aged handle materials.

ron_m80

ron_m80

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I have tried to ask this question a couple of times, to a few people. But I havn't really ever gotten a real answer back. (I think?)

My Randall model 14 has a green linen micarta handle, at least it was green once. The parts that have been exposed to the sunlight are turning a deep dark honey brown.

I rather like the change, and since i enjoy using my knives, i would really lilke to predict what my user will look like after i carry it around in the daylight, and put my dirty hands on it for awhile.

Can we predict what the randall supplied linen micarta will look like after prolonged exposure?

Also, On the same topic. I have never owned a leather handled knife other than a Ka-Bar, and honestly I didn't give a shit about its handle. So with the inbound leather handled randalls coming to me, I was wondering what is the optimum treatment of the leather handles after the factory polished possibly cyanoacrylate coated handle gets worn off with use? Is it best to just buff the polish off a user and treat the leather or is it already properly treated beyond my capabilities?

Thank you very much.
 
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Hmmm, well, that explains that! I once bought a green Micarta handled Model #14 from a fellow that was brown on the logo side, green on the backside - fellow said he'd had it displayed behind glass in his study since new (it was still new/unused as far as I could tell...)

As far as the lighter 'old yeller' Ivorite, it'll darken from a light yellow to a pretty ugly dark yellow (almost brown) if left in the sunlight for an extended period of time, and true Ivory will yellow over time when exposed to sunlight too.

I'd imagine all the Micarta's products would darker with sunlight exposure too, but I'd think it would also vary by color, and even within the colors themselves as the material composition as delivered would vary over time...

As to the leather handles - those are likely burnished with wax on a high-speed wheel...be careful here, one false move and your cool Randall knife will transform into a high-speed sharpened projectile! :eek:

Hope that helps...
 
I've heard several different "stories" about what the handles are burnished with, but they remain just that - stories. Perhaps if it's not some kind of deep, dark trade secret, DW will stop by here and set the record straight.
 
Melvin-Purvis said:
.be careful here, one false move and your cool Randall knife will transform into a high-speed sharpened projectile! :eek:
Click to expand...

I have conjured the image up a time or two, it's a scary thought for sure. One i hope i never live to see.
 
I had a couple of leather handled Randles get dry on me, they sort of look a little fuzzy and rough. I applied some mineral oil on my hands and then started rubbing the handles. Pretty soon I ...... :D I mean on a more serious note, rubbing mineral oil on the leather handles seem to help keep them from drying out over time. I've had no problems with mine.

Dan in Kalifornia
 
Here is a pic of Greg Gutcher, Sr. burnishing a Randall knife sheath - dunno if it's the same for an RMK handle, but imagine it would be similar... :foot:
 

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Here is some "aged material" that I "handle" on a regular basis:

spirits-at-chez-lunde.jpg


orvw-23yr-114proof.jpg
 
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