Grippiness of Carbon Fiber scales?

J

JSR

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Apr 4, 2006
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I have no experience with CF scales (but do have experience with CF in other products). I'm wondering if anyone knows how grippy CF scales are. Since it looks pretty smooth, I'm a bit worried about the grippiness when wet. Anyone with experiences they'd like to share?

I'm asking because I'm looking into the Lone Wolf Harsey T1 with CF scales. Looks nice, but if the CF isn't grippy, I'd rather not.

Thanks.
 
You might want to ask around about that choice ... Lone Wolf has had serious quality control problems lately. CF is very grippy with a rough finish. You might want to consider the Spyderco CF Military as an alternate.
 
This comes from the AG Russell website, regarding that knife:
Note what's in RED
Each knife measures 4" closed with a 3-1/4" tactical combo edge blade of CPM S30V stainless steel at 60-61 Rc. Available with a Cocobolo handle or Carbon Fiber handle, each textured to improve grip. Stainless pocket clip. Weighs 2.9 oz. Made in the U.S.A.
 
The few CF-handled knives I have are not very "grippy".

I guess that's why some manufacturers choose to texture
their CF, per the above post.
 
I would say it depends more on texture used.
As a material it would be probably the very same as G-10, or any other fiber reinforced epoxy.

I don't have any experience with aforementioned Lonewolf, however I can tell you that CF Spyderco Military is VERY grippy.
texture1.jpg

texture2.jpg
 
Yes, the Military's textured CF is very grippy.

The "grippiness" of CF does seem to depend on how it's designed and textured;
like many synthetics e.g. FRN.
 
Thanks for the info guys! So, new question then...

Anyone know the grippiness of the Lone Wolf Harsey T1? I know it says textured, but actual user experience is always better than an internet description.

Also, anyone have any info on the QC issues Native Justice mentioned?

Thanks! (and I hope everyone had a good x-mas).
 
the 'usual' CF feels somewhere in between SS, FRN and smooth G10

the latest textured "peel-ply"-CF is said to be as grippy as rough G10

denn
 
Native Justice said:
You might want to ask around about that choice ... Lone Wolf has had serious quality control problems lately. CF is very grippy with a rough finish. You might want to consider the Spyderco CF Military as an alternate.
Click to expand...
Double ditto. I'll never buy another Lone Wolf product, and my carbon fiber Spyderco Military is one of my favorite EDCs...light, strong, very "grippy".
 
The Lone Wolf knives are probably past their quality control problems, and the shape of the Harsey handle negates any slickness of the carbon fiber. I have a small gentleman's knife with the older carbon fiber that looks and feels like glass. Lone Wolf's is nothing like that.
 
If in doubt, have the online dealer actually inspect your knife,
make sure that he looks for lock up, and that the scales line up with the liners. I'm pretty sure none of them will mind if it will make a sale.
Good Luck!
 
I just ordered a benchmade 210 today, I'll tell you how grippy it is when I get it in.
 
Between my Manix G-10 and my Military carbon fiber, I find my Manix have a better grip. Maybe it is because of the texture of the G-10 but I just can feel the difference and the G-10 has a bit more "bite" to it.
 
mauiblue said:
Between my Manix G-10 and my Military carbon fiber, I find my Manix have a better grip. Maybe it is because of the texture of the G-10 but I just can feel the difference and the G-10 has a bit more "bite" to it.
Click to expand...

There is no inherent difference between G10 and carbon fiber laminates when it comes to "grippiness". Both materials are fiber reinforced epoxy. The glass fibers and carbon fibers are both encapsulated in the epoxy resin. The grippiness of both depends on how they are processed. It is the processing that gives them the surface finish that makes them "grippy" or "slippery".
 
knarfeng said:
There is no inherent difference between G10 and carbon fiber laminates when it comes to "grippiness". Both materials are fiber reinforced epoxy. The glass fibers and carbon fibers are both encapsulated in the epoxy resin. The grippiness of both depends on how they are processed. It is the processing that gives them the surface finish that makes them "grippy" or "slippery".
Click to expand...



yep, thats correct imho, it depends on the finish more than anything, CF with the right finish and a good handle shape is as secure as anything imho.
 
I purchased the T2 while on a recent visit to the US. Also bought the Spyderco Military (S30V blade, G10 scales, without liners).

The T2 has the full grind blade and the black carbon fiber (zytel?) scales. I have not had the opportunity to test the knives to any degree but I have handled and carried both. I do not think you will have a problem with the 'grippiness' of the T2 scales. Reasons: I wet the knife and tried using it. While any wet knife will be less 'grippable' it will not slip from your hand - just hold it tighter (chuckle - sorry). But, my main reason for confidence in the grip is that the scales are just that - scales. They do not envelope the knife handle like the BM Griptilian for example. The liners are thick and strong and the handle is quite square and has gripping serrations. All this adds up to a knife that sits firmly in the hand. I like the T2 as an EDC (tip down, 4 inch blade, strong lock, deep finger choil, stromng build, S30V blade, cuts cleanly etc). Downside is silver (matt finish) clip which is easily visible in work trousers. It does not exude any panache, but it is an excellent basic EDC.

Slightly off-subject, but someone brought up the Spyderco Military, I am not too confident in the lack of steel liners, but then I understand that this knife was designed to be light enough for a soldier to pack along with all his/her other kit and was not intended for 1st line self-defence. For civilian EDC I am a little concerned about the strength of the knife, but then I felt the same about the Glock pistols when they first hit the market.....

You won't have any regrets about the T2 - it's a great knife.
 
no liners in the millie bothered me too but i have had several with no probs, i suppose that G10 is tougher than we give it credit for being?

the spydie starmate has no liners either IIRC.
 
SIFU1A said:
i suppose that G10 is tougher than we give it credit for being?
Click to expand...

I have beaten on a Vaquero Grande for years and it has a Zytel handle that has never come close to failing me.

Steel snobs, handle snobs, what else is new? :D

We just want the best, nothing wrong with that, but sometimes we have step back and remember that simple materials will get the basic job done just fine.
 
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