Kabar Refurb

Steven Janik

SUPERMOD & AWARDS BOSS
A gentleman named David Oberle contacted Knifedogs.com looking for someone to help him modify a Kabar replica. Mr. Oberle is a Vietnam War vet and wanted his medical corps insignia incorporated in the handle of this knife that can later be passed down to his family.

I removed the rubber grip and am building a new handle with black paper micarta.

So here's a little WIP to follow along.

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Here I start to cut the old rubber handle away.
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The grip is removed and the tang is cleaned up.
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I slit some micarta to make a thin piece to inlay the insignia into. This will all be glued back to together later.
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The insignia is laid out and measured.
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Pilot holes for the cutout.
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Cutting out on scroll saw.
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Rough cut out complete.
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MORE TO COME......







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Kabar Refurb continued..

Some diamond files and a little elbow grease and side one is inset.
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Second insignia on opposite side.
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Both veneers with inset insignias ready to glue up to handle block.
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Looks good Steve I enjoy seeing your WIP's thanks for taking the time to show us how these things are done
God Bless,
Rodney
 
Finally got a chance to get back to this one.
All the handle pieces are laminated back together to make a nifty little packet. I added some red spacers to break up the black micarta a little.
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Did some rough freehand grinding to get an idea of the final shape. I always draw patterns, cut them out, study them, ask the wife what she thinks then walk to the grinder and start chipping away til it looks and feels about right.
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Roughing out the butt end to fit the existing pommel.
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Final stages. I got the insignias set in place with epoxy. A little (alot) of rubby rubby shine shine and the finish is coming along. I also took the guard and pommel and stripped and polished them.
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Final step was a couple coats of satin poly to keep the insigs from tarnishing later.
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All in all I'm pleased with the outcome.
I think the owner can display it proudly.

Thanks for looking,
Steve

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that came out pretty nice. the inlay's really came good Steve..
 
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