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Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017

au Offline pietervn

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Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
on: December 31, 2016, 11:16:37 PM
G'Day,

A New Year and a new Challenge.

A Very Happy 2017 to all the MT.O members and may our year be filled with happiness and new tools  ;)

This is another Signal Challenge for me. This time I have changed the blade out to a Plain Edge blade made by one of our inmates. This one is the Damascus folded one. The blade is slightly thinner that the OEM blade but fits in nicely. I did not had to add any additional spacers but had to tighten it pretty well to ensure there is no play on it. It does not open as smooth as the OEM blade and I think it is due to the non-smooth finish on it. I have only had it in for two days so I am still getting used to it. It is very sharp and cuts better that the OEM blade, I like it.

Day One

Pics of the new blade, I am off to work a little later today and will use it to cut up some lunch foods.

Enjoy the day and the pics.

Pete


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #1 on: December 31, 2016, 11:20:21 PM
 :o Can't wait to see what this thread will hold :dd:

:popcorn:

Beautiful blade as well :like: :like:


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #2 on: January 02, 2017, 10:54:51 AM
G'Day

Day 2

Nothing special was in stall for the Signal today, so I decided it needed a bit of culture. I am trying the blade on as many objects that needs cutting to see how sharp it will stay and what can be cut. So far it has been mostly food items and the odd elastic band. It is holding up very well so far. I do need to read up on Damascus caring so I don't wreck it without knowing it. I do was it very well after each use and make sure it is dry before storing it away. I will get a few extra pics in the morning when the light is good.

Cheers,

Pete


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #3 on: January 02, 2017, 05:24:31 PM
Great write-up and pics as usual Peter :cheers: :cheers: :like:


ch Offline Etherealicer

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #4 on: January 02, 2017, 08:37:07 PM
Nice, love the blade :salute:
It wouldn't be the internet without people complaining.


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #5 on: January 03, 2017, 12:47:13 AM
Nice, love the blade :salute:

Thanks, it is a nice addition. It does need some care as it is carbon steel.


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #6 on: January 03, 2017, 10:32:12 AM
G'Day

Day 3

Today was a quiet day for the Signal. I did take it out of the pouch to show some mates the new blade, but that was it. So the pics will be some close up shots of the blade. It is dark here so not to good pics.

Cheers,

Pete


us Offline Obi1shinobee

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #7 on: January 03, 2017, 01:56:59 PM
G'Day

Day 3

Today was a quiet day for the Signal. I did take it out of the pouch to show some mates the new blade, but that was it. So the pics will be some close up shots of the blade. It is dark here so not to good pics.

Cheers,

Pete

 :popcorn:


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #8 on: January 04, 2017, 06:28:34 AM
G'Day,

Day 4

This was another quiet day. I had a standby shift at work with just one run on the trains. The rest of the time I was sitting planning a motorbike trip in March down to the Snowy Mountains. I got some "biltong" (jerky - well sort off) from a mate and got to cut that up. This is home made and very good. It did not last very long. And it was NO match for the new blade. The rest of the time was just hanging out with 'ol Mate MUT.

Enjoy the pics,

Pete


us Offline Obi1shinobee

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #9 on: January 04, 2017, 06:55:25 AM
G'Day,

Day 4

This was another quiet day. I had a standby shift at work with just one run on the trains. The rest of the time I was sitting planning a motorbike trip in March down to the Snowy Mountains. I got some "biltong" (jerky - well sort off) from a mate and got to cut that up. This is home made and very good. It did not last very long. And it was NO match for the new blade. The rest of the time was just hanging out with 'ol Mate MUT.

Enjoy the pics,

 

Pete

:drool: :drool: :drool: :gimme:
« Last Edit: January 04, 2017, 06:57:05 AM by Obi1shinobee »


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #10 on: January 04, 2017, 08:44:16 AM
:drool: :drool: :drool: :gimme:

 :D That is good stuff, staple food when we ride.


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #11 on: January 04, 2017, 08:46:17 AM
More Day 4 stuff

Got to open a can of tomatoes for dinner mince. Easy peasy for this opener

Pete


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #12 on: January 04, 2017, 08:00:55 PM
Great stuff as usual Peter :salute: the biltong looked tasty as well :drool:

Loving the pics and explanations  :cheers:

Great thread :like: :like:


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #13 on: January 05, 2017, 07:21:53 AM
Thanks Poncho  :cheers:

Day 5

Sadly, no tasks for the Signal today.

