Stripped and jimped my BK-11

[Jonny1280]

Before:

I used a spray on stripper:

I only had to let it sit for about 5 or 10 minutes. That stuff is potent!:

Scraped the coating with a sharp chisel and razor blade with minimal effort. Hit it with some 180 grit:

Turned out pretty good without using any finer sand paper. It was late at night and the hardware store was closed:

I went ahead and jimped the spine. It feels really good on the BK-11:

I ended up leaving the coating on the handle cause I didn't want to deal with rust issues around the paracoard. All in all I'm very happy with the results. I think I'll sand it to a mirror polish once I get some 500, 1000, & 2000 grit. I'll update this post when I do.

I went to the harware store and got some 400, 600, and 1500. Rubbed some polish on her and here's how it turned out:

 

[Nsvens89]

looks good man, I like that handle wrap also!

 

[Jonny1280]

I used the guts inside the paracoard and wrapped it really tight. I didn't think I would like a wrapped handle but it feels excellent.

 

[thrillbilly]

any pics/tips on the jimping? I been thinkin bout doing that to my 14. Not sure, dont wanna gimp it up. nuttin worse then a gimped jimp!

 

[Jonny1280]

I just used a small triangular file. It was alot easier than I imagined. If I did it again I would probably space the cuts with a Sharpie first. They were off just a little. For my hand, the jimping is a big plus on the knife though.

 

[Ethan Becker]

Hey Jonny.....

Looks good....I bit of advice for next time....Use a round file....A deep notches an invitation to crack propagation (no not that kind).....It probably will never be an issue but, please give it a little thought....Thanks for the post and pix.........

All Best....

ethan

 

[Jonny1280]

Thanks Ethan, I appreciate the advise.

 

[Perkology]

I've just finished very similar modifications on my first "real" knife as well-BK2. Have to agree with NSVENS89, the wrap looks real nice!

 

[thrillbilly]

Hey Jonny.....

Looks good....I bit of advice for next time....Use a round file....A deep notches an invitation to crack propagation (no not that kind).....It probably will never be an issue but, please give it a little thought....Thanks for the post and pix.........

All Best....

ethan

..round file. mental note taken.