Seeking tips to remove scales and skeletonize Rodent Trail handle!

D

Diamond Dog Dave

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2009
Messages
78
Howdy Hogs, Rats 'n Dogs,

I got this Rodent Trail which I adore, and I think she's just about perfect...buttt the balance is just a wee bit handle heavy for my taste.

I've been thinking about drilling out the tubes, removing the scales, drilling some holes in the tang to lighten 'er up, and re-attaching the scales with some titanium screws.

It currently balances on my middle finger, and I'd like to remove enough material from the tang so that it balances on my index finger as it is snugged up against the finger guard.

I live in Costa Rica and I don't want to risk shipping it internationally to the Busse Custom Shop 'cuz if it got lost or stolen I'd be inconsolable, so I'm gonna order some screws and do the work myself.

My consultations are the following:

1). Any tips for removing the scales? My plan so far is to clamp 'er to a drill press by the scales, drill out the tubes with a 1/4" drill bit, and then clamp 'er by the blade to the bench and knock the scales off laterally with a wood block and a hammer...

2). What is the best place to purchase titanium screws to re-attach the scales, and what would be the right size screws to get for this knife? My tape measure says the total thickness of the handle with scales is 5/8", but I'm hoping some Busse gurus can confirm the best length and thickness of screws.

Thank you very much in advance, good citizens of Busse Bladeforums!

Dave

Rodent Solution 2.jpgRodent Solution 1.jpg
 
Last edited:
Just drill carefully with a little larger drill bit than the holes and stop when the cone comes off/out. 1/4" should work, but I suggest to go in just a little bit larger.

Did this on several knives; like the Axe Hammer on the left below:

_DSC9764-X3.jpg


Don't know about Ti screws, but steel hardware you can buy here. Depending on the knife, your stand-offs need to be shorter/longer, that's why I bought multiple sets. Standoff length depends on the screws, too, so you should experiment - but these are not expensive.

i-dBKJtzJ-M.jpg
 
I love those axe hammers and always wanted one...

OP, just be super careful that you lock that knife down tight and arrange the knife so that if the bit catches the blade it doesn't spin sharp edge first but rather spine first! Heard too many horror stories!
 
Indeed-a-lee-dood-a-lee, of course it's a Rodent Trail, not a Rodent Solution, I was thinking about it and realized my mistake whilst washing the dishes this afternoon.
 
ferider said:
Just drill carefully with a little larger drill bit than the holes and stop when the cone comes off/out. 1/4" should work, but I suggest to go in just a little bit larger.

Did this on several knives; like the Axe Hammer on the left below:

_DSC9764-X3.jpg


Don't know about Ti screws, but steel hardware you can buy here. Depending on the knife, your stand-offs need to be shorter/longer, that's why I bought multiple sets. Standoff length depends on the screws, too, so you should experiment - but these are not expensive.

i-dBKJtzJ-M.jpg
Click to expand...
Thank you sir for the information. Stainless would also be perfect. Makes sense to order a couple different screws in the approximate range, cheers brother.
 
ferider said:
Just drill carefully with a little larger drill bit than the holes and stop when the cone comes off/out. 1/4" should work, but I suggest to go in just a little bit larger.

Did this on several knives; like the Axe Hammer on the left below:

_DSC9764-X3.jpg


Don't know about Ti screws, but steel hardware you can buy here. Depending on the knife, your stand-offs need to be shorter/longer, that's why I bought multiple sets. Standoff length depends on the screws, too, so you should experiment - but these are not expensive.

i-dBKJtzJ-M.jpg
Click to expand...
How was it detaching the scales once you drilled out the tubes? Were they firmly attached with glue and required convincing or they came off pretty easy? Thanks
 
Baron83 said:
I love those axe hammers and always wanted one...

OP, just be super careful that you lock that knife down tight and arrange the knife so that if the bit catches the blade it doesn't spin sharp edge first but rather spine first! Heard too many horror stories!
Click to expand...
Copy, important distinction, no spinning blade of death
 
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