Damn brother. Taste is subjective and all that, but you took one of the most versatile outdoor blade styles and turned it intk another standard fighter-esque drop point. As a Nessmuk lover this hurts. Still, I have to give you props on the execution. Grind job was clean
Did you measure weight(s) before & after? How is the balance know? I have the Fighter and find it to be handle heavy as well, I am thinking about lightening as well. Possibly just swiss cheese holes?
Great job...big improvement in looks and I’m sure performance. I ground the Nessmuk hump off a few of my Bark River knives over the years...Aurora Hunter and a Kalahari. Interested in knowing how you balanced the blade? I ruined a few tools trying to lighten or balance A2 & 3V steel. I just ordered the Spartan Fighter. Kind of envision it stripped, patina’d with a polished convexed bevel and swedge.
I found that replacing my handle scales to wood and aluminum pins worked well in my 3V blade. Luckily the A2 blade already had a lightening hole that just needed enlarged.
I used a small wheel (2in) on 2x72. With that tool it’s not too bad but the benefit is somewhat insufficient. Taking that epoxy off is a dirty chore but I also like the gray finish it leaves quite a bit. There is an interesting machine finishing under it too you have to be ready for.
