Hi Krizzard,
Sorry for the slow response on this one. Today has been very busy. I had to wait till I got home to answer posts here.
Regarding Kraton: It is a great material, noted for being extra "grippy." We have, though, seen a few knives with deteriorated Kraton. I don't know specifically why, but there are a couple of possibilities and educated guesses on my part. One is chemical interaction. Maybe something like petroleum products (like gas) or detergents begin eating at it, breaking the material down. The other possibility is extreme heat. If someone leaves it in their car and lives in a hot climate where temperatures are maybe in the 90's or 100's, the inside of the car becomes and "oven," again breaking down the Kraton material.
It is also susceptible to damage through "cutting" type accidents. If something very sharp comes in contact with it, Kraton is soft enough to be damaged.
Now, if I've just talked anyone out of this material, listen up. What I've outlined is meant in
extreme conditions.
Kraton is outstanding handle material to use and to grip! I can't say it any clearer or bolder than that. To ruin Kraton, you really have to have gone too far. It does not require being "babied." It just required being prudent. Don't light it on fire. Keep extreme chemicals away from it. Don't leave it for long periods of time in that "oven" of a car during the height of summer.
Kraton will serve you well!
------------------
Ron Andersen
Consumer Services Manager
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc.
Website:
www.sogknives.com / Email:
ron@sogknives.com
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