Coming full circle on handle finishes

Misanthropia

Misanthropia

Joined
Jul 10, 2011
Messages
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Guys, I think I done goofed:

In the beginning stages of my lust for CRK knives, I always thought I would prefer the appearance of the scotchbrite finish, especially on the Wilson Combat models: the two tone finish looked so attractive in pictures, and it promised a solution to the endless pocketwear that comes with the blasted finish. So I ended up with a Startac and a Starbenza, both of which were then scotchbrited. And I was happy for a while...

Until I received a micarta/tanto Sebenza, which had the original blasted finish, and it finally clicked. What my knives were lacking was a contrast in colors; with the scotchbrite, the shade of grey of the handle and blade are just too similar. It becomes boring. The dark blasted appearance provides such a nicer contrast between handle and blade, which accentuates both. The added grip is much appreciated as well.

Anyone else come full circle when it comes to CRK handle finishes? Looks like it's going to be time soon for mine to be sent in to be reblasted, although I'm not sure I can part with them for that long!

P.S. - is there a charge for reblasting the handles? I keep finding conflicting information.
 
We are never quite satisfied are we?:D

I too have had several changes of heart when it comes to the finishes. I have bought and sold a scotchbrited BG42 small Reg, I had a large Insingo sent to Randy Johnson to have him "nuke" it--it was a brilliant job and amazing finish, but ultimately sold it.

I have finally come to the conclusion that my absolute favorite finish is the standard blasted finish on the plain Jane models and then allowing it to "earn its stripes" as in this small Insingo:

 
Misanthropia said:
Guys, I think I done goofed:

In the beginning stages of my lust for CRK knives, I always thought I would prefer the appearance of the scotchbrite finish, especially on the Wilson Combat models: the two tone finish looked so attractive in pictures, and it promised a solution to the endless pocketwear that comes with the blasted finish. So I ended up with a Startac and a Starbenza, both of which were then scotchbrited. And I was happy for a while...

Until I received a micarta/tanto Sebenza, which had the original blasted finish, and it finally clicked. What my knives were lacking was a contrast in colors; with the scotchbrite, the shade of grey of the handle and blade are just too similar. It becomes boring. The dark blasted appearance provides such a nicer contrast between handle and blade, which accentuates both. The added grip is much appreciated as well.

Anyone else come full circle when it comes to CRK handle finishes? Looks like it's going to be time soon for mine to be sent in to be reblasted, although I'm not sure I can part with them for that long!

P.S. - is there a charge for reblasting the handles? I keep finding conflicting information.
Click to expand...

The last time I sent my Sebenza in for sharpening they re-blasted it at not charge...iirc it is a standard no cost procedure.
 
Misanthropia said:
Guys, I think I done goofed:

In the beginning stages of my lust for CRK knives, I always thought I would prefer the appearance of the scotchbrite finish, especially on the Wilson Combat models: the two tone finish looked so attractive in pictures, and it promised a solution to the endless pocketwear that comes with the blasted finish. So I ended up with a Startac and a Starbenza, both of which were then scotchbrited. And I was happy for a while...

Until I received a micarta/tanto Sebenza, which had the original blasted finish, and it finally clicked. What my knives were lacking was a contrast in colors; with the scotchbrite, the shade of grey of the handle and blade are just too similar. It becomes boring. The dark blasted appearance provides such a nicer contrast between handle and blade, which accentuates both. The added grip is much appreciated as well.

Anyone else come full circle when it comes to CRK handle finishes? Looks like it's going to be time soon for mine to be sent in to be reblasted, although I'm not sure I can part with them for that long!

P.S. - is there a charge for reblasting the handles? I keep finding conflicting information.
Click to expand...

Just shipping.
 
Not full circle yet - I'm just getting into this. I can say that I did not like the micarta inlays at all in the beginning. This is despite the fact that I was familiar with micarta (used for guarding, guides, ways, etc.) from my days as an engineer in a manufacturing facility. I've turned it a short time. I now like the utilitarian look and properties of it. I now own a large and small Insingo micarta Sebenzas....The micarta I was familiar with (the tinners loved it) was red color. That might look nice as an inlay.
 
Hmmm.. this is a very interesting thread!! :thumbup: as you all may or may not know my preference is for the plain jane version when it comes to Chris Reeve Knives.. as I have often noted the CGG, Decorated and Unique versions are beautiful! And some of the wood inlays are stunning!! But I am not a fan of either with the possible exception, ok definitely.. the Special Edition's (Annuals) I recently had the extreme pleasure of being the temporary custodian of two Small annuals and one Large and I must admit the one piece wood inlay on the "Regular" frame was in my humble opinion near perfection!! :thumbup: But I digress... as I said I prefer the plain finish but what I would really like is not now and probably never going to be offered.. and that would be a blasted then stonewashed finish!! After having aquired a few custom knives with this finish I have to say, for me anyway.. it is not only beautiful but very functional for a every day carry knife. While I am mostly a collecter I do like being able to handel my knives and yes carry them without worrying about screwing up the finish on the knives and with a well done stonewashed finish you can do that. Anyway thats my two cents worth.
All the best, Dave
 
MostMenAreRuthless said:
We are never quite satisfied are we?:D

I too have had several changes of heart when it comes to the finishes. I have bought and sold a scotchbrited BG42 small Reg, I had a large Insingo sent to Randy Johnson to have him "nuke" it--it was a brilliant job and amazing finish, but ultimately sold it.

I have finally come to the conclusion that my absolute favorite finish is the standard blasted finish on the plain Jane models and then allowing it to "earn its stripes" as in this small Insingo:

Click to expand...

To me, that handle looks perfect and is now exactly what I want mine to look like! Also, the stonewash on that looks much more coarse and aggressive than mine. Hmm...
 
Misanthropia said:
To me, that handle looks perfect and is now exactly what I want mine to look like! Also, the stonewash on that looks much more coarse and aggressive than mine. Hmm...
Click to expand...

Mine is an early 11' model and I think the stonewash media they have used on later models is a bit finer. Although, some of that stonewash is just lighting--it does look quite aggressive in the pics, but doesn't look as aggressive in person.
 
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