03-03-2010, 14:17
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#1
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SF Candidate
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 9
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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.
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"Aude Sapere"
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Inceptor is offline
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03-03-2010, 14:41
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#2
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BANNED USER
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,751
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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.
Last edited by Dozer523; 03-03-2010 at 14:45.
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Dozer523 is offline
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03-03-2010, 15:48
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#3
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Guerrilla
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Oregon
Posts: 200
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dozer523
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.
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Sir... How right you are. That is wisdom that can be applied across the board.
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cc-out
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Chris Cram is offline
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03-04-2010, 08:23
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#4
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SF Candidate
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 9
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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.
__________________
"Aude Sapere"
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Inceptor is offline
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03-04-2010, 09:56
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#5
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Bladesmith to the Quiet Professionals
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Oregon, Land of the Silver Grey Sunsets
Posts: 3,886
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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?
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Bill Harsey is offline
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03-04-2010, 10:03
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#6
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Free Pineland
Posts: 24,823
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Harsey
I'll ask the question first then start my own homework later:
What multi tools have good 3 inch blades?
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Just so happens the Leatherman Charge has two 3" blades. I suspect that the Wave does as well.
TR
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The Reaper is offline
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03-04-2010, 22:36
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#7
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SF Candidate
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Harsey
I'll ask the question first then start my own homework later:
What multi tools have good 3 inch blades?
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SOG has a few. One example being the B66 (Power-Assist).
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4usa is offline
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03-08-2010, 22:24
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#8
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Guerrilla
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Da South
Posts: 294
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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?
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NoRoadtrippin is offline
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03-09-2010, 17:24
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#9
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SF Candidate
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoRoadtrippin
I understand that following the rules given is of utmost importance, but are SFAS cadre really measuring knife blades for this much accuracy?
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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.
__________________
"Aude Sapere"
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Inceptor is offline
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03-10-2010, 08:23
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#10
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Bladesmith to the Quiet Professionals
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Oregon, Land of the Silver Grey Sunsets
Posts: 3,886
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inceptor
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.
Respectfully,
A.W.
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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.
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Bill Harsey is offline
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03-10-2010, 08:42
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#11
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Aberdeen, NC
Posts: 397
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mcarey is offline
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03-10-2010, 08:51
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#12
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Quiet Professional
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Southern Mo
Posts: 1,541
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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.
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craigepo is offline
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03-10-2010, 15:30
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#13
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SF Candidate
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Alabama
Posts: 9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Harsey
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.
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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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by craigepo
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.
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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.
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"Aude Sapere"
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Inceptor is offline
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03-10-2010, 16:24
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#14
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Bladesmith to the Quiet Professionals
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Oregon, Land of the Silver Grey Sunsets
Posts: 3,886
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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.
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Bill Harsey is offline
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