Selector 428 blade

David Martin

David Martin

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Apr 7, 2008
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Here's a Winter project I've been working on. Day dreaming on for a long time. Another blade for my Selector. I've been wanting a bait, filleting, boning & quartering blade for this model's handle. I've been working on it today and this is my progress. The new blade will be 6" and a little up swept. Cut from 01 steel and I gave it a full flat grind with some belly. DM
 
Excellent work taking idea into results. About time a selector blade got some size and a full flat grind. Will it flex for fillet work? Bravo Desert Dave!
 
Very nice work DM. I have an old Kershaw knife with interchangeable blades and a filet/boning blade just like yours came with it. It got plenty of use on many a camping trips.
 
It will have a little flex to it being 1/16" stock. This piece of steel is from a 2 man cross cut saw blade, my Grandfather ordered back about 1930. He went to town to get it riding in a wagon pulled by his team of horses. He cleared most of his farm land with this saw and a double bit axe. Later my uncle (his youngest) built some knives from this saw blade. Now, I have a few pieces of it left and have built my youngest daughter some knives from this steel. Haaa. Thanks, DM
 
That looks great. Now I wonder why they never offered a filet blade. I am always looking for those blades when I go to pawn shops, knife shows, flea markets. Just found one of the small saw blades last week at a pawn shop.

And your daughter is extremely lucky to have you being able to make her some knives. I have half a dozen that my Dad made and my kids both love them. Means so much more than all the others.
 
gsea, I've seen the Kershaw model you speak of. The handle pivots to lock in the blade.
Ron, thanks for your comments. I think as their years go flying by their set of kitchen cutlery will mean something to them. DM
 
I did a little more work on it and here is the new blade fitting in the handle. (roughed in) I'll do more on it as time permits. DM
 
Thanks PCL. The Selector is a versatile model and was offered with enough blades for many cutting task. DM
 
That one may be a hard one to find. I bet you can find one on the auction site. Happy hunting, DM
 
Well, thanks Doc. I've always like the Selector's handle and the flexibility that exchanging a blade offered. Though a longer blade would maximize it's potential. Allowing it to do more task. DM
 
David, always enjoy watching what you are up to - you are an innovator! I like the blade. OH
 
Looks good Dave. Since the original blade is about twice as thick. How do you take up the side play? Shim?
 
tiguy, thanks. You are a smart one. Always had your coffee and thinking. So, you ask a good question. Yes, a shim. I take a scrap piece of the same material and make a matching pivot from it and silver solder this to the blade pivot. Then I still have to sand and shape the pivot a second time to get it to fit. But I'll have my blade with the least amount of fuss. DM
 
tiguy, I'm only somewhat familiar with the grinder you're describing. When I make these blade. I cut the stock metal and shape it, some with grinders and some by hand. When I cut the notch pivot, I drill the hole and then slowly remove metal, shaping with files by hand. With this full flat grind I cut the blade profile and grind using files. Then sanded it down using elbow grease. I'm about 12 hours into it as of last night. This is showing it at 220 grit. Thanks, DM
 
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I am only modifying hardened factory blades, so I can't use files. Basically I grind a slot to the pivot hole with a 4 X 1/8" cut off wheel mounted in an angle head grinder which is clamped to a Work-Mate. The flat that allows the blade to be slid under the rocker tooth is ground on the slot wheel grinder. The picture won't upload. I will email it to you.
The slot wheel is rubber on top and ceramic underneath. The work is brought up under the wheel where a strong overwheel light lets you see the material being removed.
This tool is great for sharpening screwdriver blades, chisels, and gravers.
It's fun to play with materials, ideas, and custom designs. I tend to shy away from Carbon steel especially for food prep. The stainless steels don't lend themselves to forging or home heat treat. My latest acquisition has a CPM S-125-V blade (not a DIY project).
I have also made exchangers out Bucklites using #5X40TPI Helicoils. On such a conversion, no slot or flat (only the notch) is required. The blade is changed as in the 186 Titan by removing and replacing the pivot screw. In this setup, a skinny blade can be clamped using 2 appropriate washers. I also add pocket clips to Selectors and Bucklites using #2X56TPI Helicoils.
Bladesaver, Ergochef, and Messermeister all make various sized edge guards which can be used to transport your custom blades.
Congratulations on your one offs and for showing the rest of us how to take it up a notch.
 
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