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Thumb stud attachment query

F

Fraser River

Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
8
What is a good way to attach a thumb stud to the blade of a Gerber Gator ATS 34 #06064? The regular Stud Gator #069908 has studs but I want the ATS model. I prefer that steel and the different blade shape but it has no stud. I want this for a one hand opening camping, hunting knock about knife. The grip fits my hand perfectly but, alas, no stud. Epoxy? Drill a hole? Would the heat of welding-sweating damage the blade?
 
You would need to buy a carbide drill bit for the screw that fits the particular thumb bob you're using. Most of the bobs I've used have a 2-56 screw which would need a #43 drill bit for a thru hole. Just be careful and wear some eye protection, preferably some goggles and a face shield. Carbide bits can shatter and the pieces will fly all over the place.
 
I'd suggest that you try to buy a one armed bandit ( I think thats the name) before you try to make a stud for it. Its kind of like a chicago screw that will clamp over the spine of the blade. Alot of people put them on buck 110's. I think you can get them from smokey mountain knifeworks, if nowhere else.

You can put a thumb stud on yourself, but it won't be easy. The only good way is to do like L6 said and drill it out with a carbide bit, and buy one of the pre made studs from a knife making supply house ( www.texasknife.com www.kovalknife.com ) You can get 2 sided or one sided.
The problem with drilling it, is that carbide bits are fragile and you have to run them at high speed. The speed can ruin the temper in the blade if you don't keep it flooded with a good coolant while you are drilling. And doesn't the gator have a full grind? Its really tough to start a drill on an angle into a peice of steel, especially hardened.
Not trying to say its impossible by any means, just trying to let you know what your getting into. I think the one armed bandit things are supposed to work real well and only cost a couple bucks.
 
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