Custom BK10 Crewman

Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
21
I have a buddy who bought a BK10 several months back. I love the knife, all but the handle. Is there anybody here who has or could put a micarta handle on one? Possibly something like the Camo micarta that was for sale a while back. Finger grooves, some good texture etc...

Thanks in advance fellas
 
It is my understanding that Camillus will make available the micarta slabs from the soon to be introduced Extreme line. And, that these are a direct replacement for the scales on the regular line.
By the way, the current plastic scales are available, very inexpensively, as a separate purchase. That means it's OK to experiment.
I had my scales - glass bead blasted, locally. These scales are very tough so sandblasting would work fine also. It took two different types of bead and some amount of time to get the texture I was looking for. Expect to pay a small sum for this service. See a picture under an older post of mine in the Camillus forum. (use the advanced search feature)
Another option is to thin the scales - it has been reported that this makes for a very usable handle. Sand the inside part of the slabs (the side that mates with the tang) taking off 1/16" to 1/8". Tape a piece of sandpaper to a smooth flat surface (like glass or mirror) and rub the scales along the sandpaper to remove a little material from each.
Additionally there are a number of coatings you could apply to the scales to add texture:
spray on bedliner in a can from Walmart
texture paint
plasti-dip
use your imagination
Some people have cord wrapped the tang - some the scales.
Mix and match the above ideas to come up with your own unique solution.
At least a couple of members have fashioned their own scales - this can be a lot of work and why you will probably find that having a custom set of scales made for you is, a little expensive.
 
What don't you like about them? Texture? Size? Looks?

wrapping the handles of beckers with "athletic tape" is popular. That takes care of the slippery feeling.

I like them as come from the factory just fine. If anything I might rough it up with some course sand paper.
 
I'm not a big fan of the looks, or the texture. I would like something comparable to the linen micarta in a CR Green Beret. Does anybody do that here? I'm sure SOMEBODY has the capabilty... :D
 
Yeah, a nice grey and black or green and black micarta would really dress beckers up. Finger grooves are nice if they fit your grip exactly.

I have no idea how to make micarta, but I guess if it was easy and cheap all the knives would have it.
 
I bought enough micarta from these guys http://www.texasknife.com/ to put handles on my BK2 and BK11 with plenty left over for screw ups. You can get it small handle size slab (1.5"x5") or by a piece (5''x12''). They come in 1/8 and 1/4 thickness and a bunch of colors.

Biscuits
 
Got any pics? I am probably too artistic in mind but HORRIBLY artistic in skill, if you know what I mean. But, for the cost of the micarta pieces, it may be a fun little challenge at very little expense.
 
I wish.
I 'm living in Colorado and my wife is still back in Texas. I bought it last time I went home to see her. I'm without my garage here, but I've been so busy at work I'm not sure it would matter. The bottom line is thay I haven't had the time to play with it. I'll send you (or post) some photos once I've done the work (probably sometime after July 4th).

The guy behind the counter sat working with it was no big deal. You cut and finish (read sand) it like it was wood.

Biscuits
 
That looks great, recondo:)
Green canvas micarta? I was thinking of making something along those lines, but thinking is as far as I've taken it...
 
Yes indeed, it does look nice. I guess I should have done a little more research on the subject prior to the post, with the Extreme line coming out...SOMETIME. Thanks fellas
 
I know what you mean about the handles, I was skeptical at first. But after trying them, you may like them. I love mine stock, I rubbed them with sandpaper but don't notice any difference. If you use your knives like I've used mine, then by the time you get it covered in mud and so forth, the only thing about the handle that will probably matter is the shape. I'd try them stock before comtemplating changing them. I might consider the scales from the Extreme line, though. But these are just opinions, see what works for you.
 
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