Blade Modification Questions

[GH0STSHAD0W]

Alright new member here, but been a lurker for a while. I own a few blades and have recently started making a new grip for my CS 13in kukri (in addition to some other mods) and wanted to.add a guard. I know some of the members here make or forge their own blades and was curious if anyone knows the guard slot dimensions of of the tang. can anyone help with this issue?

My choice guard has come down to A and B

A: http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/product_i ... ts_id=1361

B: http://www.knifemaking.com/product-p/ng980.htm

Will post pics when finish all the modifications.

[GH0STSHAD0W]

This post has become a idea dump some how. So on the to try list:

Coping machete/ prybar combo

Various blade/ prybar combos. eg: hawkbar (tomahawk + prybar), prytana (katana+prybar), prax (prybar + axe), pry knife (prybar + knife).

Machete axe handle grips (last 6-8in only)

Thicker bush/ bowie style machetes (spine width roughly the same as a cs kukri machete at min)

Throwing knife launcher (running joke between me and a friend,)




(Sidetopic:
I know this falls into a more "self defence/ armor/ protective question but what makes a simple, easy to make, good, light weight, thin-ish armor for forearms in the event of knife/ bat attacks/ rabbid dogs/ zombies/ general forearm injury prevention . I lack metal working tools so ease of construction is important. Ive considered PVC or sheet metal pipes with straps.

Suggestions?)

[USMCSergeant]

Can you measure the tang with a micrometer? Then you can buy a solid stainless steel guard, probably cheaper that way. Drill a few holes to open it up then use a small diamond saw to exact it to measurements. Finish off with sandpaper going up in grit until you reach the finish you like..

[GH0STSHAD0W]

I lack pretty much any tool beyond my sharpener and a $20 dremel

Where would i even get a micrometer?

[USMCSergeant]

Any hardware store would have them. A digital one is the cats meow, not that expensive either. Keep in mind if you go the solid stainless steel bar route you'll need to cut the bar to form the curve you like. Make sure the steel is soft, or annealed or you wont be able to cut or sand it. A bastard file would also be useful. Then a ton of sanding to get it to the right finish you're after. But if you end up going this route you'll enjoy the finished product more.. IMO only

[GH0STSHAD0W]

Going to have to check the local harbor freight and home depot then.

The guard is one option, the other being more "scavenger/junk-craft" made out of a washer-like steel disk (experimentation is exactly why i have both CS kukris)

[Exploriment]

Okay, I’ll ask....why do you need a guard on a kukhri?

I’ve owned one for a long time and done a nutty amount of chopping with it, and never once did I think a guard was a necessary or desired feature.

[GH0STSHAD0W]

Okay, I’ll ask....why do you need a guard on a kukhri?

Personal prefrence mostly. I modify every thing i own at some point to better suit me. I just picked up a magnum kukri, so i decided to customize the regular kukri machete

Now if it was a true kukri (like from thekukrihouse.com) the grip is all that would be changed if anything

[praharin]

What are you planning to do about the handle once you have the guard on?

[USMCSergeant]

The washer as a gaurd would be a little more difficult to affix, unless you get it welded on, not to mention wouldn't be very aesthetically pleasing if you care about that at all. Doesn't sound like it would be too comfortable either.

[GH0STSHAD0W]

What are you planning to do about the handle once you have the guard on?

Paracord wrap on the handle

The washer as a gaurd would be a little more difficult to affix, unless you get it welded on, not to mention wouldn't be very aesthetically pleasing if you care about that at all.

I do plan to weld it if i went that route, and im a "utility over looks" kind of guy. Thats just my personality. So as long as it works, im not complaining. And with either way, it still adds a personal touch to it and the pride that comes with sayin "i built that".

[praharin]

What are you planning to do about the handle once you have the guard on?

Paracord wrap on the handle

You are going to disappoint yourself with that. You are going to have to do a multi-layer wrap, which will lose stability with each layer if you don't do it perfect. I suggest leaving it as it is, or invest in putting a micarta or G10 handle on with the guard.

[GH0STSHAD0W]

I would but i dont have equipment to cut the marerial to the shape of the handle or secure it in place (battery powered dremel with one collet, 2 drill bits, and a sander bit) and most sites dont have a pre cut that fits my CS kukri machetes (they fit most bowies knifes and, bush style machetes but the kukri has a curve it)

Plus i have a metric crapton of para-cord(150ft), i dont have too many uses for other than adding some to my (in progress) BOB, maybe make a belt, and would still have some left over, to convert the sheath for my S&W search and rescue into a survival sheath, and still have leftover cord

[praharin]

All you need to put on Micarta scales is some epoxy and files and a bit of your time. Hell, make your own paper micarta with construction paper and epoxy. You may want to invest in a small clamp and some blocks for this, but it's not necessary. If you make your own, they could be nearly to shape when you start, if you take your time.


150 feet is NOTHING when it comes to paracord. I've used that much and more on overnight trips with lots of camp construction. I have a couple spools laying around and would like more.

[GH0STSHAD0W]

Settled on a paracord wrap over the CS magnum kukri machete's factory standard handle, a pure paracord grip on the harbor fright machte tang, and for the regular CS kukri machete i did a two layer wrap (canvas glued down then pleather wrap over it. Pics to be posted

Still need to work on the ozark trail bush machete i have.

[praharin]

Settled on a paracord wrap over the CS magnum kukri machete's factory standard handle, a pure paracord grip on the harbor fright machte tang, and for the regular CS kukri machete i did a two layer wrap (canvas glued down then pleather wrap over it. Pics to be posted

Still need to work on the ozark trail bush machete i have.

If you soaked the glue in, you just made what essentially amounts to nylon micarta

[GH0STSHAD0W]

If you soaked the glue in, you just made what essentially amounts to nylon micarta

I do that to cut the paracord cleanly (i hate when it frays) but in several spots i did, and next time i plan to do exaxtly that since i have a crap ton of para-cord, and long 1/2in canvas straps

[USMCSergeant]

If you decide to make your own micarta please invest in a very good filtered mask to use while you're filing or sanding.