Shorten blades to make 'em legal...

[Sonnydaze]

Hi guys,
I'm a dad. My 40-yr-old boys live in Colorado, where 3 1/2" is the limit on folding blade-length. I want to "gift" CRK's to my boys next month, and have large Sebenzas and Umnumzaan, but these blades are 3.625" and 3.675", respectively. I need to get these blades shortened just enough to be legal, while retaining the original profile. CRK factory will not do this.
I would appreciate some recommendations of a knifemaker who would do this job for me.
I do have an Edge Pro, but am NOT experienced in its use and likely don't have the proper grits for this work. I don't want to mess up CRK's.
This all seems silly, but it's Colorado law.
Sonnydaze

 

[harlen.shaw]

I would just give it to him as is. Your talking about an 1/8". The odds of him running into the one asshole cop who spots the pocket clip and is like, "hey you, I noticed your pocket clip and just so happen to have a measuring tape on me; let's get a better look a what size of blade you have there" is next to 0%. If you feel that is likely to happen, there are plenty of great 3.5" or less blade length folders out there to get him. I do not think there would be many makers who would modify someone else's knife. Even if you find someone to modify it, I garuntee you that the knife you get back will be no where near the quality of knife you purchased. Either they will continue to sharpen it till it is shorter and you will get a blade that looks 10yrs old or they may be talented and keep the original grind lines and shorten it, but you will notice a significant difference which will not be an improvement. With either option you stand a good chance of getting a knife back with a ruined temper.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

A competent maker can do this without any problem. Probably half the folder makers grind their blades in the hardened state, maintaining the temper isn't rocket science.

 

[james terrio]

I do not think there would be many makers who would modify someone else's knife. Even if you find someone to modify it, I garuntee you that the knife you get back will be no where near the quality of knife you purchased.

I resent that, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I cut my teeth in this business several years ago by modifying factory knives, including completely re-shaping blades to comply with the client's local regulations. I've never had a single return for any reason.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

I've reground a number factory knives. And without exception the finished work cut better, looked better and was more accurately ground. And I think the majority of "us" could do as well or better. If the OP wants some blades shortened 1/8" I believe he will probably be well pleased with the work of most reputable folks here.