Buck 119 and other fixed: Micarta slippery

MTHall720

MTHall720

Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
2,957
I like the 119 and other fixed blades in that line but the Micarta does get slippery when wet. Question: If I used 1000 grit paper and a hand block to use it with, would it make the Micarta a little easier to hang onto, yet not make it look ugly with scratches? Any other alternative approaches?
Thanks all.
 
You could wrap the handle with athletic tape. That way you could always get it looking pretty for family pictures. Another option is sliding a piece of bike inner tube over the handle. That is a bit harder to remove (and kinda stinky), but it makes it a bit more grippy. Honestly, I've always thought that a bit of moisture improved the grip of these knives, but maybe that's just me.
 
I've not experienced grip problems with micarta . But if you do try roughing it up w/ 400grit sandpaper . DM
 
i think the 119 is phenolic..whatever that is.it is slippery when wet. i might try that too.kieth beat me by one second
 
seniormcblade said:
i think the 119 is phenolic..whatever that is.
Click to expand...

Phenolic is a thermosetting resin, and was the first resin used in micarta. Micarta is one of any number of fiber-reinforced thermoset-resin laminate composites.

Short version: Phenolic + Cloth = Micarta
 
Last edited:
CoyotePhysics said:
Phenolic is a thermosetting resin, and was the first resin used in micarta. Micarta is one of any number of fiber-reinforced thermoset-resin laminate composites.

Short version: Phenolic + Cloth = Micarta
Click to expand...

That's interesting but I've never detected any cloth in any of my Buck phenolic handles. I have plenty of knives with micarta handles, and the cloth pattern, whether it's fine linen or course canvas, is pretty easy to spot.

So, do some of you have regular factory 119s with micarta? :confused:
 
I don't think that there is cloth in Buck's phenolic. I've always assumed that it was some form of Bakelite, which is phenolic resin filled with short grain fibers (such as fine sawdust), making if a close relative to Micarta, I've never seen a 119 with a fabric pattern and this would be the place to see it!
 
I cut a piece of road bike tube (27" or 700c) to the proper length, then carefully stretch over the handle...it is practically invisible, yet slip resistant, and low cost.
 
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