Vaughan Sub Zero Mini Mod

The Warrior

The Warrior

🇺🇸 INSANE VIKING 🇺🇸
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Mar 11, 2011
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Bought this Sub Zero some time ago, finally got around to modding it. I mostly followed this tutorial: http://oldjimbo.com/survival/vaughangrind.html

I ground the head down per the tut. Tried cold bluing the head, but it kept streaking on me, so I went another route. I soaked the head in apple cider vinegar for a few days, to darken/patina/etch it. You can actually see where the heat treat line is. Painted the handle black, and paracord wrapped it. Cool little hatchet, but I feel the eye socket is way too small. I always forget to take before pictures, but I did take one when I first got it:

You can see how small it is next to the BK2:



The mod:













Back in the cheapy sheath that came with it:



Back home in my Maxpedition Lunada Chinese rip off bag:

 
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That's very cool, I love how the patina turned out. How do you finish off the paracord? I have one of my Fiskars wrapped but I can't figure out how to finish it cleanly.
 
Thanks. Just Google paracord wrapped handles. There will be several show up. This is the good side, lol. The other side never looks as good, where you pull the cord through, cut the ends, and burn them.
 
Nice job, those little Vaughn's are the hatchets that Knives of Alaska use to get and mod into their little camp/ hunting axe. They are a sturdy little hatchet. Old Jimbo has a blog about one he re-did.

sweet job.

Pat
 
HandAxeProMan said:
You now have a good looking pack axe. Good job.

Howard
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Thanks, appreciated.

omniviking said:
Nice job, those little Vaughn's are the hatchets that Knives of Alaska use to get and mod into their little camp/ hunting axe. They are a sturdy little hatchet. Old Jimbo has a blog about one he re-did.

sweet job.

Pat
Click to expand...
It's a sweet little hatchet for small jobs. I actually need to finish sharpening it. I started, but wanted to post it. Impatient I am...
 
I like it alot! Mine came with a very flat edge. It was quite a workout with a file and sandpaper, but fun working on it.
 
Thanks. My edge was pretty much not an edge at all when I first got it. Blunt comes to mind. It was a blast modding it. Love modding.
 
Anybody know where you can get replacement handles for these little hatchets?
 
Resurrect an old thread.......anybody do leather work or have a line on a sheath to replace the junk nylon one that came with this hatchet? I just finished molding mine per old jumbo directions....shaves arm hair in one swipe! Took about 5 hours. Worth it! Now I just need a sheath! Anyone?
 
huntinrod said:
Resurrect an old thread.......anybody do leather work or have a line on a sheath to replace the junk nylon one that came with this hatchet? I just finished molding mine per old jumbo directions....shaves arm hair in one swipe! Took about 5 hours. Worth it! Now I just need a sheath! Anyone?
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Personally I would find a source of scrap 8-9 oz leather then go to the store and buy some leather rivets and snaps. You have a pattern to follow and it will be a fun project. It might not be a work of art but it will be handmade by you and you will learn how to work with a little leather. I look forward to making leather sheaths now after my axe restorations.
 
nice job.
handle seems thinner when blackened than lackered,did you work at it,or is it optical effect?
 
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flexo said:
nice job.
handle seems thinner when blackened than lackered,did you work at it,or is it optical effect?
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Thanks man. Surprised to see this one bumped up. Just sanded lightly, and painted it. Of course, wrapped it.
 
you could also tacticalise the sheath ,punching holes in the flap to put sort of hem on ,driving (sewing like) paracord in,
that would look like the ultimate hatchet to put hands on!
 
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