Does anyone make handle scales for the CRKT Stiff KISS?

C

Chubbs

Joined
Jan 19, 2000
Messages
108
Hi there...!

I have a few CRKT Stiff KISS knives that I like to use quite a bit while backpacking and out in the fields. Since they only run about $20 apiece these days, they're quite the bargain. Currently, I have the handles paracord wrapped. I have some good size hands, so there's quite a bit of play when using these knives. So, I was wondering if anyone makes after-market handle scales for these knives that can be just screwed on. And if so, can they be had for $20 or less?(since the knives are only $20 apiece) ... I don't need anything fancy, just so that the knife handles are comfortable and fills my hands. Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...!
 
...while you're at it, the same for the NECK P.E.C.K...

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RLR
 
I don't know if he would make the scales available as an after-market screw-on option, but you may want to contact Spresser Knife Works. I had one of his Stiff Kiss models w/pinned stag scales & it was very nicely done.

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Cheers,

--+Brian+--

He who finishes with the most toys wins.

[This message has been edited by bcaffrey (edited 03-14-2000).]
 
Chubbs, sorry I don't know of any after-market handles for your knife, but it sounds like with just a few hand tools and a nice piece of wood, you would have a good do-it-yourself project. You can make a perfect fit to your hand, it would cost a lot less than $20, it would be fun, and I'm sure you can get any of your questions answered at the Shop Talk Forum. I like the idea so much I may just have to get a Stiff KISS and do one myself.
wink.gif


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"Will work 4 Knives!"
Homepage: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=254126
 
My work has been all sheathwork up until now, but I wouldn't mind doing a little project like these. I have finished tons of knives. You can see a lot of them on my webpage listed below. Click on the "Knife Kit Gallery" and you'll see a lot of my knife finish work. Looking at the Knifecenter pics I could easily do handles on the regular Stiff KISS, but the PECK looks a little more complex due to the fact that there are no holes in the front part of the handle. I would not be able to drill the hardened steel with my current setup. If I was to do the work, it would be a pinned and epoxied setup, again because drilling and countersinking everything, as well as tapping holes in hardened steel, would be a lot of work and therefore expensive. I don't do this sort of thing for a living, but I have done plenty of knife finishing and wouldn't mind a little pocket money now that I am not doing sheaths anymore. Email me if you want to talk it over. Right now for handle materials I have some great looking woods (koa, cocobolo, oak Pakkawood, green Pakkawood, stabilized walnut burl, stabilized birch burl) as well as some thick black paper Micarta and other composites. We can also arrange ordering other materials, too, but that would run you the cost plus shipping of the material from TKS, K&G or wherever. For pins you could do brass or stainless steel, and if that rear hole is 1/4" I have two types of mosaic pins that would also be a possibility.

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My Custom Kydex Sheath page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/frames.html
Palmer College of Chiropractic
On Two Wheels
agocs_s@dd.palmer.edu
Madpoet (Mel Sorg, Jr.) Tribute page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/madpoet/main.html

 
Just wanted to thank everyone for the feedback and ideas. I think I will take a crack at it and try doing my own handles on a weekend. And thanks for attaching the various netsite links. The photos served as goals and inspirations. Hope everyone has a great day...!
 
Tie the paracord to a tree or something, and wrap the handles in duct tape. I ahve some green whatever-the-army-calls-it that I borrowed from a friend that I wrapped mine with. Provides a handle with a great feel, customizeable to your hand, and useful for very many other things. Be careful though, if you don't have another primary source of tape, your handle will diminish rapidly. So far I've only dressed wounds with that duct tape...


Stryver
 
Chubbs, one other thing before you embark on this mission...check out my webpage and you will see a link in the frame that says "Knife Kit Tutorial". This is essentially a step by step process you can follow for attaching and finishing your handles. You should find information that will prve very helpful in that tutorial. Also, feel free to email me personally with any questions...

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My Custom Kydex Sheath page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/frames.html
Palmer College of Chiropractic
On Two Wheels
agocs_s@dd.palmer.edu
Madpoet (Mel Sorg, Jr.) Tribute page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/madpoet/main.html

 
I did several wood handles for the Stiff KISS a couple of years ago. If CRKT would make a version in better steel, selling for a higher price and not too-deeply discounted, it might be worth the effort to make more. At a "proportionality limit" of $25 each, I'll leave that market to somebody else who can do more of them in less time.
http://www.chaicutlery.com/crkt/crkt-woodenkiss-8large.jpg




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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
Nice work, James. Did you sell these, make them as gifts, or what? Let's see if I am learning anything about wood...from left to right:
#1 and 2- don't know.
3- cocobolo
4-some kind of laminate?
5 and 6-bocote
7- curly maple
8-looks like a good laminate, although is it desert ironwood?

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My Custom Kydex Sheath page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/frames.html
Palmer College of Chiropractic
On Two Wheels
agocs_s@dd.palmer.edu
Madpoet (Mel Sorg, Jr.) Tribute page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/madpoet/main.html

 
Thanks Chiro, James, and Stryver for the follow-ups...!

James...Those knife handles in the photo are beautiful. If those knives were going at $25 apiece, I would have swept them all up in a heartbeat! You're right about the inexpensive steel used on the Stiff KISS. That's probably why I like to use them alot, they're inexpensive enough where you can toss 'em after some thorough use and resharpening and not feel too bad about it. I think CRKT is using AUS-6 steel for quite a few of their new models this year, right?

Chiro...I got inspired after going through your webpage the other day. I really enjoyed seeing the finished project photos and your comments relating to each project. I'm kind of a handyman around the house on the weekends. So, I'll give this project a shot and refer back to your site for info. And thanks for the open invitation for any of my questions!

Stryver...I wish I knew what this green goop you have on your knife is. Army secret huh? I have tried using an electrical tool handle dip before. Basically, it's this stuff that I bought at 'Home Depot' and it comes as a thick red liquid in a tin can. You dip your tool handles into it and let it dry. And when it sets, you have a rubbery and shock resistant handle grip. You can redip it afterwards to thicken up the handles. However, after some hard use, this stuff break down and it all just peels right off...!

Thanks again everyone...! Have a great one now...!
 
From left to right:

Cocobolo
Cocobolo
Cocobolo
Wenge
Bocote
Bocote
Cocobolo (different tree!)

Wenge is an interesting wood to work with. It soaks up a lot of superglue to seal the pores. The black bands in the wood take a higher polish than the softer dark brown wood between it, giving it a lot of contrast - more interesting than most "tactical black" handles.

I sold them for $50 each, except for the one cocobolo specimen (one of the first three) that lurks on my desk. $25 for the knife, $25 for the woodwork, not enough $ for the time spent to do it again at that price.



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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
Da green stuff is just the army's version of duct tape. It's a green cloth tape slightly stickier and much stronger than duct tape.


Stryver
 
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