Finishing G10

A

axeldoomeyer

Joined
Dec 31, 2005
Messages
87
Well I started making a knife handle the other day with G10 and let me tell you. I have done a lot of reading about this stuff, and in every post that talks about it everyone mentions how hazardous the material is. No one metioned that the stuff is harder than wood pecker lips :D . Any way I was cutting it on my scroll saw and this is the hardest materal that I have ever cut, excluding steel. Three blades later I made the cut that I needed. Any way, I have been sanding it down and I have taken it to 600 grit. It looks really good. But I do have one question which may seem stupid but it is one thing that no one ever mentions about G10. Does it need to be sealed? For instance, I would use a tung oil or some sort of clear coat on a wood to finish, do I need to do anything for the G10?
 
I've never sealed G10...its solid and basically should have anything like pores or anything to seal.

Nasty stuff to grind and sand.....
 
That is what I thought. I have sanded to 600 and polished it. It looks cool. :) Thanks for the info guys. I really like the look and it seems really durable. The handle might outlast the knife!
 
next time cut it with a bi-metal blade...better yet, on a bandsaw.

Think to yourself..."I am cutting glass, I am cutting glass"...helps the time go by easier. :D :p

You can use WD-40 after you're done sanding to give it a "cleaner" look.
 
Thanks Daniel, I will keep that in mind. I didn't realize how tough this stuff is. I will have to try the WD-40 trick. Thanks for the tips.
 
I cut some on my bandsaw last week using a bi-metal blade and this stuff seems to like blades.
 
axeldoomeyer said:
Well I started making a knife handle the other day with G10 and let me tell you. I have done a lot of reading about this stuff, and in every post that talks about it everyone mentions how hazardous the material is. No one metioned that the stuff is harder than wood pecker lips :D . Any way I was cutting it on my scroll saw and this is the hardest materal that I have ever cut, excluding steel. Three blades later I made the cut that I needed. Any way, I have been sanding it down and I have taken it to 600 grit. It looks really good. But I do have one question which may seem stupid but it is one thing that no one ever mentions about G10. Does it need to be sealed? For instance, I would use a tung oil or some sort of clear coat on a wood to finish, do I need to do anything for the G10?
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Exactly I have some Andrew and John demco signed digicam scales can I seal the signatures?
 
I have nano oil but I can't imagine the ink is going to survive over time if I don't seal it! The knife community has a few if not many brain surgeons come on guys hook me up.
 
Georgedino said:
Exactly I have some Andrew and John demco signed digicam scales can I seal the signatures?
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OK you have a signed scale. That means that you have ink on top of G10. When you use the scales the ink will wear off.
If you want to prefent that you need something clear that goes over the ink. Usualy G10 is not finished like that and I don't think you'll be able to get good results.
A long shot would be a super glue finish
 
Most permanent way to preserve would be to cast the scales in clear resin and shape them that way.

As Hengelo mentioned, CA would be easier, but it will eventually wear through use.
 
Hengelo_77 said:
OK you have a signed scale. That means that you have ink on top of G10. When you use the scales the ink will wear off.
If you want to prefent that you need something clear that goes over the ink. Usualy G10 is not finished like that and I don't think you'll be able to get good results.
A long shot would be a super glue finish
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Ya I completely get that that's why I asked. The super glue seems like a great idea, thank you.
 
Thanks guy's I appreciate your help I have 5 demco slims 2 with digicam scales and third set of digicam scales are signed but not on a knife. I have a yellow grivory ad20s I should maybe switch stuff around or in your opinion with knife makers should I just go with the super glue and use them? I'm new to knifes are signed scales even worth holding onto or should I just use them? Let me have it don't hold back.
 
They’re only worth something if someone else is willing to pay for them. Sounds like a wise guy remark, but it’s true. No idea personally if they hold any real value.

If you’re concerned about it I would leave them off the knife and continue to use it as is. If you use them or cover them in CA, any potential value they have/had will be destroyed. Really comes down to just your personal preference. Good luck!
 
What about using something like truoil to help seal in the color? I agree wd40 is simpler and works fine which is what I typically use, but mainly to just clean it off. Plus G10 should dark with use over time from being handled right?
 
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