Bi-Directional texture

[splinterprone]

So, how difficult would it be to produce bi-directional textured type handles in aluminum? The thought crossed my mind while handling a Para3 and Manix2 LW.

Also, I think the Paramilitary2 with bi-directional textured handles would be cool to see.

 

[Don W]

Even for someone with a lot of experience and a foundry for casting in aluminum it would be a serious undertaking.

 

[3fifty7]

Difficult or Expensive ?

Difficult = Not so much
Expensive = Quite

 

[RIP Dequincy Jynxie]

what kind of cost we talking about here?

 

[Don W]

what kind of cost we talking about here?

thousands
and if you made more than a pair you might have to pay Spyderco a handful of$$$ too.

 

[3fifty7]

I dont actually know the figure but a neighbor of mine used to run a Haas CNC machine and he said the machine had to produce a minimum of $1,000 an hour plus programming and material.

what kind of cost we talking about here?

 

[RIP Dequincy Jynxie]

damn, I guess that isn't surprising

still, this is a nifty idea

Spyderco seems pretty receptive to customer feedback, like it's part of their business model

maybe we can convince them to at least look into it?

 

[TenGrainBread]

What would be the point? FRN is pretty much better in every functional aspect than aluminum:
-Cheaper to produce (over the lifetime of the mold)
-Less thermally conductive (FRN won't get cold in wintery outdoor weather)
-More grip in wet conditions
-Lighter
-No oxidizing/corrosion

 

[splinterprone]

What would be the point? FRN is pretty much better in every functional aspect than aluminum:
-Cheaper to produce (over the lifetime of the mold)
-Less thermally conductive (FRN won't get cold in wintery outdoor weather)
-More grip in wet conditions
-Lighter
-No oxidizing/corrosion

I hear ya man. My Para3 LW disappears in my pocket, but there is something different with the weight and feel of metal vs plastic. I like the aesthetics of bi-directional texture vs plain flat scales. Maybe contoured metal handles with simple surface texture?

 

[TenGrainBread]

Maybe reach out to a custom titanium scale maker like Blades We Love? They already have CNC programs for Para 3 scales (not sure about LW) and aluminum is easier to machine than ti. And I'm sure some of them will do custom texturing.