Can I safely sand my Dodo's scale?

Ritt

Ritt

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May 17, 2004
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Love the Dodo. It's my new utility knife for working around the yard/house. The G-10 is very grippy, which is great for holding onto, but it makes it really tough to get it out of and back into my pocket. I was thinking of taking off the clip, masking most of the clip-side scale, and taking down the G-10 just a bit with some sandpaper. Seems like a sound plan to me, but I've had better plans blow up in my face. I've never worked with G-10. It is a working knife, but I'd like it to look as well-done as possible. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
The dust generated from sanding G10 is nasty stuff. Make sure, as well, that you have some 'active' ventilation to remove the dust from the space you are working in (otherwise is just settles and becomes airborn later when you aren't wearing a mask), or work outside.

G10 is very easy to sand. If you want, you can get it incredibly smooth. I have done the edges of some handle scales, starting with 220 and finishing with 400 grit. The 400 doesn't quite put a shine on it, more of a satin finish.

Thom
 
Thanks so much for the info Thom. One follow-up. When you say the dust from G-10 is nasty stuff, I assume you mean it just gets into everything and is very fine, not that it is somehow toxic. As much as possible I do my sanding outdoors and upwind. If I add a dust mask (a real one), do you imagine I'd be OK? Thanks again.
 
Another idea: Do the sanding wet in a sink. This will eliminate the dust problem.

Jesper
 
Thanks Jesper. You see, this is the power of the forum!! The combined common sense of several people allows one person to behave intelligently, at least now and then.
 
Actually, it is rather toxic(though it also tends to be fine and get in everything). Sanding by hand, outside and a dust mask would probably be alright, but a real respirator is preferable. All the synthetic handle materials(g10, micarta, fibermascus, etc) are rather nasty compounds, and at least micarta is supposed to release formaldehyde when you get it hot working it on the grounder. DOn't think you have to worry about the fumes as you won't get it hot enoguh sanding it by hand, but the dust itself is still really nasty, and a good respirator is the best course of action.

My only concern would be affecting any pins/rivets/whatever if you sand it too much, and don't have a Dodo and haven't seen one, so can't speak to that.
 
etp777 is right, the dust is actually toxic....because of that, you have to be careful not only when sanding, but afterwards. Because the dust can settle onto/into clothing or onto work surfaces, then get disturbed later on when you aren't wearing a mask/respirator.

Jesper has a great idea: wet sanding. Again, just make sure that the "dust" that will be in the water, isn't allowed to dry and become airborn later on.

Thom
 
Ritt said:
I was thinking of taking off the clip, masking most of the clip-side scale, and taking down the G-10 just a bit with some sandpaper. Seems like a sound plan to me, but I've had better plans blow up in my face.
Click to expand...

Being excessively lazy, I was just thinking of sliding a bit of sandpaper under the clip/scale contact area and pulling. I figured the clip would push hardest against the spots where the drag was occuring.
:confused: :footinmou
 
That would certainly be the most efficient way to go. Maybe I'll try that first. I can always take more off later if I'm not happy with it. And I'd have to agree that donuts do, in fact, rule.
 
If you or the wife has one of those ScothcBrite sponges with the ruff green side, use that after wetting both the sponge and the handle. Works like a charm and does it very quickly.
 
So, first I tried the sandpaper under the clip. It did work well, but mostly left a small "bald spot" directly underneath the clip/scale contact area. Ended up taking the clip off and trying the scouring pad. It worked really well, sliding out a lot easier now, though I did end up taking down a larger area than I originally was going to. That textured G-10 is some grippy stuff, though not as bad as the Kraton inserts on the Pro-Grip clip. Thanks again for all the help!
 
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