SF,

To me the mods to your NMSFNO and RMD look well justified. I like that the lines are still left to appear to maintain good knife ergos and pleasing aesthetics. I like the approach of selectively thinning or leaving thick certain areas of the edges to use for what works for "you" while still maintaining all of the other simple and effective form and function.

Sometimes carefull planning and conservative modifications are the way to go. I think in the long run, it appears you have improved the knife for your uses while NOT creating any apparent "Negative" side-affects. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Well done! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


I would still recommend considering a piece (3.5" - 4.0") of hacksaw or sawzall blade to try with your ferro rod. Metal finer teeth like 18 - 24 TPI or finer should be very good. I would just use an old one if you or a buddy has a used one. However, the Tungsten Carbide ones for ceramic Tile should very likely be about the best tool for producing sparks as you could find!!! I would think the Tungsten Carbide ones should shower sparks like crazy!!!



I would cut/grind mine down on my belt sander with a little finger notch for control. A two finger grip should be plenty. I mainly hold between thumb and index in a pinch grip, but the extra length to go to my middle finger adds a lot of control and stability to help prevent twisting and flipping.
Then just about 1.5" - 2.5" of teeth should be plenty.

Cut the little tang off the end. Slip it on a lanyard or in a pouch somewhere. It is very light, easy to stash somewhere and effective.



Since you have "tools for making tools" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (I love saying that <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) and if you have a use for another metal tool in the field, you could grind a pick tip, pry tip for light prying, screwdriver tip, can opener, etc. into the front and or back of a tool like that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I think the front part of the finger choil should work well and a good area as far as not creating any concernable edge damage, but seems like it might be an awkward area to strike with (?????). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Another consideration, assuming you carry your Leatherman, would be the file on a Leatherman. Those "toothy" teeth on a file or hacksaw or Sawzall Metal blade work well on ferro rods.

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