9, 2006

I just received my Paramilitary, and my only minor complaint is that when closed, the exposed corner of the tang is wicked sharp. If clipped to my pocket, reaching in past it results in a scratch on my hand.

I'd like to dehorn it a bit; my thoughts are to take my dremel with a FELT wheel, some mild polish (Mother's Mag), and just break the edge on that corner. Not completely round it, but just take that sharpness off of it.

My concern - will this affect lockup at all? I certainly don't want to do something that might weaken the lock. I'm new to the compression lock; it doesn't appear it would affect it, but I'd like to make sure.

TAH · Feb 9, 2006

My Para's tang corner came rounded from Spyderco and the lock works fine. No blade play either way. :thumbup:

edgetrip · Feb 9, 2006

This sharp tang was an issue when the para came out and I understand that newer ones are being rounded at the factory. I wouldn't think your mod would negatively effect the lock up but another option would be to have the knife tapped for tip up carry. I haven't gotten around to either yet but am planning on the tip up mod.

eojk · Feb 9, 2006

TAH said:
My Para's tang corner came rounded from Spyderco and the lock works fine. No blade play either way. :thumbup:

Mine is also factory "rounded." Lightly dremeling it will help immensely. Because of how the comp lock works, there is no issue of it losing integrity, provded you simply round that nasty corner down. My only issue with converting the Para to tip-up is that the steel liner does not extend fully to the bottom of the handle, making a purchase for screws more unstable(I worry about stripping the G-10.) I've heard of some people nesting a "mini-liner" or plate for the screw taps- someone care to elaborate? If you can do this, it should work out well.

fcondron · Feb 9, 2006

Thanks for the info, I'll break that edge tonight or this weekend, time permitting.

No interest in converting it to tip-up...I prefer tip-down anyway.

nuggett · Feb 9, 2006

I used a Dodo clip and round head hex bolt through the laynard hole, dremeled grooves to fit the clip flush.

wwells20 · Feb 9, 2006

I rounded mine with no problems. you might want to keep the radius small as to not interfere with the tang hitting the stop pin. look and you will see what i mean.

Dijos · Feb 10, 2006

eojk said:
Mine is also factory "rounded." Lightly dremeling it will help immensely. Because of how the comp lock works, there is no issue of it losing integrity, provded you simply round that nasty corner down. My only issue with converting the Para to tip-up is that the steel liner does not extend fully to the bottom of the handle, making a purchase for screws more unstable(I worry about stripping the G-10.) I've heard of some people nesting a "mini-liner" or plate for the screw taps- someone care to elaborate? If you can do this, it should work out well.

STR converted one: ask him how he did it.