Esee 4 Aftermarket Scales Discussion

[RemyKaze]

Nope. Micarta does not change from repetitive washing. It just doesn't.

Dude, it's the toothpaste that's abrasive, not the toothbrush. Micarta might get smoother with use and wear, but it's not like a toothbrush is going to polish it flat. I use toothbrushes to clean parts of firearms that are hard to reach, and darn sure wouldn't do that if it was abrasive! Hell, if toothbrushes were going to flatten stuff, I wouldn't use one on my teeth!

If you just wash micarta with soap and water, there is no way you are going to break it down, or smooth it out, or change it's structure whatsoever. Just use dawn and water. The color will come right back and it will NOT smooth it out. Not even using a toothbrush.

In fact, it's been my experience that the aggressiveness of the texture of micarta comes back after you wash the oil off. The oil clogs it up, washing it removes the oil and makes it grippy again.

Enjoy your new scales!

I wash mine by hand with soap and water, and they look brand new every time, except for the scuffs. I agree with this. Only something that can wear down/abrade epoxy or say plastic would have an effect on micarta. Such as sandpaper, files, and solvents(which would weaken the integrity).

 

[Krissig12]

Holy crap! I totally forgot about this thread......

Might as well throw in an update on the scales..... I took em off

Yeah I know, but looks of the knife without the pommel never grew on me. The second I put the originals back on, it felt like an ESEE 4 again:thumbup:

The grass is not always greener, I guess....

Don't get me wrong, I still think the scales are great. Maybe I'll put them back on again sometime in the future for the sake of variety.

 

[craytab]

Holy crap! I totally forgot about this thread......

Might as well throw in an update on the scales..... I took em off

Yeah I know, but looks of the knife without the pommel never grew on me. The second I put the originals back on, it felt like an ESEE 4 again:thumbup:

The grass is not always greener, I guess....

Don't get me wrong, I still think the scales are great. Maybe I'll put them back on again sometime in the future for the sake of variety.

I took a set off my Esee 5. The fit and finish as great but I just liked the originals more.

 

[RemyKaze]

Holy crap! I totally forgot about this thread......

Might as well throw in an update on the scales..... I took em off

Yeah I know, but looks of the knife without the pommel never grew on me. The second I put the originals back on, it felt like an ESEE 4 again:thumbup:

The grass is not always greener, I guess....

Don't get me wrong, I still think the scales are great. Maybe I'll put them back on again sometime in the future for the sake of variety.

How are the contours on those handles anyway? I wanted to pick up some new pants for the Junglas and 3 I have. I've done too much work on the Izulas and 6 to switch scales though.

 

[Krissig12]

They're pretty nice scales. I remember they were very comfortable in hand, and they widened the grip on the 4 pretty significantly.

 

[Boxer .45]

I bought some TKC scales for my ESEE 3 & 4 and they were off exactly like that on both pair, but it doesn't bother me, here's why. They are probably cut with computer aided drafting (CAD) software and their measurements are a little off from one side to the other, but it's really an easy fix. I used an old sharpening stone coarse/fine and used the coarse side until they were nearly perfect, then fine sanded them until they were, then got some gun oil, I'm sure you could use machine or motor oil- but I'd stay away from WD40), rub the oil on for a minute or two, then buff it until it's gone. It's all fixed, doesn't mess up the grips, and the finish is protected just as before. Hope this helps!