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8/10/2026 3:54:24 PM EDT
[#1]
I'll probably give it a try. I'm not sure how well the coarse grained canvas micarta will stand up to being machined for the Tuff Lite scales. I'd like to have a backup of something finer grained like linen if the normal stuff gets too fuzzy.
8/10/2026 7:04:51 PM EDT
[#2]
fuzzy is good
Metus improbos compescit, non clementia
8/10/2026 7:29:44 PM EDT
[#3]
I'll shoot some pics over after I machine a set to see if you like how it's looking
8/10/2026 8:33:11 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Reubjames:
I'll shoot some pics over after I machine a set to see if you like how it's looking
View Quote

if you have the means, I bet he would like it as-machined and sandblasted.
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
8/10/2026 8:34:04 PM EDT
[#5]
I do have a blast cabinet. I'll test it out
8/10/2026 9:09:56 PM EDT
[#6]
ooooooohhhhh

i do like to make my micarta smooth out of regular use and grease build up
Metus improbos compescit, non clementia
8/11/2026 5:12:32 AM EDT
[#7]
One of my wood pages has this water buffalo horn for 40 bucks plus shipping. Anyone here interested?
I can buy it and ship it to you.
Attached File
8/11/2026 2:51:11 PM EDT
[#8]
Did you say Tuff Lite scales?
MGK
8/11/2026 3:09:48 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Reubjames][Edited] [#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By mygreenkaw:
Did you say Tuff Lite scales?
View Quote


Yep getting those spun back up. I've got you on my list as interested in a set but never got a color preference. I'm doing some in natural and OD green canvas micarta but I'm going to order some other colors if you have a preference. Can also do G10, aluminum, etc. Doesn't have to be micarta.
8/11/2026 4:14:54 PM EDT
[#10]
yes it does
Metus improbos compescit, non clementia
8/12/2026 12:08:47 PM EDT
[#11]
Oh there will be plenty of micarta for sure.

Since you don't want a pocket clip on yours, do you want a lanyard hole/slot? I was just looking at the design yesterday and considering how I might add one for folks that want that option. It would land roughly in the same spot as the original slot between the rear and middle screws along the spine.
8/12/2026 1:27:14 PM EDT
[#12]
big question.

I have a lanyard on there now from MrSig, but the way I use the knife it isn't really necessary. I will have to fondle it when I go home.
Metus improbos compescit, non clementia
8/12/2026 2:30:01 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By WIC:
big question.

I have a lanyard on there now from MrSig, but the way I use the knife it isn't really necessary. I will have to fondle it when I go home.
View Quote


That's why I asked, I remember seeing yours with a lanyard. I'll try to work up a sketch of what I'm thinking so you can see what the finished scales might look like.

Sorry DFARM, not trying to derail your post with talk of CNC scales.
8/12/2026 3:23:27 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Reubjames:


That's why I asked, I remember seeing yours with a lanyard. I'll try to work up a sketch of what I'm thinking so you can see what the finished scales might look like.

Sorry DFARM, not trying to derail your post with talk of CNC scales.
View Quote

Keep posting cnc stuff, just don't be surprised when I start asking for cad help. Lol

I'm starting to learn about modeling things to print. I'm hoping to make prototypes plus jigs/fixtures and maybe it'll be cool at some point to offer downloads of different handles for a couple of knife models.
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
8/12/2026 4:44:07 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DFARM:

Keep posting cnc stuff, just don't be surprised when I start asking for cad help. Lol

I'm starting to learn about modeling things to print. I'm hoping to make prototypes plus jigs/fixtures and maybe it'll be cool at some point to offer downloads of different handles for a couple of knife models.
View Quote



Oh yeah I'd be more than happy to help with CAD stuff. Jigs and fixtures are a great way to put the 3d printer to work. I'd happily machine some metal parts for you too if the situation arises.

What software are you currently learning for modeling?
8/12/2026 4:53:32 PM EDT
[#16]
D
Did you get my reply to your last email?
No problem if you're just busy.
8/12/2026 6:16:16 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Reubjames:



Oh yeah I'd be more than happy to help with CAD stuff. Jigs and fixtures are a great way to put the 3d printer to work. I'd happily machine some metal parts for you too if the situation arises.

What software are you currently learning for modeling?
View Quote

I'm playing with freecad but I'm not committed yet.

Any suggestions?
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
8/12/2026 6:21:05 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Originally Posted By MrSig239:
D
Did you get my reply to your last email?
No problem if you're just busy.
View Quote

I'm sorry, I did.

