Advice for making Aluminum Handle Scales more rough

highestpoint

highestpoint

Joined
Aug 13, 2014
Messages
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Hello all, I have a Benchmade 490 Amicus with aluminum handles on it and was wondering if someone had any advice on how to make it a little more grippy without completely destroying the black color scheme.

It's a great little folder but with the size of my hands I choose not to carry it most days because of how slick it seems to be.

I would be open to sanding the scales but would prefer other options to begin with. Thanks Guys
 
Send it off to one of the knife makers here and ask them to get it sand blasted, they might have to take it to a head stone maker to get some good and coarse grit blast.

Then

reanodize the handle black and reassemble.

Well you didn't ask for easy or cheep.
 
This is very true. This would be something I would just have as a last option.

I would prefer a simpler more cost efficient way and at that point in time I have failed to satisfy my needs and wants then I would send it off.

I have a wide selection of tools to work with except the anodizing process.
 
Grip tape.

I like GT-5000 grip tape. It's rubber and designed for gun grips and similar applications. I use it on smooth/slippery tv and dvd player remotes.
 
killgar said:
Grip tape.

I like GT-5000 grip tape. It's rubber and designed for gun grips and similar applications. I use it on smooth/slippery tv and dvd player remotes.
Click to expand...
Where could I get some of this grip tape? Is it something I have to order or possibly go out and get at a hardware store?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 
highestpoint said:
Where could I get some of this grip tape? Is it something I have to order or possibly go out and get at a hardware store?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I order mine from Amazon. It's very inexpensive. If you do a Google search for "GT-5000 grip tape" you might find other vendors. You also might find it in a local gun shop or sporting goods store. People use the stuff on guns, cameras, flashlights, etc, etc.
 
Yeah I did happen to look it up and wasn't able to find it anywhere I could buy out in town. Might run by home Depot and ace tomorrow just for the heck of it.

How form fitting is the tape? Will I need to just put it in specific areas or will it contour the whole handle?

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I looked at the BM Amicus before I recommended the grip tape to see it it might work, and if it were me I would cut a strip to match the flat area that goes across the center of the length of the handle. I think that would add a significant amount of grip (for me anyways).

The GT-5000 tape is a little stiff, but pliable. It's not like hockey stick tape. People cut the stuff into all kinds of shapes and patterns, that's what it's designed for. But I don't know how well it reacts to being bent over angles. I've never tried that.

With a bit of experimentation you might find a method that will work for you. Just make sure you follow the instructions and clean the handles before applying the tape. That's crucial for proper adhesion.

I can't really think of any other good options for increasing the grip on that knife. Plastidip and things like spray-on rubber and truck bed liner probably wouldn't last long. Short of drastic action that would permanently alter your knife handles, or perhaps paying a custom knife guy to modify the handles and then have them re-coated (which would cost a lot of $), your options are limited (which is probably why you haven't received a lot of suggestions). Grip tape is inexpensive, it's not permanent, and it won't hurt or alter your knife handles if you don't like it or change your mind..
 
You don't need to send your knife to get sandblasted. Look for trophy or machine shops locally. I used to work at a trophy shop. Had tons of my stuff sandblasted. It works well, and it's cheap, as long as you do the disassembly and masking yourself, so all they have to do is grab your item and throw some sand at it. I'd recommend this.

And the grip tape, too, if you don't want permanent. To add my own question, is that GT-5000 waterproof?
 
Jamesh Bond said:
You don't need to send your knife to get sandblasted. Look for trophy or machine shops locally. I used to work at a trophy shop. Had tons of my stuff sandblasted. It works well, and it's cheap, as long as you do the disassembly and masking yourself, so all they have to do is grab your item and throw some sand at it. I'd recommend this.

And the grip tape, too, if you don't want permanent. To add my own question, is that GT-5000 waterproof?
Click to expand...
I actually disassembled the knife last night. We'll at least tried. Pulled every screw out and couldn't get the scales apart without actually prying it with something.

I was also curious about it being waterproof though it doesn't bother me that bad cause I don't take my stuff diving or anything.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
 
You might try shellac mixed with pumice. If you didn't like the effect it all washes off with acetone.
 
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