Glad you liked the S5. I don't know if it is likely quite as nice as Ban's work, but I was pretty happy with the end result on that one.
The S5 is a mighty fine knife with a few tweaks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

In regards to the flare tube thread/technique, I have seen that thread and a few others. I understand the concept and I am confident in my ability to flare the tubes, but I just don't have a decent bench vise. I have a pathetic little clamp on one that I purchased Many years ago. It is a piece of junk. I have TONS of "wood" use clamps and a large variety - mostly various bar clamps, C-Clamps, quick clamps, spring clamps, etc.. A have couple pretty high dollar large and strong C-Clamps (monster C-Clamps that I used for a veneer project) that would likely be strong enough to flare a tube (?????), but the large monster C-Clamps are like the small C-Clamps with pivot heads on the screw side and I think that would be a problem. I have considered that I might be able to fabricate some cheap "jaws" for one of my large C-Clamps that might hold a die and not spin or pivot. But, I haven't tried.

I have been holding off to hopefully purchase a decent Wilton Machinest Bullet Vise - Preferably one with 3 holes/screws on the jaws so one is in the center to help balance a center flare die. I would like one around 65 - 100 pounds. Probably larger than I need, but it should be a lifetime tool.
Unfortunately, I am VERY tight on funds lately. I had to pass on the BWM and even sell a few knives lately - and need to sell even more. So, considering how much people sell a "BEAT" up Wilton for, I just haven't been able to justify a "decent" Wilton machinest vise for now.... some day.

Further, I have been needing to focus on the job search. The forum postings and knife modifications have had to be put on the back burner for a while. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I am not sure if it is a good option or not, but I have considered maybe trying to find some decent looking Allen head (or similar) V-tapered screws that I might be able to Lok-Tight or maybe even epoxy onto the scales. I think there is likely a functional option out there that would do well for micarta, but I haven't done much looking.
Res-C, like you said, is another deal. I have seen factory flared tubes put a pretty good pinch on Res-C. Doing it a second time, gets even trickier as drilling the first flare tube out tends to remove at least a few bits of Res-C = less and less Res-C meat to grab/flare on to. I think it likely works fine if done carefully. But, I think there is a risk reflaring tubes on Res-C.

Micarta is much tougher for many reasons including modifications. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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