Project in the works...

[Bwilson]

I scored a Kershaw Outcast some time ago at a really good price. The blade itself was pretty nice but I'm not fond of such a large blade made out of D2, in fact, I purchased the Outcast with the intentions of it being the first knife I've ever made any "major" modifications to:

Here it is to start

This is after I removed the rubber "outer" handle

This is after I removed the hard plastic "inner" handle

This is after I removed approx 4" of the blade

And this is it's current state

I still have a ton of work to do on it. I plan on stripping it, reprofiling it and I haven't yet made up my mind on whether I want to try wood or micarta slabs, any suggestions?

 

[cmdionne]

I've got an outcast that I picked up for a good price as well, and now I won't ever look at it the same. I would personally go with some black G10 or black micarta, with some red or blaze orange liners, but thats just how I like my knives to look. Keep us updated on the project, I'm interested.

 

[Bwilson]

Thanks Cmdionne,

It will probably take me a few months to finish it - I have a 3 y/o and a 18 month old which means I get to work on stuff in 10 minute intervals. I was leaning micarta (unless I come across the "right" wood - some zebrawood or ebony would be nice) I want it to look "different" if ya know what I mean.

This is the first time I've ever done anything like this so I'm still learning. It took me forever to cut it down as I was afraid to ruin the heat treat. I would hit it for 2-3 seconds with the cut-off wheel and then submerge it, over and over again.

It's been fun so far and I'm sure I'll enjoy the rest - when I find time.

I definitely have a new found respect for the people that do it for a living.

 

[cmdionne]

Now that I think about it, I'm wondering how a really light colored wood might look. or a white micarta, but zebrawood or ebony would both be really cool too. I really cant stand that big kershaw D2 graphic on mine, I wish there was an easy way to get rid of it. Any ideas on that? I was thinking black sharpie, but don't think that would be the best solution, only the easiest.

 

[Bwilson]

I'm planning on stripping and polishing mine. The D2 is pretty darn close to stainless so it doesn't really need the coating - plus I think the profile and size of the blade will look pretty damn good with a high polish on it.

If you don't want to strip yours you could try either a sharpie or automotive touch-up paint maybe?

 

[Rupestris]

I'm impressed. Not only in your grinds but in the fact that you had the cajones to cut up a perfectly good knife.

I'd opt for micarta but I sugest using a good resperator/dust mask. The dust from that stuff is bad ju-ju.

 

[cmdionne]

Maybe I will strip it, and once you figure out the best way to attach new handle slabs, I'll likely replace mine with something too. I don't think I'll be re profiling the blade just yet though.