A crazy idea?

R

Ryan J

Joined
Jul 14, 2014
Messages
233
So I'm pretty close to done with my 3rd knife. Its going to be a gift to an uncle. I made scales out of "my"carta. Took a few tries to get the process of making the material down. Ended up using card stock and it turned out awesome.

Its a neck knife so I'm shopping around for sheath material and kydex is kind of plain. And the designer versions I've perused don't really match the scales. I had a (maybe crazy) thought. Anyone ever make a micarta sheath? If so I haven't been able to find any info on it. Can you help me brainstorm ways this could be done? I've envisioned maybe making a wood replica covered in wax. Or maybe even a wax replica and maybe melt it out. Oiled wood? I don't know. I realize there are more simple options, but I think it would be excellent if it could be done as I could perfectly match the colors and patterns of the scales. Thanks
 
What is the replica for? The form? Forming canvas micarta around a mold would probably work, though you'd have to be careful with the design as micarta won't budge like leather or kydex. It would probably have to be designed more like a wooden sheath.
It might also work to cover your model in Saran Wrap and the form the micarta around it. Or you could sandwich together several pre cut plates of micarta.
Btw there is also kydex with different patterns printed on it.
 
I would do a wood sheath and then laminate the mycarta to the outside of the sheath. This would likely though make for a fairly bulky sheath unfortunately. If you decide to try it I would recommend Bass wood. It is easy to carve and is close enough to pH neutral as to not harm the blade (I believe that is why it is safe).

I think you might have more luck with the project trying the wood/mycarta laminate over trying to carve or mold the mycarta.
Good luck and show us the results!

Chris
 
I second basswood. I made this little swing hinge box for one of my carving knives and the steel does just fine in it.

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Also like the idea of laying up some 'carta on the wood. It would be very easy to do. For bought micarta I'd want it milled, or for something very simple, maybe a dremel would do the job. In any case, use a proper respirator.
 
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