Checkering on micarta... Sal?

N

Nakano 2

Joined
Jan 1, 1999
Messages
4,025
Greetings all. A friend of mine wanted to know if the micarta scales on the Calypso and/ or Calypso Jr. can be checkered. Sal, in an earlier thread on checkering steel scale models, you' ve stated that as long as it stayed within 1 mm it was okay. How about the micarta ones? The Wayne Goddards also.

L8r,
Nakano

PS- mmmm... any progress with Ms. Marx?

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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."
 
Nakano~

Just wanted to update you, so you wouldnt worry..we did finally get in touch with Ms. Marx, and "It's in the mail" as they say. Thanks for all your help with that.

Danelle
 
Nakano - I would guess the same applys to Micarta. Avoid the pins. Let me know how it comes out.
sal
 
Thanks for the update Danelle.
Sal, I don' t recall the thickness of the micarta scales. If they are at least as thick as the steel ones I will proceed with the work. I' m just a bit concerned that the cutting process might result in compromising the scales' structural integrity. I.e. sharp impact (no pun) may crack it. What do you think?

L8r,
Nakano

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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."
 
Nakano,
I had been wondering about checkering micarta myself. I suppose it would weaken the micarta only in that it will be as strong as the thinnest part of the micarta after checkering (ie the valleys in the checkering). The Calypso Jr BM seems strong enough that I doubt it would hurt it. Anything with a liner would probably be just as strong as before. I have nothing to back this up, its just conjecture. I have been more worried by the idea that the high points will be just as strong as the resin holding the fabric together. In other words I'm worried that the peaks may abrade off rather easily. Maybe if you did some sort of checkering with broad diamonds like on a mag light instead of the pyramidal stuff like you see on firearms. A nice set of narrow grooves might be nice too. Please let us know how this turns out and post pictures if possible. I can't wait to see your results.


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Paul
Keep Em Sharp


 
Nakano - I was thinking only of a light score. any depth wouold certainly weaken the structure.

Paul - Liners on folders are rarely more than .040 thick. I think you would be surprized at how easily they "bend" when not pinned or screwed together with the other componenets of the handle.

Also, strength is a relative question. Certainly the "strongest" vehicle to drive to work or school would be a "tank". The strongest knife would be 3/8" thick steel fixed blade. I haven't noticed too many tanks on the highway and how many of you carry the proverbial "tank" of a knife.
Perhaps one should try to "Compromise" and "balance" the solutions to the problems.
sal
 
Greetings Paul. I' ve had 16 lpi flat diamond and 16 lpi square checkering done on a few of my Dozier micarta fix blades and the results are magnificent! Because of the flat (sans points) pattern done, there have not been any "peaks abrading off" thus far. They provide a much more secure grip but remain comfortable with extended use. The Doziers of course have much thicker scales than the Spydies, hence my inquiries. If I decide to have them sent out for work, I will post the results. Oh yes, I have to buy them first!

For a review of my source for checkering, CHECKERMARX@compuserve.com of Ferndale, WA. please locate the following past threads:

2/ 18/ 99- "Checkering Service from CHECKERMARX- Thanks Julie Marx and Beau Springer!"

2/ 18/ 99- "Checkering of Endura 2 and on some other similar models?" Fellow forumite BCaffrey posted some favorable results on his steel Native. Enjoy!

Sal, thanks again. I ' ll proceed with caution.

L8r,
Nakano



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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."
 
Nakano2,
Thanks for the address etc. I may have to buy another Calypso Jr. and send it off for a little "texturizing"! I like what they did to that SS Native. I have always liked the Dozier fixed blades but worried about the smooth texture in the hot, humid KY summers. Keep us posted.
Paul
 
Glad to help out. Yes, although Bob and Mrs. Dozier, Linda are some of the nicest people in the knife business, and turn out great knives, their smooth micarta scales don' t lend to great useability(?). I can tell you that I carry and use my "tactical" Doziers much more often now that they have been checkered.
Some update: applying a light coat of polyurethane with a toothbrush to the checkered area( mine are partial)will eliminate the "white" color of the fibers that are exposed after being cut into. This is more for cosmetics and a degree of protection but there are NO sign of fuzzies growing out of the checkering.
Paul, should you decide to send them out, be sure to let them know of your source from these forums! Hope this helps.

L8r,
Nakano

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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."
 
Nakano
Will do. How about some pics of those Doziers? I ask even though I don't know how to do something like that, but I would love to see the results before I send a knife out.
Paul
 
Nakano - We'll supply the model for the checkering test. I'd like to try a Calypso (senior?) as it is larger and will show weakness faster. Danelle, make it so?
sal
 
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