I've been taking a little break from the knife stuff. Before the show last weekend I'd been working late every night so it's been nice to just come home from work and relax. Lol

I've got a couple ideas about the project, I'll be emailing soon.
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
8/12/2026 7:19:29 PM EDT
[#19]
No problem! I can wait. Enjoy some time off!
8/13/2026 8:12:07 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DFARM:

I'm playing with freecad but I'm not committed yet.

Any suggestions?
View Quote


My personal preference is Fusion. I believe they still offer a free license which is full featured but limits you to 10 designs on their cloud space.YouTube is full of tutorials on how to get started with it.
8/13/2026 3:21:40 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Originally Posted By WIC:
big question.

I have a lanyard on there now from MrSig, but the way I use the knife it isn't really necessary. I will have to fondle it when I go home.
View Quote


Something like this would be the lanyard option. Either a slot or a simple hole could be done. Not many other places to put one on this knife.

Attached File
8/13/2026 9:29:56 PM EDT
[#22]
Yeah, the lanyard is nice if you have it in your pocket, but this one doesn't get carried in the pocket much. Might be nicer in the hand using it without a lanyard. Or, maybe both down the road.
Metus improbos compescit, non clementia
8/14/2026 1:32:52 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Reubjames:


Something like this would be the lanyard option. Either a slot or a simple hole could be done. Not many other places to put one on this knife.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/59685/Capture_JPG-3810885.JPG
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Reubjames:
Originally Posted By WIC:
big question.

I have a lanyard on there now from MrSig, but the way I use the knife it isn't really necessary. I will have to fondle it when I go home.


Something like this would be the lanyard option. Either a slot or a simple hole could be done. Not many other places to put one on this knife.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/59685/Capture_JPG-3810885.JPG


Yes... and micarta is great.
MGK
8/14/2026 11:08:10 AM EDT
[#24]
I'll cut a couple sets out in each config to see how they look. If my weekend goes as planned, I should be able to cut out a couple sets on Sunday.
8/22/2026 11:44:33 AM EDT
[#25]
Someone talk me out of buying a 6x18 surface grinder.

I found one on fbm near me for $600 but I don't have a shop to put it in yet. It'll probably be a couple of years before I do.

I'd probably be pretty happy with a surface grinder attachment for my grinder but they seem sp expensive for what they are.
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
8/22/2026 12:04:32 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DFARM:
Someone talk me out of buying a 6x18 surface grinder.

I found one on fbm near me for $600 but I don't have a shop to put it in yet. It'll probably be a couple of years before I do.

I'd probably be pretty happy with a surface grinder attachment for my grinder but they seem sp expensive for what they are.
View Quote


I'd say for fixed blades a real surface grinder is overkill. They are a lot slower than the belt grinder attachments, but they sure make a nice finish.

I agree, the belt grinder attachments are crazy expensive for what they are. I built my own for maybe 1/3 of what they cost following a few designs on YouTube. It did take some time though. Let me know if you decide to build one, I can send you some info on mine.

I get by with my attachment, but I've been actively shopping for a real surface grinder the last couple months. That seems to be the next step up for my slipjoints.
8/22/2026 1:31:33 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Reubjames:


I'd say for fixed blades a real surface grinder is overkill. They are a lot slower than the belt grinder attachments, but they sure make a nice finish.

I agree, the belt grinder attachments are crazy expensive for what they are. I built my own for maybe 1/3 of what they cost following a few designs on YouTube. It did take some time though. Let me know if you decide to build one, I can send you some info on mine.

I get by with my attachment, but I've been actively shopping for a real surface grinder the last couple months. That seems to be the next step up for my slipjoints.
View Quote

It might be slower but if I get one with power/auto feed on at least the x axis, it seems like I should be able to fill the chuck up with almost flat heat treated blanks and set it to work while I work on other things.

I was seriously looking at building the x-y table that jer's wood shop sells plans for but he wasn't sure it could be made to work on my flavor of grinder.  It's a pretty cool design that allows you to use any platen or wheel instead of being limited to only a contact wheel.
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
8/22/2026 3:16:43 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Reubjames][Edited] [#28]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DFARM:

It might be slower but if I get one with power/auto feed on at least the x axis, it seems like I should be able to fill the chuck up with almost flat heat treated blanks and set it to work while I work on other things.

I was seriously looking at building the x-y table that jer's wood shop sells plans for but he wasn't sure it could be made to work on my flavor of grinder.  It's a pretty cool design that allows you to use any platen or wheel instead of being limited to only a contact wheel.
View Quote


A power feed would certainly make a difference. Is it set up to run on 3 phase power or has it been converted with a VFD?

