What tool to make blade modifications?

P

Pocketknife

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Jul 27, 2005
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I am interested in removing metal from the back of a folder, to make one of those "Wave" hooks. (I like what STR has done, in some of the photos he's posted.)

I am also interesting in cutting small slots into the blade back, for thumb purchase.

What tool (or tools) could do these jobs, that is small enough for my apartment "workshop" (tiny bench inside a storage nook)? Noise is also a factor, of course.
 
Dremel works great and bits, cutters etc. are easy to come buy on the web. But again, another addiction. Variable speed models keep the heat down and minimize broken bits. Remember eye protection, you only get two.
 
db said:
A metel file ,a hacksaw, and/or sandpaper.
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Thanks for the suggestion, but I've tried those, and they don't hardly make a dent in the one stainless steel I tried so far (Schrade+).

I guess a Dremel tool would work, but it would be hard to keep the flat areas flat.

How about something like this? I could use a bench grinder, anyway:
DR_66096_GHD155SB.jpg

6" grinding wheel, and 2" X 27" sanding belt
 
You're gonna have a helluva hard time doing anything with a hardened blade, no matter what you do and what equipment you have. Easy enough to re-profile, but re-forming a large chunk out of the thickest part of blade is not a job I'd ever want.
 
Which exact knife is it? A lot of knives that get a wave added on have a good factory profile to do it to or easy enough to modify. Some things are better just left alone :)

A variable dremel tool would be a great tool to use and maybe some needle files for the thumb grooves. Trying to use a power tool to do thumb grooves isn't an easy job, the dremel jumps around and is less stable for something like that.
 
warden41272 said:
Easy enough to re-profile, but re-forming a large chunk out of the thickest part of blade is not a job I'd ever want.
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I don't know what you mean by "re-profile" and "re-forming"...could you please explain those terms? Thanks.

Also, I know what you mean about working on hard steel....I've tried it, with poor results, and that's why I'm posting this question.

There are several knives I'm interested in, that don't have a "wave", and if I could put one on myself, then I would buy one. So far, the only brand I've seen with a "wave" is Emerson, and there are lots of other knives I'd like to have that feature on.
 
Powells85, I don't have a specific knife picked out yet. I've been looking at a few, and of course, for a "wave", it would need a steep rise on the blade, nearest the handle. For example, most Spydercos and other brands with thumb holes (like the KA-BAR/Dozier Folding Thumb Hole). There are also some without a thumb hole, that might have enough meat, such as the CRKT Cascade Lockback.
 
Well you asked for something that doesn't make noise or very much noise. A dremel is pretty loud. The bench grinder will probably be a little quiter but way more messy. Both and most any powered tool will heat up your blade and could reck the temper so keep it cool if useing power. Go ask in the shop talk forum. I do beleive that most custom makers use checkering files on hardened blades to put on the thumb grooves. Files hacksaws and sandpaper will take some time but they will do the job. The quickest isn't always the best.
 
Thanks for your help, everyone. I believe that I now have the info that I need, thanks to the above replies, and to STR.
Have a good Christmas!
 
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