I decided to do a little modding to it. As much as I love the blade it is not easy to open, and I think it is due to the roughness of it. It is not a negative of the blade, it is how it is made though. It requires two hands to open and it really scratches the locking mechanism - see pic. It also touches the awl very slightly when fully closed and I think over time some marks will appear on it. I use a blade daily to cut food, mostly fruit. Being a carbon blade I don't want it to corrode due to the sugars and the acids in the fruit. The OEM blade does what I need, mostly, so back it went. I think for occasional use it will be good, but for the challenge and EDC possibly not. IMHO

I also swapped the saw out for a Wave file. This is not a new mod by any means but I want to see how the tool will do with a proper file and no saw. The little file on top is good for the odd nail, but far from a serious file. The rest of the tool is still original. I am going to complete the rest of the Challenge with the tool as is, unless there is an issue with the file.

The blade will most likely go into one of my Charges - it is the same thickness and I think it should work.

Pics of the mods.

Cheers,

Pete


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #14 on: January 05, 2017, 07:23:45 AM
Day 5 Continued

File Mod


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #15 on: January 06, 2017, 06:22:30 AM
G'Day,

Day 6

Parcel opening duties. One of the South African shops in Sydney received their first stock of marshmallow Easter eggs. These things are fantastic and sells better than hot cakes. I took one box only and are waiting for the bigger 48 piece box to arrive. Other than that back to lunch duties. The original blade needs to be touched up again. I will do that over the weekend and possibly have some more real work for the Signal.

Cheers,

Enjoy the weekend

Pete


ch Offline Etherealicer

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #16 on: January 06, 2017, 11:53:36 AM
It wouldn't be the internet without people complaining.


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #17 on: January 06, 2017, 06:07:04 PM
I think the knife swap was the right idea due to the carbon steel nature of the other and I think a file (especially a diamond file :dd: ) will be a better tool for you as well as I don't remember the saw getting much use last month :think: That looks to be a straight swap?  Am I correct in assuming this :think:

You and Eth have both went this route and it is a shame that there isn't a place for both of them but I use a file more myself as well :D

Wonder would it be a good idea to swap the blade out for the file and since I carry a SAK and a trad most all days would be better suited for me :think:

 :like: :like:


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #18 on: January 07, 2017, 06:40:46 AM
I think the knife swap was the right idea due to the carbon steel nature of the other and I think a file (especially a diamond file) will be a better tool for you as well as I don't remember the saw getting much use last month. That looks to be a straight swap?  Am I correct in assuming this?
Spot on with the knife. I think for the occasional use it is great, but daily cutting, back to the OEM blade. The other issue with the carbon blade is that is not offset ground like the OEM one. With the awl where it is, the OEM blade is slightly off-centre to accommodate the awl. I had this issue with the Wave PE blade and now with the Damascus one. The Signal blade is also much thicker that any other one I have had. If I had a grinder I would try to reshape the Wave blade, but I don't think that that will be an easy task, especially to do it as close to the shape of the OEM blade. And my sharpening / shaping skills are certainly not on that level.  ;)
I also only used the saw once to test it. It worked very well, like all LM saws. It will be good to complete the challenge with the file to see which one is more suitable. I do think that the file will suit my EDC a little better.
You and Eth have both went this route and it is a shame that there isn't a place for both of them but I use a file more myself as well
True be that. I am going to see if the Surge blade exchanger fits on the outside, the only issue is that it will not close with the saw/file inserted, it is to long.
Wonder would it be a good idea to swap the blade out for the file and since I carry a SAK and a trad most all days would be better suited for me :think:

I will have a look at this. Again coming back to the thickness issue. The blade is thicker, almost a whole 1mm than the Wave blade. I think that if the file goes where the saw is, the saw might fit where the blade is, however it will need some spacers. The reason I think this way is better, is that the saw is thinner than the file, and it should be able to clear the awl. I should have some time to play over the weekend and see what will work.

I will post some pics later.

Cheers,

Pete


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #19 on: January 07, 2017, 07:33:39 AM
Some pics and thoughts on the saw where the blade is.

I think that it should fit OK. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The saw will be on the "wrong" or outside of the tool and the locking pin might not keep it from coming out. It will need a spacer to fit, it is about 1mm thinner than the blade. Clearing the awl will not be an issue, the saw is thinner on the body that on the pivot.

