Reshaping Titanium Scales?

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Bf024

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I've been searching around for info on the best way to reshape titanium and am not finding much. My plan would be to take the front corner off a Spyderco Swayback's scales, so that it was a front flipper.

Has anyone ground or filed titanium scales in this way? I don't have a machine shop so this would be a hand tool attempt. I don't mind sending the knife out for mods, just thought I would try if I had any evidence it was reasonably doable.
 
I rounded the end of my Alliance Designs Anchovy. It started like this
View attachment 2017368 That image is at an angle, the end seemed a bit more pointed...to the point that it was uncomfortable to rest my hand on (that how I came to realize that I semi-frequently do that)
Here's the after shot:
View attachment 2017370
I used a 1x30 belt sander; but I think it would be easy enough with a file and some sandpaper.
 
Cool thanks! Good to know it's doable. Yeah if I had a belt sander I was thinking I'd assemble the knife without the blade and then hit both scales at once for consistency. Not sure I know anyone with one though.
 
Bf024 said:
Cool thanks! Good to know it's doable. Yeah if I had a belt sander I was thinking I'd assemble the knife without the blade and then hit both scales at once for consistency. Not sure I know anyone with one though.
Click to expand...
Since you aren’t familiar with using a belt grinder you’re honestly better off with files/sandpaper. Much less likely to take off more material than expected.

Your idea of removing the blade is a good one. Also make sure to tape up the handle with masking tape before you start to keep shavings out of the action and to make it more difficult to add a scratch unintentionally.

Also please take some before/after pics and post them up when you’re done. Good luck!
 
That wasn't so bad. These pics are of progress so far, the rough cut is done but I have not broken all the edges and sanded/polished smooth yet.

I jimped the blade a bit, and it's made all the difference. This is really the way the Swayback should have been set up from the start IMHO. The jimping will need cleaning up too and I imagine would have been easier and cleaner pre hardening but this opens so well now I'm happy to tinker with it to clean it up.

I had sent this knife out to BJ Hill a while back to have him relieve the hole access, he did a great job but for the money I wish I had gone this route to start.

mods
 
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For anyone wanting to try this, I laid the file down and ran the knife over it, which was easier than running the file over the knife. You do have to keep an eye on the inside stop pin channel when deciding when to stop.

I used a Dremel with a stone for the jimping, and used the edge of the stone to cut easily. The cutting blades I had on hand were just bouncing off and not even marking the metal.
 
Dremel saw blades are not designed to cut metal.
Most people use the brown thin separating discs for metal.
 
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