Voyager XL Tanto to Wharncliffe Mod…How Tough is this Project?

[Nalapombu]

Hey all.

I really like Spyderco folders. I also am a fan of BIG BLADES.
I was nosing around on this section a ran across a mod done to an XL Voyager with Tanto blade converted to a Wharncliffe blade. I believe the scales have also been shortened to fit the reduced blade length. I think it’s a great looking knife and am thinking of getting a decent used one to try it myself. Problem is, I don’t know how difficult it would be. I think if I can get the right dimensions and print out good pics, I can make a go of it.

I would just like to know if there are any details that might crop up that I need to be aware of. If anyone has done this mod, or one similar, I would appreciate you giving me some pointers or ideas on it. Pics are always helpful and encouraged. Please post any you think might help. If you have any correct measurements for the mod, I’d like to have those as well cause right now all I have is a picture or 2.

Any help you care to give will be much appreciated. Have a good Sunday everyone.
Thank you.

 

[115Italian]

I’ve experimented with modifying blades plenty of times. It’s a process that seems easy and is at first. You’ll probably achieve the overall shape you’re looking for fairly easily. The finishing details are the hard part, getting everything clean and smooth.

The handle is something I personally wouldn’t attempt. Dealing with reshaping the handle and getting it to look smooth has never worked out for me with that type of material.

 

[BitingSarcasm]

That wharncliffe mod you're talking about was done by davidmary I think, and he has his own Maker's forum. He would probably walk you through it if you asked.

It's easy to change the blade profile with a Dremel cutoff disk, just tape off the blade to protect it from random slips and oopses. There are plenty of how to threads in this forum. Go slow, use water or ice to keep it cool, and the temper will be fine.

The scales aren't a problem either. Decide where you want it to end and add a bit. The cut in the scale will melt and be ragged, plan on rough sanding to get a general shape and fine sanding to smooth it out. With Voyagers, hitting the scale with a final rub of WD40 will restore the black color.

I would take the blade out to cut it, reassemble to see where you want the scales to end. Tape off the pivot to avoid getting sanding swarf in there, and finish up.