Bark River canvas(EDIT: NOW PAPER) micarta sanding down or not

[353]

Hi guys,

I have an incoming knife from BRKT and wonder if I should lightly sand down the handle or not, just to make it more grippy. I know they sell "matte" versions but I've never held one, only the regular polished style. And I feel those are a bit slick when my hands are dry.

Anyone done this? Pros - cons? Best way to go forward?

 

[wwells20]

Hi 353.
Let me tell you what "I" do with the canvas micarta I work with. If I have a customer ask for rough sanded finish, I leave it at 60 grit.(you get a velvety feel and good grip, finish is flat) If they want polished, I do one of two things, sand to 120 grit and polish with a compound close to the same color as the material.(the color deepens, you get some shine and still have a little texture, grip) or sand to 400 grit(the color might get a little deeper, more shine, grip is not too bad. great when wet though)
Hope that helps,
Walter

 

[353]

Thank you wwells20.

But since I posted this I've learned that the knife has paper micarta(antique ivory), not canvas. Is it a bad idea to sand this material down? Will the paper in it catch to much dirt and oils from my hands?