Tigershark Project

vjb.knife

vjb.knife

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Feb 2, 2002
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I just picked up another old SK-5 non-serrated Tigershark that I am going to tear the handle off of and replace with a Trident type Micarta Handle. Should be a fun project I will probably take off the handle today, it will be interesting to see what's underneath.

I have done this many times with Cold Steel Trailmasters and I am mid project on a Recon Scout. This will be a first time on a SOG. I am planning on using the same technique of making washers of black Micarta with some type of contrasting colored spacers like SOG does on the Trident.

I will post some updates as I progress.

Vince
 
I was thinking of doing the same sort of thing with one of my Nite-Techs only with leather washers and brass. But I haven't had the nerve yet. Mostly because of the "what does it look like under the handle" factor. And because I want it to look as professional as possible when its finished. And how would you attach the pommel to the end so it looks just like the S1 when its done. And where do you even get a pommel and guard made out of brass that looks like the one on the S1? So you see why I haven't even started yet. Great project Vince! The more posted updates the better eh ? Please.
 
Well it does take a bit of a commiment to start, but let me answer a couple of your questions. It really does not matter what is under the handle to any great degree. The pommel and fingerguard can not be found in a ready to go form so you need to get the blank and form them. I will grind them to approx shape and fit to the blade. Since threading and using a nut on the pommel is not an option with the hardened steel of the blade tang I will use another technique. I will fit all the pieces to the tang and and grind them to a close approximation of the finished shape. Then I will epoxy and clamp everything in place. once the epoxy is set I will drill through the pommel and tang and insert a piece of Stainless tubing and epoxy it in place. Then I will do the finish grinding and sanding and possibly I will blue the blade.
Here are a couple of the Cold Steel Knives that I put custom handles on.

Vince

tmtnto.jpg


CSTMwood.jpg


TMatak21.jpg
 
Very nice Vince. Its tough to pick a favourite but I think I like the last one but I like the second to last one as well. Very nice. Can't wait to see the 'Shark. And thanx for the answers.
 
My brother-in-law had the handles replaced on a Cold Steel blade (big one) and I believe the first Rambo knive (First Blood). He has big hands and had the handles replaced with stag by a custom knife maker. Very nice job! I believe Gil Heben did one of the new handles, maybe both at the same time. I expect that the work was pricey, but he likes nice stuff! He also has at least one big Bill Moran knife that he has had for years.

Vince, you did a nice job on those new handles. I wish I had the courage to do something like that.
 
Looks good to me. Have fun and keep us posted on your progress. I'm thinking of having someone upgrade my new shark with a wood or Micarta handle. All this moding going on is making it easier to justify it. ;)

Heber
 
I agree the Tigershark would be fun to customize. But that SEAL Approved grip is darn good. It would be hard to twist it out of my hand. With it as seen stock. Although I would like a steel end cap threaded on, as seen with the Tech Bowies. I made a nice leather shealth for my knife and it is better now. I am very happy I bought my Tigershark, I thank SOG.
 
Here's a NOS Tigershark in the box.
DSC00923a.jpg


Let's unwrap him and have a look.

DSC00924a.jpg


A little smudgey but ready to go.

DSC00925a.jpg


Mummification complete.

DSC00927a.jpg


Now for the Tigershark skinner.

DSC00928a.jpg


This is the way the Cold Steel Carbon V Trailmasters always look too, Rusty under neath the handle, even though it is brand spanking new from a store. Just imagine how the one in your basement or backpack looks under it's handle!

DSC00929a.jpg


Cleaned up and speced out.

DSC00931a.jpg


Measure the grip and ready to get the materials going.

DSC00932a.jpg


More to come........


Vince
 
Wow, I can't wait to see what it looks like when it is done. Thanks for posting these pics, I have always wondered what it looked like under the handle. :):thumbup:
 
I never would have guessed it looks like that under the handle. I thought guard was only part of the handle. Way kewl.
 
To BubbaGanew, we are waiting for the crossguards and pommels for all fixed blades in the repair department at SOG. Hopefully this will happen soon to fill any needs here. I'll give a shoutfor availability-just wait until they post the custom work they're having me do! Ditto in Repair
 
I knew the guard was part of the overall blade/tang, but what surprised my was that the tang was solid; not skeletonized or narrowed like most fixed blades that I've seen. Well, come to think of it, the extra weight in that handle does help to balance the over-sized blade.
 
I am working on a couple of cold steel conversions for other guys so that must come first. I and also having trouble finding some Nickel silver for the fingerguard and pommel. The Micarta is almost cut out in "rings" for the handle. It will probably take a while.

Vince
 
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