Tooled up My TOPS-T.B.Tracker

[KiljoyKutlery]

I got this one a while back...just to check it out..I always liked the Becks, so I decided to give the TOPS a makeover. Its not so much the looks that bothered me...its the crap blade geometry...it would not stick, chop, or slice, and draw anywhere near as well as it should have....I have to do some touch up...but I think the little knife well cut now! I put a convex zero edge on the chopping portion, and a flat on the draw knife.(they were hollow ground before)..I also sharpened the notching teeth...and removed some stock from the back just before the teeth...allowing the first tooth to cut..it wouldn't before. Overall, after the polish..I think it will be a working knife, that actually could be taken out and used. I really like the challange of the shape..it was alot of fun. I think I might just make one from scratch now, as this gives me some confidence. Gene

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Looks like the draw knife portion is very thin now. Any estimates on the change in cutting and chopping ability?

-Cliff

 

[KiljoyKutlery]

I know the chopper and draw will cut much better, I havn't finish the polish and strop portion of this project, and even without the finished edge, and no handle...I tested the cut on some scrap lumber and it was vastly improved..the draw knife, while dull, worked better than before, and the original chopper just wouldn't chop...the longer, convex grind is vastly superior, and the light swings I took with it, I would estimate around double the cutting performance....lol..now Cliff...this is a good old boys math here, so you take it easy on me..lol. Gene

Looks like the draw knife portion is very thin now. Any estimates on the change in cutting and chopping ability?

-Cliff

 

[Cliff Stamp]

That is about what I would predict given a heavy regrind, you can get about 50% chopping ability easily and 2:1 in cutting.

-Cliff