Why are the handles removable?

[TPVT]

Hey guys.
Some of you may have seen i just recently got a BK2. I also purchased a BK17 a little while back. Unfortunately, the bolt holes line up quite well with my grip contact points. I plan on replacing the handles on each. I am making up some "micarta" now that i hope to use.

With all that said, i wanted to take a step back. i don't want to replace the handles only to find out, "Hey doofus, you shouldn't have done that, because...."

So, why are the handles removable? i.e. why the bolt attachments? Is this just an allowance for quick presto/change-o on different handles? Or, is there a specific design reason that they are like this?

Thanks.

oh, and here's some pics. i put these in the BK2 thread, but we all like pics.

natural burlap micarta. this was a touch too thin. i got a new batch setting up right now. this time, i made sure i had enough resin.

 

[Uncle Malice]

why the bolt attachments?

Simplicity.

Ease of customization.

Ease of cleaning.

Some people use it for storage.

I prefer it.

If you don't, throw some ranger bands or sports tape on the grip to cover the holes.

 

[Bladite]

to allow people to easily mod htem? well, that's just a benefit.

because... that's just how they are

 

[bigghoss]

If you're gonna build an exposed-tang knife, might as well make the scales removable. The only other way would be brass pins and epoxy and that's actually more work and most people prefer removable.

I have a single piece of innertube over my most of my handle that covers the holes.

 

[bsmith_shoot]

Just being honest, but because Ethan Becker is a genius. He had the foresight to realize, and implement, a system that is both modular, and super efficient.

 

[daizee]

If you're gonna build an exposed-tang knife, might as well make the scales removable. The only other way would be brass pins and epoxy and that's actually more work and most people prefer removable.

I have a single piece of innertube over my most of my handle that covers the holes.

This.

Mass manufacturing of a full-tang carbon steel knife suggests that the handles to be made separately from the blades. The fastest way to get them together is to use off-the-shelf bolts. Bam, done. Permanent attachment would require closer mating (finish work - expensive - see 'coating') and set time for glue. Also, the coating couldn't be under the scales, so now the blade would have to be coated in a complex way OR highly finished (see 'finishing'). YES, there are mass-manufactured knives with scales permanently attached, but how many are sculpted? You'll find most of them are flat and square because they are just doing profile finishing. The Beckers get sculpting with a molding process. Bolts are a natural solution.

-Daizee

 

[TPVT]

to allow people to easily mod htem?

ha. point taken.

This.

Mass manufacturing of a full-tang carbon steel knife suggests that the handles to be made separately from the blades. The fastest way to get them together is to use off-the-shelf bolts. Bam, done. Permanent attachment would require closer mating (finish work - expensive - see 'coating') and set time for glue. Also, the coating couldn't be under the scales, so now the blade would have to be coated in a complex way OR highly finished (see 'finishing'). YES, there are mass-manufactured knives with scales permanently attached, but how many are sculpted? You'll find most of them are flat and square because they are just doing profile finishing. The Beckers get sculpting with a molding process. Bolts are a natural solution.

-Daizee

Ok, this was my logical guess...but, thanks for the confirmation.

 

[daizee]

Ok, this was my logical guess...but, thanks for the confirmation.

I ain't authoritative, I just type like it.

 

[TPVT]

I ain't authoritative, I just type like it.

lol. works for me!

 

[Ethan Becker]

Hey TPVT.......

Genius I am not.......I tried cutlers rivets on the first Machax......They came looose......The strongest fastener you could buy at the time was the socket head cap screw.......I was familiar with those from making jigs at the climbing equip company I ran......Sooooooo........many advantages came from frustration with the more traditional cutlery hardware.......I don't know anything that will work any better now.......

Ethan

 

[bsmith_shoot]

Hey TPVT.......

Genius I am not.......I tried cutlers rivets on the first Machax......They came looose......The strongest fastener you could buy at the time was the socket head cap screw.......I was familiar with those from making jigs at the climbing equip company I ran......Sooooooo........many advantages came from frustration with the more traditional cutlery hardware.......I don't know anything that will work any better now.......

Ethan

And humble

 

[TPVT]

Hey TPVT.......

Genius I am not.......I tried cutlers rivets on the first Machax......They came looose......The strongest fastener you could buy at the time was the socket head cap screw.......I was familiar with those from making jigs at the climbing equip company I ran......Sooooooo........many advantages came from frustration with the more traditional cutlery hardware.......I don't know anything that will work any better now.......

Ethan

thanks for the note Ethan.

-todd

 

[sharp'N'pointy]

.......I was familiar with those from making jigs at the climbing equip company I ran......

Ethan

Amazing how worlds collide...climbing equipment? I've been climbing for many years so this little piece of historical trivia is irresistably intriguing. What company did you run, Ethan?

 

[Ethan Becker]

I used to run CMI, or Colorado Mountain Industries......

Ethan

 

[oXide]

And is the company still in business? I figure if you ran it then the equipment they make has to be at least as good as the knives you design. And if it were designed as a harness, I would wear the BK2.

 

[Guyon]

The handles are removable so that you can remove them.

 

[DerekH]

Amazing how worlds collide...climbing equipment? I've been climbing for many years so this little piece of historical trivia is irresistably intriguing. What company did you run, Ethan?

Now ask him about the Figure 8 Descender. Go on, ask him.

The handles are removable so that you can remove them.

Your brilliance is only matched by your flatulence.

 

[kakefat]

I personally don't understand why other manufacturers make their knives without removable handles. If the tang isn't coated it will probably rust. And in order to remove the rust you have to remove the scales. In fact that is the one thing I don’t like about my Busse, and the reason I wouldn’t strip it.

 

[TPVT]

I personally don't understand why other manufacturers make their knives without removable handles. If the tang isn't coated it will probably rust. And in order to remove the rust you have to remove the scales. In fact that is the one thing I don’t like about my Busse, and the reason I wouldn’t strip it.

Are you saying you would be concerned with the handle tang rusting under an epoxied micarta handle?

 

[sharp'N'pointy]

In an effort to stay on topic: I like having the option to remove handle scales so I can strip a knife right down for cleaning or sharpening. Plus, I can play around with making custom scales but can still co back to stock if it doesn't turn out.

I used to run CMI, or Colorado Mountain Industries......

Ethan

Reallllyy, I had no idea! I don't know what the product line was then but it looks solid now. I've never owned any.

And is the company still in business? I figure if you ran it then the equipment they make has to be at least as good as the knives you design. And if it were designed as a harness, I would wear the BK2.

Indeed it is... http://www.cmi-gear.com/catalog/

Now ask him about the Figure 8 Descender. Go on, ask him.

I really want to but...is it still considered thread derailment if others are egging me on ?

(Big breath in)... okay, whats up with the figure 8???