I rounded off the uncomfortable bits on the pommel of my Opinel, and recoated in polyurethane.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088575.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Might resand it, stain it and seal again. Or might not. 😉
Pocket knives
Whats up doc?
I kinda unmodified the main blade in this Rough Rider doctors knife. When I got it was the earlier time in my life when I was experimenting with using wharncliffe blades… (later stopping, then going back again after several years)
I’d modified both pen blades in this to wharnies.
Which is almost as pointless as two pen blades… not sure why I did both. I’d also ground both to convex no secondary bevel edges, something else I was using a lot then. (This was around 2006, 2007 ish…)
I just made the main blade back into a pen, and dropped the kick to get the tip below the liners. The convex I left. Dont use that much anymore, but can’t see a problem with it either.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088630.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088639.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Categories: Customized, EDC, Folder Tinkering, knives, Pocket knives
Schmachtenberg Bros. Sleeveboard cleanup.
Finally did something with the blades in this Schmachtenberg Bros. sleeveboard I got last summer.
Before;
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/20200629_222836.jpg?w=584 "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Squared the ragged end off the broken main, and rounded the back corner off so its not sharp to hold anymore.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088610.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088601.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Sharpened the pen blade too, and dropped its tip so its below the liners. Could have left it a higher tip, and dropped the kick, but that would have made it impossible to open without cutting a relief in the scale/liner, and I didn’t want to do that on this one, wanted the frame shape left alone.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088592.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088648.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Categories: Customized, EDC, Folder Tinkering, knives, Modifications, old tools, Pocket knives, Repairs, Vintage
Damascus and Copper Bear MGC Trapper, part 7!
This knife has a looong history of mods with me. I first got it in late 2005, or early 2006. I think in 2006.
It was the fist traditional pocket knife that I really carried a Lot and worked a Lot. We started building our garage tgat summer and I remember the lighting fast cuts it made opening cement bags… A highly abrasive task that never seemed to phase it.
It is made by Bear MGC, Now Bear and Sons. Its a Damascus steel 4.125″ 2 blade trapper. It was built with brass liners, nickel silver bolsters, and thick swell center burnt stag bone handles.
Within a week I’d ground the stag down to smooth “normal” profile, and retoasted them a light caramel.
Within a couple years, I’d taken it apart to rehandle it in sonething else.
About 10 years later, I had gotten back to it after purchasing another like it that I did in moose stag.
At that pointvid picked out materials, etc along the way, knew what I wanted to do, had just never had the time or gumption to do it.
Finally in 2015, I decided what the heck, and did it.
The saga of that build can be seen here;
https://ak-adventurer.net/2015/12/02/slim-damascus-trapper-started/
https://ak-adventurer.net/2015/12/04/damascus-trapper-update-2/
https://ak-adventurer.net/2015/12/11/bear-damascus-trapper-part-3/
https://ak-adventurer.net/2015/12/11/bear-damascus-trapper-part-4/
https://ak-adventurer.net/2015/12/11/bear-damascus-trapper-part-5/
https://ak-adventurer.net/2015/12/13/bear-damascus-trapper-part-6/
I think I’ve carried it five times since I built it like that. Used less. When I did it, I left it Really thick toward the back, for a tapered fatter grip, which I thought I’d like.
It was OK to grip, but not great, and turned out horrendous to pocket.
The best couple pics at the end of the above posts, that show what I ended up not liking, are these I think.
Aaaannnnddd… where I started this time;
I carefully sawed slots in the “pins”(corby bolts!), cranked them apart, and took the sucker apart. Thankfully I had a hatred for glueing knife scales on, so no trouble there.![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613363271308.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Cut and filed the uneven bolsters the same length(damn close)
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088884.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088859.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088876.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088823.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088802.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
evened the scales lengths, made spacers for the gap, made/modified pins(bolts) to fit, thinned the scales out.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088739.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Looks like I missed pics of cutting, stacking, and installing the fiber spacers. That was tedious but i got them a tight fit.
Before;
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088868.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
During, attached together to match the profile, thicknesses easier, blue tape the super glue that together.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088842.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088832.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
After;
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088790.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Got into some porosity… semi super glue filled after I was done.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088780.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Top bolt was the same as the lower when I started, had to lathe them so the shanks were longer. Half this hardware was in the knife when I took it apart. The other half was pirces Id screwed up the first time around that I had to mod/fix.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088749.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Made a short brass spacer from a loveless bolt set even shorter for a corby bolt I had that wasn’t long enough to reach through the second liner… spacer is threaded so when its all cranked together its the same support and grip as the corby shaft being longer..
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088761.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Assembled and had actually sanded the scales too short from the spacers(freaking fine sanding to fit the angles) so I came up with a secret weapon, and filled the gaps.. color even works ok with these scales.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088708.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088620.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
We’ll see how durable it turns out to be.
Assembled and ground the corbys off, still no epoxy in it in case I want to have it apart again someday. (Not likely!!!)
Finish sanded and thinned it some more, hand sanded everything @220, and buffed lightly…
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088658.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Need a clean buffing wheel, will set that up and buff the bolsters to high gloss… someday. 😉
But for now, she’s done again! Its a lot cleaner of a build now, and friendlier in hand and pocket.
