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Sidewinder handles/BM-239 Blade?
- Thread starter 7Cain
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2000
- Messages
- 1,695
Okay, I guess I'll say something. I do not have a sidewinder so I don't know how good the handles are. The problems are the handles being proportional to the blade, the tang pin and tang cups fitting correctly, and the length of the latch. You can always at least try it, can't hurt too much since you are trying to help the better bali: 239
Go for it and let us know.
Go for it and let us know.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2001
- Messages
- 294
By the way, Thanks BalisongMan. That's twice now
I've looked at the reviews and luckily there are no cups to catch the tang, but these could be added with a dremel tool! I'd probably do the latchless version. But with the new Knocked Off Knock Offs with Zamcrap handles I fear that it would not be much of an upgrade. If only the knock off artists would be consistant with their product I'd jump all over this option and upgrade my 239 to look like a custom
And Chuck, it's not that Zamak is a bad metal, it's the chrome plating that chips and wears off that we hate about this stuff:barf:
There are two main problems:
-If the blade is not wide enough it will bang around while the knife is closed, and you probably won't be able to latch it closed. If it is too wide then it will not close at all.
-The sizes of the pins will be a big problem. You might have to make one of the sets of holes bigger.
-If the blade is not wide enough it will bang around while the knife is closed, and you probably won't be able to latch it closed. If it is too wide then it will not close at all.
-The sizes of the pins will be a big problem. You might have to make one of the sets of holes bigger.
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2000
- Messages
- 1,695
Yeah, you have to make sure that the forks are wide enough to accommodate the blade and vice-versa.
Hi 7Cain,
Well - I've been toying w/this idea for a coupla weeks. Sniperboy sent me a well used 239 and a destroyed (handles) Jaguar to experiment with. Last night I dis-assembled my Pacific Style bali (the 'sidewinder) - no big problem, right size drift punch and a hammer and the proper bench block. Then I carefully disassembled the 239 (can rebuild it if I decide the conversion is a no-go). The Jag was already "disassembled".
The major problem is the depth of the channel in the stainless handles from the sidewinder. If you look at it you will notice that the (for lack of a better term) bottom of the channel is about twice as thick as on a BM239. This will need to be machined out, and I am sending my sidewinder handles to a friend to have that done.
If, upon return, that provides enough clearance to close the handles around the blade, the next problem becomes the bearings. The 239 tang is drilled out to accept a free floating bearing, and then just a very thin pivot pin that goes thru its handles and the bearing. In order to use the sidewinder handles its oversized pin holes must either be firmly sleeved and the sleeve drilled to accept a pin of the original size the 239 used (best option, because then the original 239 bearings could be used as well), or some other conversion must be done. Then we come to the blade thickness to fork spacing problem. The sidewinder uses a nylon washer on one side of the tang only to make the fit correct. With the 239 blade in place this will also need to be done, tho a bronze alloy drag washer from a topnotch fishing reel repair kit would be a better option.
So, you see it won't exactly be an easy conversion - but it is possible. The biggest problem is the channel depth - and that must be milled out before I'll even know if it will work at all.
It will probably be a while before I get back to this project - but I'll keep you all posted.
Bob
Well - I've been toying w/this idea for a coupla weeks. Sniperboy sent me a well used 239 and a destroyed (handles) Jaguar to experiment with. Last night I dis-assembled my Pacific Style bali (the 'sidewinder) - no big problem, right size drift punch and a hammer and the proper bench block. Then I carefully disassembled the 239 (can rebuild it if I decide the conversion is a no-go). The Jag was already "disassembled".
The major problem is the depth of the channel in the stainless handles from the sidewinder. If you look at it you will notice that the (for lack of a better term) bottom of the channel is about twice as thick as on a BM239. This will need to be machined out, and I am sending my sidewinder handles to a friend to have that done.
If, upon return, that provides enough clearance to close the handles around the blade, the next problem becomes the bearings. The 239 tang is drilled out to accept a free floating bearing, and then just a very thin pivot pin that goes thru its handles and the bearing. In order to use the sidewinder handles its oversized pin holes must either be firmly sleeved and the sleeve drilled to accept a pin of the original size the 239 used (best option, because then the original 239 bearings could be used as well), or some other conversion must be done. Then we come to the blade thickness to fork spacing problem. The sidewinder uses a nylon washer on one side of the tang only to make the fit correct. With the 239 blade in place this will also need to be done, tho a bronze alloy drag washer from a topnotch fishing reel repair kit would be a better option.
So, you see it won't exactly be an easy conversion - but it is possible. The biggest problem is the channel depth - and that must be milled out before I'll even know if it will work at all.
It will probably be a while before I get back to this project - but I'll keep you all posted.
Bob
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2001
- Messages
- 294
Thanks so much Bob! I have actually placed a bid on a Pacific Style Bali on the auctions! It sounds like a fun project! I was'nt expecting it to be a perfect fit right off the bat, actuall I was hoping that it would be a little tight (better to remove material than add it!) I was planning on doing a latchless model (more custom looking I think) I am very thankful for your input and suggestions!
If I end up aquiring a decent Pacific Style Bali (milled handles!) I will perform this operation to the best of my expertise and post pics as well.
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2000
- Messages
- 573
I replaced the tang pin with a 3/16 roll pin. I had to add recesses in the handles to allow it to close but now it is a really solid feeling knife.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2001
- Messages
- 294
Well I have placed a bid on the auctions for 2 latchless Pacific style balis, and apparently had much success, they say I am the "Highest Bidder" at 19 dollars (not too bad!, unless the handles are Zamac:barf: ) These where being sold by a knife dealer and he stated that the handles where stainless (hope he's right) so I will give this little project a try when I receive my new PS Bali's.
Tiger9- the filming is on now that I can do doubles again!
Tiger9- the filming is on now that I can do doubles again!