Suggestions For Index Mark on Shadow IV

M

Mike in Seattle

Joined
Sep 8, 1999
Messages
49
Hello One Piece Folks:

After years of being happy with a small and large seb, I broke down and got a Shadow IV.

As most of you one piece owners know, on some of the models there is no way to tell by touch alone whether the sharp part of the blade is up or down, because the guards are identical on the top and the bottom.

My question is what do you suggest for an index mark so I can tell in the dark or without looking at the blade that the top of the blade is in the correct position. Should I just use a dremel and cut a notch or what???

Thanks

Mike in Seattle
 
Tough question. If you cut a notch then you loose the Kalguard and may have a rust problem there. The butt cap is aluminum so if you cut a notch there it would not rust and that is the first place you will touch when drawing the knife. Just be sure the cap goes back on the same way if you remove it for something. :eek:
 
Got my first one-piece earlier this week, Aviator 5.5". I like your index idea a lot, but cutting a notch seems like a last resort. Would this void the guarantee? It is a modification that effects the steel.

I'm trying this using a drop of epoxy, let it harden up to a molasses consistency before applying, I had to wipe off the first drop because it spread out too much. Not sure how well it will adhere to the Kalgard though, I can report back in a couple days.

A small mound of baking powder and a drop of CA glue might also work, certainly would set up faster.
 
I use a small piece of black grip tape on the top guard. You can buy it in any hardware store and it's really cheap. I've had the same piece on my MK VI for 2 years and I use it......alot.
 
Crazy idea, is there such a thing as tritium paint or a small dot sticker? In low light conditions it could be useful.
 
My personal solution was to order the non-catalog Single Guard Shadow IV. It lets me index the blade, and choke up real close if I need to.

As A bonus, the sheath for the Single Guard Shadow IV is the pukka-style pouch, that covers almost the entire knife.

I like the idea of the strip of grip tape for a double guard, and I may just go looking for a small glow-in-the-dark adhesive dot for mine.

I suugest a chain of stores called The Container Store as a starting place to look for the glow in the dark dots.
 
you could always go through with the grinder and have Chris refinish the knife for you. Isn't it only like $20 for the recoating? I just got a 9in Shadow and am thinking of adding the index ala the Project 1 to it and getting it recoated.
 
To follow up on my previous post about the epoxy drop. Did not like it as it wasn't as tactile as I had hoped. Luckily, with a bit of stress testing I was able to get it to pop off; the epoxy sticks fairly well but by cutting into it (was trying to add some checkering), the resulting deformation will pry it loose.

OTOH, the grip tape idea is great, a small strip of the extra course stuff stuck on with CA glue seems very secure so far and the tactile response is excellent. Time will show how well it holds up to use, but it's easy enough to replace. As an added bonus, the retaining loop on the leather sheath grips much better now, I can no longer pull the knife out without unsnapping it, before it would slip down the gaurd just enough to allow release with moderate force.
 
On the One Piece NICA Tanto, there is a flat surface milled into the grip along one side only in which "Limited Edition 150" is engraved. This flat surface is an extremely positive index as it is a large area, but in no way does it interfere with function or grip utility. I would imagine that CRK can mill this flat onto any one piece handle, and the resulting flat surface is ideal for some custom engraving or Lisa art.
 
I carry my Shadow III around a lot in Darkness. Found an easy way to locate the edge: I always put my thumb on the flat side of the blade, and immediately know where the edge is (Could be difficult with thick gloves, I know). And I make sure when putting it back into sheath that the edge always shows to the same side.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top