Pimping a Strider DB-L

[kwakster]

Recently i bought this basically new DB-L from a Dutch forum member, but when i got it i immediately felt the urge to pimp it a little.
In it's original shape this model is a compact prytool on which only the straight edge can cut a little; the slanted edge is left blunt on purpose.
It maybe a handy tool if you have work for it, but as a knife it's quite useless.

Well, not anymore.
Now this DB-L is capable of cutting with both edges, and it will still function as a prytool in an emergency.












List of mods:

- The straight edge was thinned out to a razorsharp 30 degrees inclusive edge angle on my watercooled Tormek T7 fitted with silicium carbide stone.
Just stropped off the burr on the leather wheel loaded with some 3 micron diamond compound for a toothy edge with lots of bite.
- the slanted "edge" was thinned out to a 40 degrees inclusive zero edge on the Wicked Edge sharpener, after which i polished it just a little (there are still visible scratches)
- The original tan grips were replaced by Monkey Edge Frag Grips in Battleship Gray
- The blade surface was made smoother with a little rubber sanding block, which reduces the friction while cutting and also lessens the chance of corrosion.
The surface is now also much less susceptible to scratching & wear marks, plus it produces something of a "ghost finish" which i happen to like.

Specs:

Overall length: 20,9 cm
Blade length: 9,7 cm
Blade thickness: 6,25 mm
Steel: S30V stainless
Hardness: +/- 60 HRC
Handle material: G10

[jzmtl]

Why use two types of sharpener, just curious?

[kwakster]

The Tormek produces a visible hollow grind on wider bevels because of the round grinding stone, and i wanted to avoid that on the slanted edge.

[jzmtl]

Ah I see. I actually thought about that before on the wheel type sharpener.

The new grip is pretty neat.

[trey]

Is that a Besh wedge?

[kwakster]

Is that a Besh wedge?

Nope, it's just a zero grind americanized tanto point.

[Sparky415]

As always you did a great job on the blade  but I love the new grips a great improvement   

[Waterlander]

Sure got the looks. 

Something I don't get though:

So you are thinning out the edge (on a Tormek) to make that thick blade sharper, right?
But at the same time weakening the steel wit a concave profile on the cutting edge. 
Are the sides of the blade hollow grind as well?
I would put a flat bevel on there, like the beautiful sharpened tip.

(edit: not trying to stir up anything or so..jmho and interested in hearing others.)

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Looking good mate

[kwakster]

Sure got the looks. 

Something I don't get though:

So you are thinning out the edge (on a Tormek) to make that thick blade sharper, right?
But at the same time weakening the steel wit a concave profile on the cutting edge. 
Are the sides of the blade hollow grind as well?
I would put a flat bevel on there, like the beautiful sharpened tip.

(edit: not trying to stir up anything or so..jmho and interested in hearing others.)

Technically you're right, since the Tormek uses a round grinding stone, but since that stone measures 25 cm in diameter the concavity of the 3,0 mm wide edge bevels is negligible in reality.
The sides of the blade are flat.
Concavity would have been quite visible if i had used the Tormek for the slanted edge, since that measures 12,0 at it's widest.
BTW: are you also a member of the Dutch knife forum ?

[Waterlander]

I'm sure you've seen these huge japanese grinding wheels? Now that's very smart. 

I'm not an active member on dutch knife forums anymore. I have met some of the knifemakers around there. Great guys and top notch knives. I have to get me a puukko from Gert someday.