CRK scale marks!!!

C

capoblades

Joined
Nov 11, 2023
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Does anybody have any tricks for buffing out the constant marks/scuffs on their Chris Reeve knives titanium handle scales?

I’ve got a Large Sebenza 31, Inkosi with insingo blade and a tanto Umnumzaan all with the sand blasted titanium. I pocket carry them with sometimes just my cellphone in a rubber case in my pocket. I’m noticing scuffs on all of them now. Very frustrating.

Just looking for some ideas. Of course I could leather sheath them but I’m more of a conceal carry type.
 
It's the nature of the finish on these that they're gonna snail trail. Now, after a couple of years, a beautiful thing happens... The whole knife takes on a dull sheen and snail trails become a thing of the past. You can fake a couple of years' wear with a scotch Brite pad, but I prefer letting it happen naturally. In the below picture, the knife on the right has been carried almost every day for about 2 and a half years, the left one just started to get worked into my carry yesterday.IMG_20240112_130019055.jpg
 
I would just leave them alone. They grow on you. When selling it is unlikely the cost to send it in will be less then the discount for the marks-but it is decission to be made at that time.
Some have scotch brited the scales but it does come with potential to void the warranty
Others like the marks so much they create a marked finsh(nuke)
 
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capoblades said:
The sponging will void the warranty??
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If you are refering to my scotch brite cmment.
Iong ago I have had scotch brited Sebenzas worked on and refinshed.
But I have heard that they will not work on some(case by case basis). Scotch brite is an abrasive pad that takes down the finish, bur it can also round the crisp edges. They do not want people thinking that is how they are putting out their product.
 
Peter Hartwig said:
If you are refering to my scotch brite cmment.
Iong ago I have had scotch brited Sebenzas worked on and refinshed.
But I have heard that they will not work on some(case by case basis). Scotch brite is an abrasive pad that takes down the finish, bur it can also round the crisp edges. They do not want people thinking that is how they are putting out their product.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the heads up
 
capoblades said:
Does anybody have any tricks for buffing out the constant marks/scuffs on their Chris Reeve knives titanium handle scales?

I’ve got a Large Sebenza 31, Inkosi with insingo blade and a tanto Umnumzaan all with the sand blasted titanium. I pocket carry them with sometimes just my cellphone in a rubber case in my pocket. I’m noticing scuffs on all of them now. Very frustrating.

Just looking for some ideas. Of course I could leather sheath them but I’m more of a conceal carry type.
Click to expand...
I’m gonna have to vary from my CRK homies and admit I do feel the finish on their scales could be more durable and better at not having or hiding snail trails. I actually appreciate a good finish that does a good job hiding wear n tear. And the CRK’s definitely show wear and tear the easiest and most prevalent of all my ti folders.

However, it’s no deal breaker and in full disclosure I am a crk newb just getting started so that opinion could certainly change. I do see the other side of appreciating a well worn in knife and one thing I have quickly learned is that crk’s only get better with age and use. And I do think the finish on the blade is excellent and does a good job hiding signs of use.
 
The obvious answer is to send the knife back to CRK so they can recondition the handle scales, I believe they glass bead them. Once that is done cover both handle scales in duct tape. Use as many layers as you feel is necessary and reapply as needed. This way your handle scales stay pristine! Problem solved.


Edit: I forgot something wonderful about going with duct tape to protect your titanium handles, Duct tape comes in different colors! You can change the look of your knife with a simple layer of colored duct tape.
 
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WedgeAntilles said:
I don't mind the snail trails, but I really live the glass blasted finish for fit and feel, and it's nicer on the fabric of my pants. I think it's a worthwhile upgrade, and have been working through getting it added to most of my CRKs.
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What’s the lead time on sending them in for the bead finish? Any idea? Thanks
 
I’m embracing the snail trails as they accumulate now. I took a softer type of sponge and wet it. Then I gently rubbed the harder side of the sponge on the shoe side of the knife. It got a little bit smoother but the trails still started showing up. Only way to keep these pristine is to leave them in the box. That, I just can’t do.
 
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