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201 Activator Plus Scale WIP

rezarf

October 03, 2012 18:50

Here it is, got it wrapped up today.

I LOVE the 201+ design from Snody, it's perhaps the perfect fixed blade for me, great balance, nice steel, great ergo's, its the total package. I did want to make it a bit more tactical in nature by adding composite handles and a kydex sheath... so I did.

I decided to go with black canvas micarta and blue liners.

I started by epoxying the blue G10 liners to the micarta. Then I cut them into blocks to begin making the scales...

Next I start punching holes in the scales. I use one hole (here I used the lanyard hole) as an index for the rest. How I do it is, first I drill the lanyard hole, then use the same bit to act as an indexing pin as I drill out the hole furthest from the lanyard hole. Once I have those two holes drilled and filled with the right size pins (drill bits) I drill the rest of the holes and it gives me a perfect fit everytime.

First hole...

Second hole...

Now I can knock out the rest and they will be perfectly lined up for a tight fit...

Once I know my holes are correct then I can go ahead and use the same indexing with the drill bits and scribe a line into the G10 marking out the exact profile of the original scales. I use a carbide scribe for this and it works great.

Now I flip the scales over and counter bore the screw holes so the heads of the screw sit below the surface of the scale. I set the depth on my drill press so I don't go too deep ruining the good fit I just worked so hard for...

Comments

18 comments

rezarf

October 03, 2012 18:54
From there all you need to do is remove material until you are happy with the fit.

I start by profiling the scale, or trimming it to its final outline. I use a combo sander and dremel for this step.

I just try to get it close without touching the steel of the knife, then I back off and start using finer grit belts and a lot more patience to just have the belt kiss the steel for a flush fit...

Flush sanding the scales...

Once I am happy with the profile fit it is time to start shaping the rest of the knife's contours.
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rezarf

October 03, 2012 18:56
Once you have something that feels good in the hand, I shut down all the machines and start working the scale with sandpaper by hand with a stiff rubber backing pad. This allows me to get smooth transitions and by going slow, I can see all the scratches that need to get sanded out for a smooth finish.

After I am happy with the rough version, I work from 80 to 120 to 220 grit... I ended these around 320 grit for a balance between glossy and rough. I think it came out nice...
1
rezarf

October 03, 2012 18:59
Lastly, I whipped up a kydex sheath for this knife, kydex is easy to work with and makes for a great sheath that is uneffected by the elements. I added a small tek-lok for belt carry but an IWB strap would be just as easy to add.

What do you think, I really love how this one turned out, it's an amazing knife that really has its place with anyone who enjoys the woods.
1
laser

October 03, 2012 19:07
Looks good,well done!!!
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something

October 03, 2012 19:53
Very nice!

I like the way you contoured it, it shows the layers very nicely.
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jonadz

October 03, 2012 19:54
Beautiful!
0
oldangler

October 03, 2012 22:13
Great work and post. Thanks for sharing.
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joekarp

October 03, 2012 22:52
Thanks for sharing the process. The end result's stellar; I'd buy that...
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skimo

October 04, 2012 07:16
Good work as always. Nice seeing you around!
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rezarf

October 04, 2012 21:53
Thanks for the kind words fellas.

Drew
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apbt

October 05, 2012 01:12
WOW that looks great. Excellent job man.
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chrisguy

January 30, 2013 01:33
would you be able to custom my activator like yours?
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theblueram234

February 03, 2013 04:45
quote:

Originally posted by APBT:
WOW that looks great. Excellent job man.

ditto
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po

February 10, 2013 01:47
That looks like pro grade work, Drew. Congratulations!
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David Lerman Contractor

February 10, 2013 03:33
Heck yes..I like it
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pascalabi

February 10, 2013 07:33
very nicely done ! congrats !
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lightning

February 11, 2013 04:02
quote:

Originally posted by TheBlueram234:

quote:

Originally posted by APBT:
WOW that looks great. Excellent job man.

ditto

Ditto the ditto.

Looks fantastic to me
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b-man308

February 12, 2013 03:37
Looks Great! Very nicely done.
0