TF Finger Choil Creation Project on Morihei Hisamoto

[ch_br]

So, I did thing-- out of necessity really.

This original straight and unrounded choil area was pretty d@mn uncomfortable and bothersome on my middle finger in the pinch grip. I didn't want anything detracting from TF knife using experience.

Admittedly, this was my first attempt at such a project.

ALL work was completed with a dremel with a combination of grinding stones and a couple different grits of sanding drums.

I know I could still go back and hand sand areas to refine them to a more "perfect" state-- but Hey its a TF... SO, If the choil area is too perfect, it would offset the blades entire wabi sabi aesthetic!

Plus its already @ 90%, so I find it to be more than serviceable. The edges of all grinding are chamfered to a nice smooth feeling while in use.

I realize that a first attempt at this kind of work--on this blade--may seem foolish to some, but I grew up building things in a construction house. So, I've learned to manipulate a wide variety of tools over my life. I figured if I took my time I couldn't do anything catostrophic.

Main project keys: heat management, patience, and precision. Continually checking progress, throughout the multitude of stages, really helped a lot.

Here is the proposed finger notch, drawn in sharpie:

Even bought this heavy cross vice specifically for these types of projects.

Quickly padded the vice:

Taped up knife:

Set up near my wife's home work station...

You think it might be too loud for her frequent calls??

 

[ch_br]

I ended up taping more of the blade to protect it.

Here is the finish product after about 90 minutes:

Custom Finger Fit:

Evidence of major grinding, caught in the protective wrap:

Finger notch -- Before & After comparison:

You can see, from the faded sharpie outline, that I didn't go as deep as was originally drawn out. When continually testing I found it was not needed as it fit my finger perfectly.

ALL DONE, Reporting for Cutting Duty:

I wanted to give a thank you to some veteran and talented KKFers who lent me advice points based on experience: @tostadas @birdsfan

 

[esoo]

Nice work.

Going to be doing the same thing to a HD2 in the near future.

 

[Chang]

Now grind a finger notch into my love handles so that I'm more comfortable to use

 

[Delat]

Fantastic job - looks great!