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Posted by Joeman
on April 19, 2012, 9:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Fiskars garden knife"
68.146.96.120
As far as the Original Fiskar Big Grip is concerned, I found that it wasn't 'good enough' in it's 'as is' state for a few reasons. The open tip (V) at the end makes it difficult to control in hard-pan and rocky terrain, but even worse, I found out quickly that it will 'Scratch up' your finds 'VERY' easily because of the two points. The other was the weakly joined handle. If you have 'any weight' behind you, it will eventually bend and/or snap off altogether. Lastly, it's just a bit too light and you'll also find yourself working a bit too hard in difficult earth (dry earth especially). It will 'do' in a pinch mind you, but not a great digger 'as is' IMO.
Having stated the above.. A few 'Modifications' can make this a FANTASTIC DIGGER!!
(This is what I start with)
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/100_2366.jpg
First thing to do is fix the tip by 'welding it' closed with Stainless Steel (I use 308l or 309l)
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_0145.crop.jpg
You 'can' keep the handle that it comes with, but all of them are different and some are 'welded' better than others so even though you can 'Tack Weld the Front', the handles are 'always' the 'weak spot'... Here's a pic of them with the front 'Tack Welded' with the Original Handle.
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_6084.1.jpg
and...
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_6083.jpg
Since I'm not a 'FAN' of the Fiskar Handles it's got to go! I like to put on either a Steel or Stainless 'Pipe Handle' to add more weight and make it more 'Sturdy'.
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_0164.crop.jpg
It's also MUCH more comfortable to use by adding Rubber Mountain Bike Grips, making sure of course that the Pipe I use is the correct 'size' for the Grips.
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_6064.jpg
and...
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_6071.jpg
At this point I feel it's a pretty decent digger, but I was lacking 'leverage' (similar to the LESCHE) and so decided to place a stainless 'butt' (finger guard) in between the Handle and the blade. This newest 'mod' now makes the tool almost 'too easy' to use and you can cut DEEP plugs with little effort!
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_0153.jpg
and..
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_0163.crop.jpg
and..
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_0169.crop.jpg
and..
http://cosmickitteh.com/joeman/photos/metal.detecting/Fiskars/IMG_0172.crop.jpg
Cheers, 
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