Scrapivore handle reprofiling (curving)

Hey guys,

I would like to reprofile the handle of my beater Scrapivore so that the pointed rear corner that digs into your hand is nice and rounded a la the Swamp Warden.

I am curious if anyone here has made this modification, and what tool would be best to do the job? Bench grinder?

I think a bench grinder would work just fine if your careful and don't put too much pressure on it while grinding. A belt sander would probably be a much better tool with a finer grit belt so you couldn't take too much off at a time. I'd just take it slow and easy with it. You can always finish it up sand paper by hand once you get the big stuff off with the belt sander or grinder.

OR if you're like me and don't have access to a grinder or sander (any more) just take a file to it. Yup it'll take longer, but you will still wind up with the same result.

I'd avoid any methods that may heat up the steel.

I have done that exact thing, and it worked great!
Much more comfortable grip now.

Used a Dremel, and didn't worry about heating up the steel.
The heat from the process does not affect the edge.

I'm a machismo so I'm ocd about heat treat lol

And likely trash your file in the process, files aren't the best choice for steels this hard IMO.

BUT if that is all ya got though...

Thank you gentlemen!!! I think my game plan at this point is to use a Dremel fiberglass-enforced metal cutting wheel to lop a 30-45 degreed angle chunk off of the corner followed by a belt sander to smooth-curve what's left.

Cut off wheels on a dremel work pretty well on SR101...
With any powered tools, just take it slow, let the steel cool on regular basis and you'll be fine.

I would probably use a belt or grinding wheel that is coarse. Use a sharpie or masking tape to mark you grind. The coarse grit will not heat the steel as quickly. A Dremel fiber cut off wheel "can" heat the steel red hot during use and "may" cause the coating to flake in that area.

Considering that it would be the points the furthest away from the cutting edge I'd say there is really no issue of loosing HT of the edge.
If the blade profile can be changed safely (someone reground HG55 to look similar to Urban Grudge) then grinding off far corners of the handle should not be an issue.

That may be true, but however what you cannot account for is what potential affect (possible failure) may occur from overheating the steel. Stress cracks, temper loss, etc. Especially if rapidly cooling the knife between passes on the grinder, i.e. dipping in water using steels not designed to handle this stress. Extreme care must be taken with heat treated pieces when power grinding.

An aluminium profile standing in water does great at not-too-quick cooling of steel. And anyway we're talking about temps you feel with your fingers. If you overheat that much you will have some healing to do...