Recommendation? Can you "engrave" Micarta?

[btb01]

Let's say I wanted to engrave something simple, like initials, onto finished Micarta knife scales, such a Natural Canvas Micarta from GEC. Is it possible? Any thoughts on what method you might use? Has anyone done it?

I don't have much experience with anything like this, and to be honest, even if it is possible, I'd likely be hesitant to try it myself without practicing first on a piece of Micarta that wasn't already attached to a finished knife. I'm just curious if it's something that could be done, and if anyone has any experience actually doing it.

 

[David Martin]

Yes, you can engrave on micarta. My wife does scrimshaw on it all the time. DM

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Canvas Micarta might be more problematic to engrave because of the coarse canvas fibers. they would have to be cut clean.
A rotary engraver may work better than trying to cut it by hand

 

[fishface5]

The fibers on canvas micarta are tricky in this context. They prevent fine engraving from showing up clearly. I would probably draw the initials on with a marker then use a file to do the "engraving." I would do the letters in outline font rather than bold. You can then use a razor to clean up the fibers. Then you can dye the filed trenches if you want the initials to stand out more. I would try it on a fibrous piece of wood first.

 

[Mikel_24]

Whatever you do, try the process in a scrap piece of the same material. Se what works and what doesn't and then do those handle scales. I don't think you are going to get a real feel if you practice on other materials. Best of luck and show us some results!