Now for the blade exchanger: It will not fit where the saw is, it is to thick. However, it will fit into the blade slot - for thickness. As with the saw stated above it will be on the "wrong" side of the tool and until I fit it cannot comment of the extending or over-extending of it.

One thing to keep in mind, this is a speSmurfpillst tool, like the MUT. It will have some room for modding, but not much will fit just drop-in. There are other tools that are cheaper and with more functionality that may be a cheaper / easier option. I think if it is paired with a SAK or other pocket knife you will get a lot of functionality.

Cheers,

Pete


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #20 on: January 07, 2017, 07:37:46 AM
G'Day,

Day 7

I got to do a little bit of real MT work today. I have had to adjust the bike gear leaver and put the hex bit adaptor to use. It is a very handy hole for me on the Signal and adds a lot of versatility to it. I sill have to find a magnet to stop the bits from falling out when the tool is turned upside down. I tried a little ball one I had at home but it just keeps it in place. As soon as I shake it, the bit comes out. One day I will find one that will work!!!

Enjoy the weekend,

Pete


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #21 on: January 08, 2017, 01:04:58 AM
Thanks for checking that with the saw and the exchanger :cheers: I was just curious more than anything and knowing that will save others (including me) some time :tu:

Also great pics as usual and a great write-up :cheers: :cheers: :like:


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #22 on: January 08, 2017, 01:28:32 AM
Also great pics as usual and a great write-up

Thanks Poncho, I appreciate the comments too!!!


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #23 on: January 08, 2017, 01:36:04 AM
G'Day,

Day 8

We spent the morning in the garden and it was a busy-ish day for the Signal. I took out some old irrigation pipes and for once appreciated the serrations on the blade. It cut through the 25mm ldp like butter. Second task was to remove old wipper snipper cable and cut some new ones.

The son and I then started trimming the hedge between me and neighbour. Some branches were to think for the secateurs but with no saw in the Signal now I had to use a dedicated garden saw. Most of the branches were around 50mm thick and the saw will go through them without a hitch. I might re-look at the blade exchanger, although the saw in there is shorter and I don't think that you can put the same amount of force on it as with a dedicated one. I will test when I have some time with a Surge and Charge.

Still more time in the day left...

Signal had a good bath after the garden work and is drying in the sun.

Cheers,

Pete


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #24 on: January 08, 2017, 03:51:32 AM
G'Day,

Day 8 Continues

The Signal needed a bit of TLC after a lot of use in the last few weeks. First up was a wash and some heat (sun) to dry it out completely. Next up a little mineral oil on all the joints. With all that worked through it was as good as new and looking kinda good. Then looking at the blade I saw a few marks that could be buffed out that was after a ceramic rod and strop touch-up. I got my trusty Metal Magic polish and buffed both sides of the blade. The before pics just shows the marks but the after ones looks much better with the shiny blade. A quick rinse and the Signal is now ready for the rest of the Month's challenge.

Cheers,

Pete


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #25 on: January 08, 2017, 05:19:31 AM
Wow the metal Magic sure worked a charm on that blade :o Good to take the time occasionally and do some maintenance on tools :cheers: I have let a couple of mine go farther than I should have and need to take the time to clean and oil them :tu: :like:


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #26 on: January 08, 2017, 08:39:24 AM
Thanks Mate,

I am very happy with the blade. I also used this to finish off the Sideclip when I polished that a while ago. One thing to remember is to rinse it well after the polish.  ;)

I find it therapeutic to do a polish, a bit like sharpening.

Last pic for today was taken with our first crop of chillies.

Cheers,

Pete


us Offline SteveC

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #27 on: January 08, 2017, 02:40:11 PM
Good job on the mods  :cheers:


au Offline pietervn

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #28 on: January 09, 2017, 06:47:34 AM
Cheers

Day 9

An outing day today. I had the day off and with school holidays we decided to go into the city to see the LEGO Wonders of the World exhibition. Sadly I could not take the Signal in with me but could take the card out for a pic.  ;) The exhibition is held with the only Ozzie certified LEGO builder. He build a bunch of very big replicas including the Mona Lisa, sinking Titanic and a very cool old Beetle. It was a day very well spent.

Cheers,

Pete


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Pete's Signal Challenge - Jan 2017
Reply #29 on: January 09, 2017, 10:16:41 PM
Excellent pics as always :cheers: :cheers: I would say that the Lego exhibit was awesome and thanks for sharing a few very awesome pics :tu: :like: :like:


 

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