Will drilling out G10 compromise it's integrity?

Dennis in MA

Dennis in MA

Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
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I love the SAR5. I really do - except it's WAY too butt-heavy. Balance is right around the first fastener - which is shocking given the width of the blade and all.

The other plus is the handle is hand-filling. But G10 is pretty dense stuff.

I'm wondering if I drilled out the back of the slabs a bit to lessen the weight if it would bring the balance more in line. But my concern is that I'd compromise the integrity and crack a slab.

I'm not talking gouging out the entire insides. Just some of the space between the fastener holes - leaving sufficient amounts so that the fastener section is solid.

Anyone ever do this before? Is it possible? Other than this, I'd not change a THING to this knife. I really like the hammer-handle. :)
 
Once my black olive/black SAR-5 gets here, I'm going to take it to Ban for a convex satin job.

I'm going to get the tang tapered and round the spine side of the pommel a bit. I think I'll add a few shallow finger grooves to the handle and possibly have him sand the scales a bit thinner (on the flat). All of those mods should move the balance forward and improve the ergonomics for me.

Removing a little G-10 should help but not as much as what I've got planned. If you wanted to go further, I think drilling a few well placed holes in the tang will remove more weight with very little impact on strength.
 
Dennis did'nt you hear what The Boss man said before you bought the SAR5? he said, "You can buy it but I don't want to hear anything negative about it!" or some thing to that effect....complaining about the SAR5's 'balance' may get you put to the back of the next INFI line I suspect...I don't find the balance that handle heavy, and I have both, G10 & Micarta scaled versions.
 
Besides.. I am not sure what a blade forward balance will buy you on a knife like this. Its not a chopper.

I too plan a few mods on mine. We shall see. But I have a nice set of stainless hex screws and barrel connectors waiting for it. So the handles are coming off and getting reshaped for sure. It will be stripped and some edge work at a minimum.

It should be a cool match for the SAR looking knife I made from a Skinny ASH.
 
Yes, it's not a chopper style knife, and that is why i don't find any issues with it's design balance. It let's you know it's in your hand, and Busse capable! What a knife!
 
1Tracker said:
complaining about the SAR5's 'balance' may get you put to the back of the next INFI line I suspect...
Click to expand...

I already forwarded this msg to Jerry..:eek::eek:

He said you're finished with INFI until next year Dennis...:D:D

You shouldn't even go to the Store or the Busse Website. Nope. Don't bother.
 
LOL. I'm just looking for a bit more balance is all. I LOVE the handle. But I can see some fatigue from using it after a while. A little bit more balance will make it "feel" lighter - esp. during light kitchen duty.

I really do love my SAR5's - maybe the Micarta version (hopefully here today) will be a bit better balanced. It just feels funny in my hand. I love the handle, love the blade length and shape. I don't need it THAT far fwd nor will I be chahppin with it. Just trying to lighten that handle a smidge.
 
Dennis in MA said:
I love the SAR5. I really do - except it's WAY too butt-heavy. Balance is right around the first fastener - which is shocking given the width of the blade and all.

The other plus is the handle is hand-filling. But G10 is pretty dense stuff.

I'm wondering if I drilled out the back of the slabs a bit to lessen the weight if it would bring the balance more in line. But my concern is that I'd compromise the integrity and crack a slab.

I'm not talking gouging out the entire insides. Just some of the space between the fastener holes - leaving sufficient amounts so that the fastener section is solid.

Anyone ever do this before? Is it possible? Other than this, I'd not change a THING to this knife. I really like the hammer-handle. :)
Click to expand...

Good question. I had the same thought... can G10 be sanded/ground like Micarta???

I was considering taking a bit off the butt of mine as well to move the balance up about a 1/4 inch (hopefully). Or... perhaps I just don't like big butts... :eek::D

Honestly, I love the SAR5... but for my hand I would like it to balance just a bit more forward. The micarta is a bit less handle heavy than the g10.

But still... the question remains. Can g10 be treated like micarta, or will it just get all screwed up...:confused:
 
kdstrick said:
Good question. I had the same thought... can G10 be sanded/ground like Micarta???
Click to expand...

It can be ground like micarta, but you need to be very careful with the dust. Pleural mesothelioma is some nasty stuff.

As I understand it, it will chew up your belts much faster than micarta does.
 
If you want to lighten the handle then why not drill holes in the tang or taper the tang? I personally would not try to drill the back of the handles for the fear of a accidental drill through. The risk far outweights the benefit.

G10 can be worked just like micarta. Just remember to use a respirator of some sort while sanding.
 
Good pointers. What I dont' want to do is change the handle shape. It's AWESOME! But just move the center-of-gravity fwd a bit to reduce fatigue. This may have to head cross-country for some work. (And at that point, we might as well get it satinized. :) )
 
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