I learned a lot from other peoples posts on Bladeforums and elsewhere, so figured Id share my very amateur and cheap modification to my Pro-Tech Tactical Response 1.4.
I wanted a new knife after moving to Oregon. I handled and flipped quite a few auto Benchmades, Microtechs, SOGs, Bokers, etc. and liked aspects of most. The Benchmade Mini-Auto Stryker was a top choice. But the price, quality, and opening of the Pro-Tech sold me. A friend gave me an Emerson CQC7 Mini that I carried for a few years before having it confiscated. The handle and blade are very similar, but funny enough I decided I wanted to shave the handle down because I could not get over how much I liked the handle of Benchmade Mini Auto Stryker.
I filed down the handle as much as I could before exposing the blade or getting too close to clip holes. Then wiped with a super fine steel wool pad.
In my haste I didnt even think about the finish. I first tried Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black but it didnt work out. Then I tried painting which turned out worse. So I took the handles to a machine shop nearby to have it sandblasted. There are always mixed feelings and Ive read that sandblasting aluminum is not recommended. But this was a learning project and sandblasting would get the job done. They took off the anodized finish in exchange for some donuts. Im sure the handles will have some polishing from pocket wear, but I actually like the look of the sandblasted handles.
Reassembly was much easier than I thought. I was concerned that the coil spring was going to be difficult because of how much the knife kicked. First time around the blade would catch when opening. I used some lube from a skateboard bearing company, adjusted the pivot screw tension, and now it fires better than ever.
Here are some photos of the process. I have more if interested.
I wanted a new knife after moving to Oregon. I handled and flipped quite a few auto Benchmades, Microtechs, SOGs, Bokers, etc. and liked aspects of most. The Benchmade Mini-Auto Stryker was a top choice. But the price, quality, and opening of the Pro-Tech sold me. A friend gave me an Emerson CQC7 Mini that I carried for a few years before having it confiscated. The handle and blade are very similar, but funny enough I decided I wanted to shave the handle down because I could not get over how much I liked the handle of Benchmade Mini Auto Stryker.
I filed down the handle as much as I could before exposing the blade or getting too close to clip holes. Then wiped with a super fine steel wool pad.
In my haste I didnt even think about the finish. I first tried Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black but it didnt work out. Then I tried painting which turned out worse. So I took the handles to a machine shop nearby to have it sandblasted. There are always mixed feelings and Ive read that sandblasting aluminum is not recommended. But this was a learning project and sandblasting would get the job done. They took off the anodized finish in exchange for some donuts. Im sure the handles will have some polishing from pocket wear, but I actually like the look of the sandblasted handles.
Reassembly was much easier than I thought. I was concerned that the coil spring was going to be difficult because of how much the knife kicked. First time around the blade would catch when opening. I used some lube from a skateboard bearing company, adjusted the pivot screw tension, and now it fires better than ever.
Here are some photos of the process. I have more if interested.
