Reshaping broken knife tip?

AllenMcB

AllenMcB

Joined
Mar 19, 2008
Messages
75
I have a Kershaw Black Colt (tang is stamped 1045) with a broken tip. Using the caveat that a picture is worth a thousand words:

tip.jpg



I would like to reshape the tip so that it has a point again, but the problem is that I know just enough about metalworking to get myself into trouble.

My three questions:

1. Should I bring the top of the blade down to make the new point, or bring the edge upward to make the new point?

2. What type of file(s) would I need to do this?

3. Is this something the uninformed (me) can do using a degree of care and time, or are there other factors that will make this a waste of effort?

My thanks in advance!
 
I have put new tips on knives for a couple people. I usually remove stock from the top so I don't have to grind a new edge. I have found it more difficult to do this on clip-point knives versus drop point, so you might want to think about how much work you are wanting to do compared to how you want it to look.
 
The new edge is an issue as well as where the new tip is when the knife is closed. Going from the top will keep the tip enclosed between the scales and liners. You do not want the tip exposed in your pocket.
 
BJE said:
I usually remove stock from the top so I don't have to grind a new edge.
Click to expand...

Any suggestion on what basic files I should have for tackling this? I'm assuming one to shape with, and a finer one to finish it?
 
Kershaw might replace that blade for just a few bucks. Might be worth more than your time and aggravation trying to rebuild it.
 
allen, i can fix it for you if kershaw wont replace the blade at a reasonable price and you decide not to attempt it. i'm not sure how hard the blade is but you might be better off using a stone or diamond file. i have fixed numerous knives with broken tips when the owner brings the knife to me for sharpening.
 
Nobody had a file recommendation, so I just threw caution to the wind and did it , hoping it would turn out okay.

The results can be seen here:

newtip.jpg



I bought a grinding stone for my Dremel tool, and used it to bring the upper edge down to the cutting edge. Then I used a mill file to dress it into shape, and finished it with 180 grit sandpaper followed by ultra-fine paper. It still has a few scratch marks, but all in all, it's a far cry better than what it was.
 
I love the look of that modified clip man....you did as good a job on that as possible.

awesome!
 
Thanks to everyone for the good words, and a HUGE thanks for the counsel on bringing the top of the blade down rather than bringing the edge up.

I was a bit apprehensive about doing this, but after reading all y'all's comments, I thought there was at least an even chance that it wouldn't turn into a goofed up repair.

Thanks for all the encouragement!
 
Nicely done! I've wondered about this myself, but I think you've shown me enough to do it on my own.:)
 
ya the first time putting a tip back on is kind of scary but after its a lot of "wow that was easy"

i use a bench grinder at the slowest speed, keep dipping the blade is water to keep it cool then hit it up with some sand paper just to smooth it off.

-matt
 
Great job! I think you did it the best that could be done. I hope you did it slow enough so not to overheat it!
Mikel
 
Mikel_24 said:
I hope you did it slow enough so not to overheat it!
Mikel
Click to expand...


I think so. I used a variable speed Dremel with a grinding stone, and went slow. Grind, study the damage <G>, think about it, repeat. Not knowing what I'm doing is a great way to insure I don't get in a hurry!
 
:thumbup: Good job. I actually like it better like that.
 
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