I finished modifying the MOD4; a ambidextrous sheath with small pouch, a reprofiled edge that passed my criteria for use ( when I cut myself bloody sharpening something, it's ready) and removing the upper guard ( I used an epoxy to secure the lost upper weld and fill in the loosely fitted slot.) It's still a prybar, but sometimes you need just that! I smashed open a femur from a freshly slaughtered steer, split a billet of seasoned OAK and dug several edible bulbs from our cement like adobe soils. In spite of a soft universal 52 Rockwell the edge remained suprisingly sharp after this abuse. This seems to be big knifes forte'. A shovel,saw or hammer when you lack all. Paired with an appropriate knife for what knives are for, it's a usefull option. @ 1 lb a heavy one though!

I have always wanted to remove that upper guard, but was afraid that if I did the whole knife would fall apart. I assume from your comments that did not happen. Thanks, I think that I may finally have the guts to try it...

Go slow in removing the upper guard. The 1095 carbon steel in the AF knife and MOD4 heat up very quickly. The lower weld will hold the guard in place. Any good epoxy applied to the gnerous gap between the guard slot and blade will secure everything. I also filed a false edge on the minimal drop point. I don't go around stabbing car doors,but it improved control driving the point into canvas etc.

Did you use a regular epoxy, or something like JB Weld for metal??? I'll probably take it off with a hack saw and file, so heat won't be a problem...

I used JB.

Thanks. We are in turmoil right now, moving my dad from his "assisted living" apartment into a "home," and moving us from one town to another. Once all of the boxes are moved, opened, and the stuff put away I'll give it a try...