Recommendation? Can wood inlay get wet?

S

SuzukiGS750EZ

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Dec 30, 2008
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I have a spalted beech inlay large 21. Can it get wet/ sweaty? What damages them? I've seen photos of warped inlays and would like to avoid that!
 
Yes. It probably should't soak, but it wouldn't be much of a user if it couldn't be wet and washed when dirty.
 
If wood or any organic materials aren’t stabilized they can get wet and warp. Stabilizing, usually resin based such as wood laminate, micarta, g10 and carbon fiber will be resistant to any liquids. That’s why a lot of outdoorsman like micarta, g10 and synthetic handle materials. There are some stabilized solid wood handle slabs but they can be pricey.
 
I would think prolonged use in wet conditions where the wood stayed damp and didn't have time to dry out would cause warping. I wouldn't use one under water or for a boat knife, but to carry and use on a daily basis should be fine. Washing or rinsing the knife every once in a while shouldn't cause it to warp.
 
And what about the adhesive? I can see some through holes in the titanium. Can anything get under that and work it loose?
 
The bonding is practically permanent for anything you would ever want to put even a hard use knife through. They can be incredibly difficult to remove even intentionally
 
It's my understanding that wood inlays ARE stabelized, which should not make dampness or sweat an issue.
 
I’d use it and not worry. It should be stabilized coming from CRK. I’d be really really shocked if anything would ever happen like it peeling off or warping. I just don’t see it happening unless you purposely leave it soaking in a water bath for a day or two.
 
I remember reading a thread a while ago about the beech. Somebody had issues with sweat making the wood swell and eventually it came off the knife. I remember vaguely somebody saying that CRK made a bad choice in that wood. Would make sense as to why it was one of the last few 21's I was able to find this year. I love the look but don't want to purposely damage it. I do have a red micarta large inkosi insingo
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
And what about the adhesive? I can see some through holes in the titanium. Can anything get under that and work it loose?
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The 3M adhesive tape on the inlays are more susceptible to solvents like naphtha and stronger. If you're in the habit of putting your knives in the dishwasher, yeah, probably going to have a problem. But for an occasional damp cloth wipe down after using, not going to have a problem.
 
I've been using a small Spalted Beech 21 for over a year now without any issues with the inlays. In fact, they seem to resist water more than the Macassar Ebony scales on my 31. After a bit of use with sweaty hands the Macassar inlays would have a slightly "soft" feel on the very surface of the inlays which goes away after a little while of non-use (drying). Never felt that texture change with the Beech inlays. I think the stabilizing of the Beech introduces more resin, making them less wood overall than other inlays, to the point of them a bit translucent.

I think your inlays will be fine as long as you don't go to extremes to abuse them. ;)
 
Being glued to a Ti slab "stabilizes" it and will keep it from warping.
 
Barry H said:
The wood inlays are not glued. CRK uses a double sided adhesive tape to adhere the inlays. There are several of threads regarding this.
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Well to me that’s “gluing” the inlay down, first with adhesive on one side for the wood and second adhesive side is used to glue it to Ti, thus the wood is glued in place and itain’t goin anywhere :)
 
I would also assume they come stabilized and that if anything CRK might replace the inlay under warranty if it were ever to warp or anything under normal use.

I’m sure they’d be happy to answer this question if we called.
 
I've had the beech inlays warp away from the handle on a Mnandi. It was a light duty knife for me, and I never let it get wet. I sent it back for repair twice. It was extremely disappointing as I loved that knife.
 
Almost a year ago I had to super glue the end of this inlay back down, it kept lifting slightly and I wanted to take care of it before anything could get under there and make it worse. No issues since!

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