I like it a lot better!! Its a much better grip, still thicker than a single blade trapper would be, it feels like a slightly thick two blade folder, or a thin fixed blade. And it basically disappears in pocket too.
Maybe after about 15 years, I might get to carry it again. 🙂
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088698.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088688.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
(Wood filler is the thin tan lines between the bone scales and the first red spacer)
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088678.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2021/02/wp-1613718088668.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Categories: Adventure Metal Works, copper, Custom, Customized, EDC, Fabrication, Folder Tinkering, knives, Modifications, Pocket knives, Repairs, Sentimental
Snack knife to Hunting knife.
Little post a few days ago mentioned getting this knife back into my travel kit.
Good thing I did!
Its actually not been in the truck, but in my lunch/snack box. One day a little while ago, transfering gear to a friends truck to go shooting(target) I grabbed the snack box for a light lunch.
That meant that later I had a sharp single blade thats easier to clean than the twin blade I was pocket carying, when an impromptu bunny hunt came up..
Little fur ball kept getting curious about the sound or something and running out into the range (gravel pit) we were using.
He knew I’ve been wanting to rabbit hunt a while, so my buddy said go for it if I wanted. 3rd appearance of the critter, 2nd active stalk I managed to connect before he completely disappeared again.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/20200523_225947.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/20200523_193559.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Great knife for the task, thin point was easy to control, handle comfortable, good reach, and laser sharp.
Guy that was with me gave a couple ideas and left me to it, so I just basically taught myself to clean/skin a rabbit. He said I did great especially when he found out I’d never cleaned anything but fish before!
Was too hot and tired that night to do the grilling we’d planned, but roast bunny is on the menu soon. Will take pics!
Categories: Adventures, Alaska-Life, Case Knives, Cowboy, EDC, EDC/MT use, Field gear, Food, GetOutdoors, Good Friends, Good Times, Hunting, knives, Outdoors, Pocket knives, Preparedness, Summertime, Traditional, Truck EDC, Truck gear, Wildlife
About that Muskrat.
Yeah, backup blades of the same type aren’t my thing. I’m more for multiple blades in different styles, for different tasks.
I can see how it would be, as these were originally meant as a skinning blade. Use it till dull, swap blades and keep going without having to change your way of doing things to compensate for a different blade. But I don’t do that kind of repetitive work that warrants a direct replacement blade.
So, yeah.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/20200615_211559.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/20200615_211245.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/20200615_211314.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/20200615_211438.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Ended up with a nice lambsfoot profile. And just about the same length of edge as is on the sheepsfoot in the stockman.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/20200615_211452.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Usually I do the back or pile side blade for this, but the curve of the frame leaves more access to the nail nick on the front/mark side blade, than if does the other. So I did the front. The main blade used will be the straight edge anyway… Might as well make it the mark side blade, usually considered the “main” blade side.
Slight swedging and blend of spine edges.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/20200615_212430.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Might touch the “peak” on the spine a bit to straighten the overall look of the blade. Then again I might forget. It doesn’t really need it.
Categories: Case Knives, Cowboy, Customized, EDC, Field gear, Grail Item, knives, Life-Philosophy, Modifications, Pocket knives, Re-purpose, Theory/Thoughts, tool mods, Traditional
Snack knife.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/wp-1590022920602.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
Just a little thought from several weeks ago. Finally got this one back to its proper place, as snack knife in the truck. Its been my favorite for summer saidage and cheese for a few years now! That blade is like a laser. Case Stainless and Yellow Delrin 4.125″ Slimline single blade Trapper.
Categories: Adventures, Alaska-Life, Camping, Case Knives, Cowboy, Daily-cary-log, EDC, Field gear, Food, Food Gear, GetOutdoors, Good Times, knives, Pocket knives, truck, Truck EDC, Truck gear
Do I? Or Don’t I?
“What?” you ask?
Why, Bob the 2nd blade on my new mini Muskrat into a wharnie/sheepsfoot/lambs foot profile, of course!
With the big muskrat I did.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/wp-1592005601413.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
With the blade I’d want in it if I could build one(no, can’t, I’m not that good).
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/wp-1592005601404.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/wp-1592005601388.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/wp-1592005601367.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
So the issues are I’ll either end up with a long pointy wharnie, or sheepsfoot, because the nail knicks are so far forward on these blades…
Unless I crop it into the knick (not ideal) or behind the knick… better but then I’d have to cut a new knick… something I suck at. Been there fraked that up before. Several times…
But I’d really like the shorter stiffer profile blade.
Then again there is the argument tp leave it alone altogether since right now i carry and use the CRKT minimalist all the time anyway. Thats the blade I’d gain by the mod.
![[IMG]](https://akadventurer.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/wp-1592005601457.jpg "Click this image to show the full-size version.")
But what do I need two long clip points for, too?
Soooo….
any input?
Ideas?
Categories: Case Knives, Custom, Customized, EDC, knives, Modifications, No-pain-no-gain, Pocket knives, Theory/Thoughts
Alaskan, Adventurer, Engineer. 