Tap tip up for Benchmade Gravitator

[HappyDonut]

Hey STR,
I just got a gravitator in the wharncliff style blade. I was wondering if I could send it to you for a tip up conversion, possibly a low rider.

I do know my only requirement is that it follows the 3 screw layout that the BM clip normally uses.


Thanks!

 

[STR]

Hey STR,
I just got a gravitator in the wharncliff style blade. I was wondering if I could send it to you for a tip up conversion, possibly a low rider.

I do know my only requirement is that it follows the 3 screw layout that the BM clip normally uses.


Thanks!

Sorry for the late reply. Those have pretty thick hardened stainless liners in them. Not sure I could drill it out with anything other than a carbide but a cobalt may pop a hole in it. However, threading it is another story. Its always risky threading hardened stainless. Well, threading anything really but especially with smaller taps and when hard I try to avoid doing the jobs. Just don't like messing up people's fine knives. Not that this has happened a bunch but only once and that was enough. I'd just as soon pass on the job due to the liners. Not saying it can't be done but if it did go south where a tap gets lodged in there making a mess it could be a disaster for a fine folder. Perhaps if the G10 is thick enough one could install a clip by doing the insert under the scale routine. (see pics) I'd be a lot more comfortable doing this than I would trying to tap the liners but one could try to tap the liner first and if it goes bad then cover it over so the scale covers the flub. I mean there are options but if the G10 is meaty enough in the middle to allow a good grip of some threaded inserts installed on the underside it would do the job for you. It is tight there toward the end and it looks to me like there is the potential for blocking the lanyard with a low rider unless you want that fold over done just shy of invading into the lanyard hole. It wouldn't bury the knife that way but it would look good.

I'd of course need my work order form filled out printed off and mailed with the folder should you proceed. This would also be a higher priced job due to additional time to make all the prep work and get it together. Past jobs ran $45 on this level of work. Hope that is cool and thanks for asking
STR

 

[HappyDonut]

No worries!
It looks like you're right. Drilling into the G-10 would work I think..
I'll be sure to send it off with an order form!
Thank you!