[H]unting [U]tility [K]nife created by Rivait Custom Tools.
After remixing another maker's knife here on Thingiverse, along with the interest it received, I was inspired to create my own. I hope you enjoy my first knife design. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Features:
- Tool-free blade changes
- Compact design
- Locks in the open position (depress thumb lock lever on back of knife handle at half circle recess to close)
- Hunting style knife handle with ergonomic grip
- Thumb stud on blade holder for one hand opening
Printing Notes:
- Follow the settings below
- Bed adhesive for the handles is recommended
- Left and Right (mirrored) versions of the H.U.K. knife are intended by design (thumb knob should face away from your palm) stock STLs are for left handed use, must be mirrored in your slicer for right handed use (ensure all parts face the same direction on the bed once assembled)
- Allow bed to cool to <40C before removing parts
- Some PETG filaments tend to be more brittle than others, I have had poor results with yellow, lime green, olive green and carbon fibre infused PETG (lock spring breaks or loses tension)
- adjusting the print flow percentage for different PETG filaments might be necessary to allow appropriate clearance in the blade holder part (if clearance is tight or the blade retention tab will not move far enough to allow easy blade change, try dropping the overall print flow by 2% at a time)
Handles:
- Material: PLA
- Layer Height: 0.12mm
- Infill: 100%
- Nozzle: 0.4mm
- Infill Line Width: 0.6mm
- Infill Layer Height: 0.24mm (faster and works better at 95% flow)
- Walls: 4
- Brim: If required, use 0.2mm gap for easy removal
- Support: No
Note: Retraction settings must be set properly for good results.
Internal Parts:
- Material: PETG
- Layer Height: 0.2mm
- Infill 100%
- Nozzle: 0.4mm
- Top/Bottom & Infill Line Width: 0.6mm (faster and looks good IMO)
- Walls: 4
- Brim: No
- Support: No
Note: Adjust Z scale in slicer so that screws are flush with nuts, 5.6mm worked for me.
Spacer 0.5mm x 11mm:
- Material: PLA (clear)
- Layer Height: 0.1mm
- Walls: 2
- Nozzle: 0.4mm
- Infill: 100%
- Infill Line Width: 0.6mm
Note: Adjust Z scale in slicer as required, finished spacer should measure .45mm - 0.5mm using calipers (I scaled to 0.35mm on a textured bed).
Purchased Parts:
- (2) M3 x 12mm button head screws
- (2) M3 x 12 socket cap screws
- (4) M3 nuts
- (2) M3 Nylon Flat Washers 6mm OD x 0.5mm Thick
- (1) Utility Blade
Assembly Instructions:
- Remove brim on handles if necessary, I use 600 grit sandpaper to clean the corners and a quick torch to remove the haze after sanding. Clean all holes with 3mm drill bit by hand.
- Insert (4) nuts in left handle, set aside. (be careful installing the nuts close to the edge, I use an M3 screw to help pull the nut straight into the pocket rather than pressing it in by hand).
- Insert (1) socket cap screw in the right handle at the blade end.
- Insert (1) button head screw for the lock lever.
- Install spacers (6mm for lever, 11mm for blade holder).
- Install lock lever and blade holder.
- Attach left handle (screws should not be tightened)
- Install lock spring: line up holes at button head screw first, install screw (do not tighten), then install socket cap screw.
- Tighten lock spring screws.
- Snug up lock lever and blade holder screws (adjust to allow smooth operation).
- Install blade.
- Use at own risk (wear necessary PPE). ENJOY!