Color variance in Ka-Bar Micarta?

Geektechnica

Geektechnica

Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
320
Just curious, how wide a color variance is there in the Ka-Bar micarta? The set I have for my BK12 is fairly dark with almost a reddish/brown hue. I see a lot of pics with more of a tan color, which honestly given my druthers is what I'd prefer. I know it is always a roll of the dice given the nature of the material, but if I were to order a different set, what do you think my chances would be of scoring a lighter color?

2012-07-15_22-36-18_608.jpg
 
Just clean them. The darker color/redness comes from them absorbing oil and grime from your hands. Pull them off and scrub them with a scouring pad and some dish soap... if you want them even lighter... maybe let them soak in a 10% bleach solution to brighten them up.

I actually prefer that darker look. Whenever I get a new set I actively fondle the knife for a few days... and intentionally get my hands dirty to give them that darker color. Some people use mineral oil too. That gives them that deep smooth coloring.
 
I've heard micarta will change color over time but if these are new just wash them. Are these brand new? I've never seen a set as dark as that and with as fine a finnish from the factory, they usually have a tan color with a heavy bead blast type finnish.
 
Geektechnica,

Yes, there was a short time period where there was a different phenolic. Our subcontractor experimented with another vendor in order to improve inventory and delivery times. It didn't work out so he's back to the original.
There is a visual difference but the testing showed the same performance for both products, so you shouldn't have any problems.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
 
Toooj said:
Geektechnica,

Yes, there was a short time period where there was a different phenolic. Our subcontractor experimented with another vendor in order to improve inventory and delivery times. It didn't work out so he's back to the original.
There is a visual difference but the testing showed the same performance for both products, so you shouldn't have any problems.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
Click to expand...

Toooj,

Thanks for the reply. I've got no worries in regards to quality, etc.. The fit and finish are great. Was just curious about the color as I hadn't seen any come this dark out of the box.

Keep up the great work!
 
Toooj said:
Geektechnica,

Yes, there was a short time period where there was a different phenolic. Our subcontractor experimented with another vendor in order to improve inventory and delivery times. It didn't work out so he's back to the original.
There is a visual difference but the testing showed the same performance for both products, so you shouldn't have any problems.
Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Paul Tsujimoto
Sr Eng
Prod Dev and Qual
KA-BAR Knives
Click to expand...

The Tooj has spoken. Great information. I'm about to order some micarta myself.
 
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