Waved Para Military

STR · #1

I have had so many people ask me if the Para Military can be Waved that I finally opted to find out by doing my own this evening. I am always uncomfortable using someone elses knife for tests.

The good news is it worked out and the Wave does works great. The bad news is it is more work than I imagined and I really don't think I'll be doing many more Waved S30V blades. Even for my high speed (500,000 rpms) air driven dental handpiece with water spray this steel is tough tough tough (thats triple tough) to grind! It resists carbides, and silicon carbide wheels like something alien to earth. The wear resistance is significantly higher with this steel over anything else I've done a Wave on. It is compounded by the thickness of the blade also. I always finish up by cleaning up all the fine scratch lines from grinding by using fine and then super fine diamonds. Even diamonds struggle to put a dent in this stuff. No wonder it is called a super steel.

This on top of the fact that the clip has to be converted to tip up carry from the factory tip down position makes it that much more work. For what I usually get it ain't worth it. So this one is probably it.

Anyway, its done and I'm carrying it. I figured I would post it up even if it is most likely the only one I'll be doing.

My scanner is acting up again so these pics may be a little washed out. The Wave is thicker than it looks in these pics and contrary to the way it may look it is bigger than it appears due to the thickness of the blade. It works very easily and is actually quite effortless to open.

STR

VultureParade · #2

Great work as usual, STR.

I'm always impressed with your stuff. I keep meaning to start tinkering around with knife mods, but I have no idea where to start.

Maybe someday :)

Again, great work

-Bryan

Woody · #3

STR that is some sweet work ther dude.... Outstanding should I say... The wave fits the Mili very nice...

mikewww · #4

Very professional-looking job ! Nice to see that you managed to preserve Sal's logo. Have you considered a "waving" similar to that on the now-hidden Pakal (Pikal, Picklel) ? Easier to change your mind and does not alter the blade shape.

Cheers

Mike

smcfalls13 · #5

Excellent job STR, care to try it on a S90V blade

DAYWALKER · #6

Aloha STR,

Just wanted to repeat what has already been said:

Awesome work!!!

God bless and keep 'em coming :cool:

STR · #7

Thanks. I have only read about the Pikal but never actually seen it. I understand that one was designed for carry in the back pocket if I remember correctly. I guess that is why I never took much interest in it. I never carry that way. I'll have to see if I can find a pic of what you are referring to.

STR

Vincent · #8

i like the clip the best.

Michael Cook · #9

:spyder: Sal cloaked the pics as premature (too far from release) the wave on the pakal edge in knife is a screw-in removable 45 degree post. :spyder:

STR · #10

Sal cloaked the pics as premature (too far from release) the wave on the pakal edge in knife is a screw-in removable 45 degree post

Ok well, that explains why I can't find anything but written reference to it.

Adding a pop on, pop off type of Wave was not what I asked for permission to do when I spoke with Ernie Emerson so I could not in good conscience do that, even though for my own knife I could do it and not technically be in violation of anything legally speaking. I just know from discussing it with him what he said in regards to an "add on" or "manufactured" piece that is in effect and "add on Wave". Chances are he'd be fine with it but it would be an exception to what I actually asked him for permission to do I think. Besides it would require more planning and perhaps more machining and bending equipment than I currently have available so I doubt I'd be doing that anyway.

An add on Wave could easily be done with the right equipment using the thumb stud hole on a typical blade to mount it and you could probably make the thumb stud and the Wave an all one piece attatchment kind of in line with those original Buck 110 slide on thumb grips to make them open with one hand.

Anyone else remember those or did I just date myself? :D .

spydutch · #11

Very nice work STR :cool: .

I think you need heavier equipment

Gamo · #12

WOW :eek:
Great work!!! I want one. Will this knife ever be available for purchase? Have you taught of making a small production of custom (para) Militaries? If you added a left hand carry option i'd consider it the best folder ever made.

zeus · #13

STR wrote: An add on Wave could easily be done with the right equipment using the thumb stud hole on a typical blade to mount it and you could probably make the thumb stud and the Wave an all one piece attatchment kind of in line with those original Buck 110 slide on thumb grips to make them open with one hand.

Anyone else remember those or did I just date myself? :D .

Nope, they still sell those clamp on "flickets". I put a custom made one from a knife show on my Military nested inside of the spyderhole. A fair amount of the device does sit outside of the thumbhole and could be used as a WAVE device if I ever get around to converting the knife to tip up.

TurnerIII · #14

I guess I am having a hard time understanding the "wave". The purpose of the wave is to facilitate the opening of the knife - as I understand it. In a moment of need this is supposed to get her open faster. But with Murphy out there - do I really want something that actually causes my knife to hang up in my pocket? Even if practiced frequent and often - Murphy rules. Add some heart pounding and this seems to complcate things at all the wrong moments.

Someone please explain this to me. Thanks. :confused:

Axlis · #15

Great work STR, looks like a pro job to me! Be careful with that light speed Para :D .

224477 · #16

GReat work! Interesting blade shape in conclusion!

jaislandboy · #17

Looks awesome STR! :cool: