SAR-3 Handle Mod

LightGuy

LightGuy

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2010
Messages
1,097
I have a SAR-3 on the way (again), and this time it is staying in my collection. Took me too long to find one just like it that someone was willing to part with.. The only issue I had with it before (my G10 DC version) was the sharp edges on the handles where the gull wing patter is cut into it.

I am planning on lightly sanding the sharp edges down to get rid of these sharp edges. Before I ruin the handle I wonder could anyone give me some helpful tips/advice? Has anyone done this to their SAR-3, and if so how did they go about it?

Also - any pics of your "modded" SAR-3 handle would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
 
First off, wear a mask or a respirator. That G-10 is nasty stuff and no good for the lungs.

Otherwise, a small block and a sheet of medium and fine sandpaper should do the trick. Just take it slow and take off a little at a time.

I haven't modded any of mine yet, and probably won't as I stumbled into one of these and the handles are already perfect! :) Just need to get a sheath now.

SAR327700.jpg

(Photo from Jerry's Fall Knob Ganza thread)


∞
 
Here are a few tips FWIW:

-- Clamp the knife in vise by using a paperback book as padding. Insert the blade of the knife in about the middle of the book, close the book around it, and let the pages pad it for you. The pages compress enough around the knife to keep it from rotating.

-- Use the sandpaper in "shoeshine rag" fashion over the edges of the micarta for efficiency. However that may scratch the tang metal, which you may not like the appearance of it. Otherwise, a sanding block or large dowel wrapped with sandpaper should suffice for your purposes. If you have a spindle sander, drill press sanding drum, or edge/belt sander with appropriate size wheels/drums you could use them to quite quickly reshape the handle.

Machines will do the job faster, but hand working it will give you greater control.
 
It is as simple as a piece of sandpaper wrapped around your finger tip and sanding down the points until the feel comfortable in hand.
It took me about 2 minutes total with 120 grit paper on my pumpkin SAR 3 user.
Oh, and if you do it under water with wet/dry sandpaper you don't need to worry about breathing the dust. ;)
SAR 3's are awesome EDC's.
14uw5mg.jpg
 
No tips, but I have one in black canvas that the previous owner lightly sanded and it makes a world of difference - much more comfy to use and carry than my black paper one.
 
AZTimT said:
It is as simple as a piece of sandpaper wrapped around your finger tip and sanding down the points until the feel comfortable in hand.
It took me about 2 minutes total with 120 grit paper on my pumpkin SAR 3 user.
Oh, and if you do it under water with wet/dry sandpaper you don't need to worry about breathing the dust.
Click to expand...
This^^^ I actually found that I only needed to sand the end of the handle that sits in the palm of my hand. The G10 is vary hard and you can't really make a mistake and take off too much if sanding by hand. With some minor handle mods and a decent edge, the SAR 3 is a nice little knife, even if it is built like a tank.

Chris.
 
Thanks for all the input! I'm really looking forward to getting my SAR-3 today and using your advice to take the sharp edges off.

Just so I'm clear on this, I use a belt grinder with a heavy grit and high pressure, no mask, and breath in deeply. That pretty much it?? :)
 
Last edited:
LightGuy said:
Thanks for all the input! I'm really looking forward to getting my SAR-3 today and using your advice to take the sharp edges off.

Just so I'm clear on this, I use a belt grinder with a heavy grit and high pressure, no mask, and breath in deeply. That pretty much it?? :)
Click to expand...

:D Yup breath in very deep:p




(all kidding aside make sure you wear a mask)
 
Amy-0 said:
:D Yup breath in very deep:p




(all kidding aside make sure you wear a mask)
Click to expand...

Absolutely - that was made abunduntly clear. Which I have to say, it makes me feel good that folks on the Busse forum that don't know me from Adam are truly concerned about my health. Great bunch of folks here!
 
I lightly sanded my SAR-3 tigerhide micarta slabs by hand under the tap with wet/dry sandpaper, then washed them thoroughly with dishwashing soap and a green scrub pad for the final bit of smoothing - took about 10 minutes and made a world of difference.
 
I go with a little 220 grit and just lightly knock off the tips and round out the corners a bit untill I get a nice soft feel, then give them a quick rinse. It takes less than a minute or two. It does not change the look of the handles. I have done this on CABS,BJ,BWM and NMFBM all with G-10. I have not felt a need to do this with Micarta as it seems to break in with use.
 
A scotch bright wheel on a bench grinder may do pretty well for you as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top