Where are the 3 inch blades?

[DigDug72]

I really love that mini Southard, Dig Dug. I wish I could mod my all black version without ruining the finish.

Thanks Spydersense! Yeah, the DLC makes it hard - the mini PM2 I modded has DLC, and I decided to leave the spine shiny and polished (vs. stripping the coating), but I think that either option would be less appealing on an all black Southard.

[DigDug72]

Can you please explain the process of modding the para with perhaps more pics? I'm probably going to attempt it. Thanks. Love it.

Thanks Jazz, definitely! (except for the pics part, which I woefully neglected to do during the mod.)
1. Sanded down the scales to reveal the natural g10, rounded the edges too (used belt sander and hand sanding, 60-150 grit).
2. Shortened the screws w/ belt sander to fit the slimmer scales.
3. Taped off blade and handle multiple times to figure blade and handle shapes, plus fit.
4. Used a dremel w/ thin cutting wheel to cut down blade, scales, and liners (straight cuts only).
5. Using belt sander, smoothed the blade shape (mainly rounding off the hard edges, then slightly rounding the spine).
6. Reassembled the knife, taped the cutting edge, and rounded the handles slightly with belt sander, then dremel (sanding barrels), and a lil hand sanding (100-220 grits).
7. Switched the clip to tip-down which is slowly turning into my favorite way to carry, esp. IWB.
8. Employed 'pivot-tightening break-in technique' (from Surfingringo's adivce on the forum) to get 'er free dropping.

[Jazz]

Thanks Jazz, definitely! (except for the pics part, which I woefully neglected to do during the mod.)
1. Sanded down the scales to reveal the natural g10, rounded the edges too (used belt sander and hand sanding, 60-150 grit).
2. Shortened the screws w/ belt sander to fit the slimmer scales.
3. Taped off blade and handle multiple times to figure blade and handle shapes, plus fit.
4. Used a dremel w/ thin cutting wheel to cut down blade, scales, and liners (straight cuts only).
5. Using belt sander, smoothed the blade shape (mainly rounding off the hard edges, then slightly rounding the spine).
6. Reassembled the knife, taped the cutting edge, and rounded the handles slightly with belt sander, then dremel (sanding barrels), and a lil hand sanding (100-220 grits).
7. Switched the clip to tip-down which is slowly turning into my favorite way to carry, esp. IWB.
8. Employed 'pivot-tightening break-in technique' (from Surfingringo's adivce on the forum) to get 'er free dropping.

Thanks. Is there metal exposed on the handle butt (which I'm cool with, just curious)? Did you keep all the liner material, except where you cut the handle off? Could I please see the butt in a pic? Sorry to pester you, but I'm sure I'd actually use my Para if I did this.

[DigDug72]

Is there metal exposed on the handle butt (which I'm cool with, just curious)? Did you keep all the liner material, except where you cut the handle off? Could I please see the butt in a pic? Sorry to pester you, but I'm sure I'd actually use my Para if I did this.

Good question Jazz, that butt area was the place of biggest controversy for me - I'll post pics later today. Kept the liner material, and was debating re-integrating the rear section w/ clip holes. Decided not to out of laziness and growing pref for tip-down carry...

[bh49]

I have few 3" knives in use, but still prefer 3.5", which I consider perfect size for my EDC needs. I carried and used Caly3 for several years. I still love this knife, but it was kicked out by Caly3.5. My second 3" bladed knife is Memory, which I mostly carry, when I want gents knife. 3" blade IMHO is the perfect size for this task, but frankly 2.5" also will be good. The last and not the least my Natives. 2013 forum Native is my most used knife, but this is not due to the blade length. I just love ergos. Fortunately at this moment I do not have 3" length restriction, so I impatiently waiting for Shaman.
3" blade is a good size, but most of us wouldn't want a car, which cannot drive faster than 65 m/h. :), unless you never take highway.

[DigDug72]

[ Could I please see the butt in a pic?

Here you are sir:


Also, here's a pic sequence from a reddit thread on a pm2 mini mod where the guy recycles the liner end tapped for the clip, in order to install a tip-up clip:
https://imgur.com/gallery/DQHfj

[Jazz]

Here you are sir:

Most excellently helpful! Thank you for your time, bro. :) Now, when I get time and my back feels better (just went out :mad: ), I'll hopefully get on it. If and when, I'll definitely show you.

[DigDug72]

Jazz, that sucks about your back - I wish you a speedy recovery. Definitely keep me posted on your mod!