reworked Congress pocket knife

[ajcoholic]

I thought I'd start a new thread to show the before and after pics.. this is the knife my wife got me for Christmas. I don't think that Canal Street makes them any more but I guess any brand would be similar.

The knife as it was in its original state:




The two larger blades stood pretty proud of the scales when closed, and are identical in terms of shape.

What I did was, reground all 4 blades to have a flatter grind good for carving (no double bevel) and also rework one of the large blades.

I also took a wee bit off the tang of the two larger blades to let them sit into the handle a bit more to make it more comfortable to hold. And, took the edge off a few sharper corners again to make it easier to hold for a long time without fatigue.

Here is the knife after a few hours of griding & honing...

[ajcoholic]

And just a shot to compare the "Wharncliffe" style blade to my Kershaw double cross, and my home made folder...



The knife is comfortable to hold, feels great and cuts like butter now! Time will tell how the edge holds up, but I will carve with it tomorrow when I go see my parents for the day.

AJC

[Inadv]

Good work Andrew! Having a selection to choose from would give me great pause when deciding which one(s) to take with me. No doubt I'd end up wishing I'd made a different choice. LOL Ah what the heck! Take 'em all!

L.P.

[Nomad]

Very nice work. I would guess the steel is 440C. They did a bunch of knives in 440C iirc. I have the Cannitler which is D2 and I profiled the blades for carving hardwoods.

[ajcoholic]

I dont think I have one knife I didnt rework in some way.. Just keep at it until it serves what purpose you want... ideally!

Anyhow, this knife has 420 SS blades.

a quick search on line.. "This grade is commonly used for cutlery - particularly blades of table knives and for some carving knives and similar. "

I don't get too worked up about what particular steel is used in a knife anyhow, and I would be a lier if I said I understood what steel is "best" anyhow.

Larry, I have been meaning to email you back for the past few days... I got yours, will do so soon! I am visiting my parents for the next day and a half, and will be out of internet service. Will get back to you in a couple of days.

I am bringing this knife with me tomorrow, as I am working on a few small figures for my parents. Should be able to get at least a few hours of carving done while sitting around and chatting!

AJC

[Nomad]

Yup, they made some knives in 420 stainless as well so I reckon that's one of them. 420 will hold a good edge when heat treated right. Same steel Buck Knives use for most of their knives.

[Tom Ellis]

Nice knives Andrew, Your homemade on really looks like you did a great job on it.

Tom

[clintoncarved]

I like what you have done with your knife Andrew. I use a modified whittler by Rough Rider. The stainless blades do not hold the edge that the carbon blades do but are much easier to touch up when needed.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Very nice Andrew!

Dave

[Eddy-Smiles]

I tried reworking a Case and totally screwed it up! I really need to send it out to Rick....