Tapered tangs would be pretty simple to dial in too.
8/22/2026 5:21:40 PM EDT
[#29]
The one I'm looking at is running on a vfd
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
8/23/2026 8:38:20 PM EDT
[#30]
Managed to carve out a set of Tuff Lite micarta scales today. Well one side of them at least. I still need to machine a set of soft jaws to hold them for the back side machining. The soft jaws I machined originally fit vises that I don’t use anymore so I need to make some for my new vises.

Also finished  batch of aluminum back spacers. Lanyard and wire pocket clip slots will be added later as-requested so these will be what the base scales look like then optional slots added.

Did someone say fuzzy?

Attached File


Attached File
8/23/2026 9:04:56 PM EDT
[#31]
micarta is so beautiful
Metus improbos compescit, non clementia
8/24/2026 11:00:01 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Originally Posted By WIC:
micarta is so beautiful
View Quote


It does look good for sure. I'm ordering up a few more colors for the Tuff Lite handle batch. It looks like I have enough Natural, OD Green, and Black on hand for the initial batch but wanted a couple in some other colors incase pictures getting posted generate a few more interested folks. Maybe some flavor of red and/or blue.

If I can get the soft jaws carved out one night this week, I can start with the production. Backspacers are complete minus any lanyard slots that may be added.

I need to turn down the standoffs/bushings to the right length. That's an interesting operation since I don't own a lathe. I use the mill, clamp a lathe cutter in the vise and the bushing in a tool holder in the spindle. I can load my tool changer with 12 bushings in tool changer then it will automatically measure each one and cut to the proper length.
8/24/2026 11:00:13 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Reubjames][Edited] [#33]
double tap
8/24/2026 1:14:15 PM EDT
[#34]
Those tuffy scales look awesome!

I still owe @DFARM some measurements, I know, I know...
MGK
8/24/2026 3:59:22 PM EDT
[#35]
Thanks!
8/24/2026 5:29:26 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By mygreenkaw:
Those tuffy scales look awesome!

I still owe @DFARM some measurements, I know, I know...
View Quote

"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
8/31/2026 11:36:11 PM EDT
[#37]
Life's been a bit weird lately. Not a ton of time to get out and work on knives.

Here's a modified little dude that im working on.

A regular little dude blank on the top, a rough prototype and the first blank for the clip point/false edge version.
Attached File
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
9/6/2026 6:17:49 PM EDT
[#38]
These are the brightest scales I've ever made

Attached File
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
9/6/2026 7:53:56 PM EDT
[#39]
thiiiiccccc
Metus improbos compescit, non clementia
9/6/2026 8:07:18 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote History
Originally Posted By WIC:
thiiiiccccc
View Quote

For now
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
9/7/2026 6:16:38 AM EDT
[Last Edit: MrSig239][Edited] [#41]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DFARM:
These are the brightest scales I've ever made

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/78442/1000012231_jpg-3823379.JPG
View Quote

Not green enough.
Should look great finished!
9/7/2026 12:22:00 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote History
Originally Posted By MrSig239:

Not green enough.
Should look great finished!
View Quote

Soon
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
9/7/2026 7:05:07 PM EDT
[#43]
Lol! I'm impatient. Take what ever time you need.
9/7/2026 7:52:43 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote History
Originally Posted By MrSig239:
Lol! I'm impatient. Take what ever time you need.
View Quote

I appreciate it.  I did get blanks heat treated this weekend.
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
9/8/2026 10:41:17 PM EDT
[#45]
Attached File

Glue

Attached File

Sneak peek for Mr sig
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
9/8/2026 10:59:04 PM EDT
[#46]
bubble gum pink?
Metus improbos compescit, non clementia
9/8/2026 11:21:50 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote History
Originally Posted By WIC:
bubble gum pink?
View Quote

Yes
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
9/9/2026 5:28:36 AM EDT
[#48]
Teaser!
9/15/2026 10:19:20 PM EDT
[#49]
Man, time has been flying by lately.

I managed to grind the first one of these clip point little dudes.

Attached File


What do you guys think?
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .
9/15/2026 10:21:55 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote History
Originally Posted By WIC:
bubble gum pink?
View Quote

I never did get great finished pictures of that one.

I'll have to bug my sister for a couple
"Freedom is a messy business." - LaRue_Tactical

I am a sack of blood, held together by un-tanned leather. . .

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