Roxon KS-501 utility knife mod

[ComboTool]

I've never been a fan of the macho tanto blade on the Roxon KS-501, I find it overly aggressive to use in an urban context, which is a shame since the tool is great otherwise. Ever since Roxon announced their Phantom/Phantasy replaceable blade system, I've been wondering if the spare blades could be adapted to the excellent KS-501 frame. Well, it turns out the answer is yes, with just a little bit of grinding. So here's my first attempt with the utility blade holder (ref. BA08).
Of course I rushed this and forgot to take a "before" picture  , but I've included a picture of the unmodified drop point blade which has the same locking profile as a reference. I've also highlighted in red the areas that require modification in the last picture. The bottom part is easy, you just have to remove some material in order for the blade to clear a small post when closing. The top part needs more care, since this is where the blade rests in open position (against that same post), so you have to grind very slowly and test until the liner lock engages.
I'm still hoping that Roxon will release a scissors frame compatible with their new blade system, but I'm satisfied with this in the meantime.

[ReamerPunch]

What a fantastic mod!
Great job, and thanks for posting the highlighted spots as well. 

[King_Gorilla]

cool

What does the tool look like with the new blade fully closed?

[ComboTool]

Here are a few closed pics, as requested.

[ReamerPunch]

It looks great.

[ComboTool]

Two new members have now joined the family.

[mtorg537]

Two new members have now joined the family.

Hey ComboTool,

Found this post while looking for this exact modification. I purchased a second KS-501 and the blades. I somewhat tried to print out your images and make a template for myself, but I don't feel it's exact enough. Do you think you could provide a better image on white paper, or maybe a tracing?

If so, I can make a 1:1 template for myself and other members. Or I am completely willing to pay you for an already modified utility blade, or for another one if you're willing to do the mod. I can then make a template for others.

I was going to message you directly, but I don't seem to have those privileges as a new member.

[ComboTool]

Sorry I don't have better images and I don't feel like taking my mods apart (they're secured by thread locking fluid). I don't recommend working with a template, at least not all the way. You can use it to remove most of the excess material but I suggest going slowly and checking regularly for the final adjustments. However, since you have both a KS-501 and the replacement blades you can use the original KS-501 blade as a template: just line up the pivots and and grind away!

[flipyjoe]

I love this. My all time favorite pocket knife is a Gerber EAB. I like having a super sharp blade that I don’t have to do any  maintenance on or really care about at all.   I also like having a scissors with me so much that I tend to keep a micra in the watch pocket of my pants but it doesn’t get used all that often.   This might be the perfect replacement as it would give me a little more to hold on with the blade and much more capable scissors.  I prefer a deep carry pocket clip but I’m sure I could modify that.   

Thanks for the idea.  It’s a really good one.   How thick is this without the clip? 

[ComboTool]

The knife itself is 12mm thick, probably something like 15mm if you count the protruding screws.