beadblast paper Micarta?

[Kumdo]

Okay, I've seen bead blasted canvas Micarta (nice, grippy surface), but what happens when you bead blast paper Micarta? I have just spent several hours sanding some of this stuff to a slick finish. I love the glassy, obsedian look you get but I am wondering if this handle would do better with a more grippy surface.

SO.. has any one blasted the paper stuff? Anyone seen it done this way?

Thanks in advance...!

 

[L6steel]

It turns out dull grey with white spots all over, not very attractive at all.

 

[Kumdo]

Yech. That's tood bad. I guess with paper Micarta, it's sand/polish to high gloss or nothing. Does that sound right to ya'll?

 

[Mike Hull]

I have a couple of knives by another maker, he used black paper Micarta, they have a scotchbrite finish on them. Not unattractive at all. He took the finish to handrubbed 600grit, then blended with the scotchbrite belt. Handpads would work though, medium or fine.

 

[P.K.Hansen]

I just finished a bowie with black paper micarta a few days ago. I took a good look at it during the sanding from 120 to 1000 grit and ended up polishing it to a nice shine. Tastes differ, but in my opinion it looks the best polished - I'm no micarta fan though.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid21/p790ad586a815c86e607360809a9eeeb3/fdaffc10.jpg

 

[Kumdo]

Hey Mike- do you have any pictures of the Scotchbrite finished paper micarta? It sounds like a good option. One of my "issues" with the stuff polished is that it shows fingerprints and smudges.

PK- that's a dandy looking knife.

 

[Mike Hull]

John, no I don't. I have a scanner, but never had any luck with knives in it.
If you ever get over this way, drop on by, and you can see them first hand.