Knife Blade Modifications
 

This question is for the knife-making professionals here:

I need to know how to shorten a knife blade (420HC Steel) by 0.2" without ruining the physical properties of the blade.

Explanation: I have a Leatherman Super Tool 300 with a 3.2" blade. In order for me to take it to SFAS later this year, it must be less than 3"

I understand this may be the equivalent of asking a sculptor to tell me how I may best remove the ear from one of their associates' statues. Please forgive the insult, but I can not afford to buy another tool.

Respectfully Submitted,

A.W.

I'm guessing here, but maybe the reason you want to modify it is because you like it so much.
Then don't modify it, just buy a new one that conforms to the standard.
Kiss your favorite 'good-bye' and tell it you'll never love another. You're just using the new one. Works ALL the Time.

While you're reading my hilarious contribution . . . go fill out your profile. It was part of the Welcome Deal.

Sir... How right you are. That is wisdom that can be applied across the board.

Thank you for your response. My profile was filled out, but privacy settings were not allowing views except for "Contacts." This has now been fixed thanks to Dozer's help. I will start saving for another tool.

Back to PT!

Respectfully,

A.W.

Dozer,
Thanks for the assistance.

Inceptor,
There are all kinds of ways to shorten blades but the best way is to do it over many years by one careful sharpening at a time.

I'll ask the question first then start my own homework later:
What multi tools have good 3 inch blades?

Just so happens the Leatherman Charge has two 3" blades. I suspect that the Wave does as well.

TR

SOG has a few. One example being the B66 (Power-Assist).

Out of curiosity, is .2 inches really an issue at SFAS? I have always seen packing lists for schools I have attended say "knives not over x inches." These have seemed to range from 3-4 or maybe 5 inches. I always considered more the spirit of the rule implying that they don't want Joe showing up to class with a crew-served blade, and just I've just taken whatever folder I was already carrying while in uniform. I understand that following the rules given is of utmost importance, but are SFAS cadre really measuring knife blades for this much accuracy?

To me, it's not worth finding out the hard way. I don't want to fall 0.2" short of getting selected, especially when it's something fully within my control to avoid.

The Wave seems to be a good choice; I may try to trade my Super-Tool for one to leave more money for my boot budget...

Respectfully,

A.W.

For general reference a blade length is measured from the tip end of the blade to the front edge of the handle or whatever device or frame that is holding it.

Of course a folding knife blade is measured in the full open position and again, it is tip of blade to front of the handle.

If you have 3 inches of actual cutting edge on a folder blade but another 1/2" of flat ("Ricasso" in old world cutlery terms) to the front of the handle then...

This means you have a three and one half inch long knife.
This is also how law enforcement will measure it.

I recommend the new swiss army trecker!

http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/...product=54876&

SFAS must have changed a lot since I went through. The only thing I remember using a knife for was opening mre's or cutting moleskin. Damn sure didn't want any more weight to haul around. A $5 1-inch pocket knife from wal-mart would have been fine.

Thank you, sir! The knife blades on my current tool measure 3-1/16" from the handle to the tip. This matches Leatherman's published dimensions. I bought the tool online after reading about it in "Get Selected" but didn't research it well enough first. I will have a measuring tape when I purchase my next tool (from a brick-and-mortar store) to make sure it's in-spec before I buy it.

I chose multi-tool over knife for the pliers and awl to make field-expedient repairs if needed. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a paper-weight at SFAS, but I currently couldn't live without it at work.

Respectfully,

A.W.

As per blade lengths...
It goes without saying that in no way do I speak for any of the QP Instructor Cadre. You guys have to sort that out yourselves.