Grippy scales for Kapara?

T

ToddM

Joined
Oct 2, 1998
Messages
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Recently picked up a Kapara in 20cv, and it came with black linen micarta scales but they are pretty shiny/slick, and didn't come with the original G10 unfortunately. Between the thin/small handle and the slick scales I can't say I'm a fan of how it feels in the hand. That said I really like the blade shape so before I catch and release I thought I'd see if anyone has found aftermarket options for grippy scales for the Kapara? I see Rips Garage lists some canvas micarta scales for them, but wasn't sure if they'd add that much more grip esp. since they add another 35% to the knife investment. Searched old posts but none of them really talked about grip.

Thanks in advance
 
Hi, Todd. I have a set of CF and a set of the 20cv scales.
I have both, custom "fragged".. not cross fragged, but straight lines grooved in..
Also a set of the stock 20cv scales. (I went micarta on 2 of mine)
But... Before you go a different route...
It sounds like the micarta scales are used?

You can lightly sand them, back to grippy.. or I've had good luck with a wire brass "paintbrush" in a dremel. A brass wire wheel might work as well.

This is a Shaman I cleaned up. Mechanic/construction worker owned. Grease, oil, 2 part epoxy, liquid nail, and rubber roofing..
https://imgur.com/wIsDArf
https://imgur.com/i2m8G0c
cleaned up and micarta "sanded"
https://imgur.com/LuiMi1Q
https://imgur.com/6RAkzok
soft and grippy, afterwards
 
That's a great cleanup! I think it helps that those look like canvas micarta and in my experience those are the most grippy compared to paper/linen. I did think about hitting them with some sandpaper or a wire brush etc. so that's worth a shot. I don't think they are heavily used the knife itself is pristine, so I'm guessing they came this way. If I knew someone with a bead/sand blaster I'd try that. I know handle scales vary from batch to batch even with the same material.
 
ToddM said:
That's a great cleanup! I think it helps that those look like canvas micarta and in my experience those are the most grippy compared to paper/linen. I did think about hitting them with some sandpaper or a wire brush etc. so that's worth a shot. I don't think they are heavily used the knife itself is pristine, so I'm guessing they came this way. If I knew someone with a bead/sand blaster I'd try that. I know handle scales vary from batch to batch even with the same material.
Click to expand...
They are the stock Spyderco, micarta scales. Not sure what they are made out of.

Can you post pics of your scales?
 
Per the seller these are Rips Garage Linen micarta. I actually did try hitting them with some 100 grit and a stainless brush and scrubbing them clean in hot/soapy water. It did help but still pretty slippery, I think there's only so much texture that can be teased out of the linen micarta compared to canvas. It also just might be my hand doesn't like the handle shape. Love the blade though.

IMG_3900.jpeg
 
I installed Ripp's Garage gray Tero Tuf scales and they are not only grippy but also great looking.
 
I tried a pair of Ripp's canvas hoping they would have more texture, and they do a bit, but are still very slippery compared to something like peel ply G10. I think it might just be a poor fit for my hand with the handle being so narrow top to bottom and no jimping at all on the liners, blade etc. Sometimes you find one that just doesn't want to sit in your hand well.
 
ToddM said:
I tried a pair of Ripp's canvas hoping they would have more texture, and they do a bit, but are still very slippery compared to something like peel ply G10. I think it might just be a poor fit for my hand with the handle being so narrow top to bottom and no jimping at all on the liners, blade etc. Sometimes you find one that just doesn't want to sit in your hand well.
Click to expand...
I too bought the RGT canvas (natural) scales and found they greatly improved the knife's traction. As with you, however, the Kapara's fit to my hand is not great, and I'll carry the knife more in an EDC capacity, without the expectation of using it for any serious work. Still, the new scales have proven greatly transformative and the knife doesn't feel as if it'll easily fly right out of my old arthritic hand. Ripp's scales have turned this into a keeper, rather than a knife I thought about selling every time I picked it up.

1677351378206.jpeg
 
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I also put RGT scales on my 20CV Kapara. Huge improvement in grip. I got red linen micarta scales and to me they are very grippy, wouldn't want the finish to be any coarser. I like the knife a lot, might be my favorite Spyderco, but my use is probably pretty light compard to some here. I have plenty of other tools around for the heavy stuff, so the Kapara fills my needs quite well.
 
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