Help? - Revive micarta scales

I

Ifellonscissors

Joined
Feb 23, 2015
Messages
264
I suppose this isn't necessarily a Busse specific question although it is in regards to one of my RMDs.

I have a Rodent 7 and a Ratmandu CG that both feel "sticky" in the hand. What I mean by that is the texture of the micarta scales PLUS the crinkle coating on the steel between the scales (bumps above the micarta a tiny bit) gives me a really good grip on both knives.

BUT my Ratmandu in INFI is different. First is all the steel is uncoated so it adds no friction and is even with the scales. Add to that, the scales are significantly smoother than my other two knives. The ridges aren't as sharp and there is less texture in general. Maybe, late at night, I fondle it too much. Wait. Did I just type that out loud???

What I am asking, I guess, is this. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on how I can improve the grippiness of the scales a bit? And should I? My first thought is to try some 100 grit sandpaper an gently rough up the surface. I am not sure how micarta would handle that. Is it more trouble than it's worth? Should I send it back to the mother ship for repair?

Anyone have some ideas?

Thanks, peeps!
 
If you have access to a bead blasting cabinet, give them a quick once over. Gave my canvas micarta handles a nice grippy feel.
 
rough them up with some sand paper. start with a higher grit than 100 more like 400 or even 600 and work your way down til you get them to your liking. if you change your mind simply work your way back up the grits and hit them with a buffer and compound.
 
Both of those sound good.

Micarta is made of linen or canvas infused with epoxy stuff so it probably doesn't have a surface that I could sand "through" to get to an inside. I am just hoping that it wouldn't be like pulling on a thread. Once I irritate all those fibers it just ends up getting worse.
 
I would first try soaking the grips in hot water with some liquid dish soap (like Dawn). Let it soak awhile and then scrub the micarta with a toothbrush. Rinse it well with hot water and dry it with a towel (and let it air dry afterwards). This will remove the oil the micarta has absorbed from your skin, and it should feel less smooth.
 
+1 for soap and brush.

I have also used a green scotch brite with dawn. Usually go this route when I buy anything used with micarta.
 
I have used full strength 'Simple Green' for cleaning. And it also "unsmooths" them a bit...;-)
 
Isopropanol should do the trick nicely but whatever you do please do not use acetone it destroys most classes of polymers like epoxy etc... so its best not to tempt fate.
 
Any grit higher than 120 will only smoothen the micarta.
As other suggested, soak in warm water and using a brush (with plastic bristles) and dish washing liquid or toothpaste and it should help.
 
The suggestions for using soap and a brush sound like this could just be a build up of oil from my hands? I'd say oil and grime but I'd like to think I am a fairly clean person.

After use in the woods all I've been doing is wiping the scales down with a hot washcloth. I wasn't sure about how wet to get the scales. Especially soaking them. Worried about water being trapped against the steel under the handle.

I use my knives and I know the warranty has me covered. But still, having something go wrong with one of my babies would be tragic!
 
Ifellonscissors said:
The suggestions for using soap and a brush sound like this could just be a build up of oil from my hands? I'd say oil and grime but I'd like to think I am a fairly clean person.

After use in the woods all I've been doing is wiping the scales down with a hot washcloth. I wasn't sure about how wet to get the scales. Especially soaking them. Worried about water being trapped against the steel under the handle.
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I cleaned an old SHBM with smooth canvas micarta the way I described, and it made a definite improvement in the feel of the grips. Water will not harm the micarta. If you're concerned about rust, use hot water (for soaking and rinsing), wipe it dry, and use a blow-dryer to dry it more if you want to be sure it is dry. Some blow-dryers get pretty hot, so don't overdo it.
 
I had similar concerns about harming micarta, but no longer. That stuff is tough. I have even soaked them overnight in full strength bleach. And even the cleanest hands will impart oils that soak into the material. Try the mild liquid soap/ Simple Green and an old toothbrush. You may be amazed at the result. CAUTION: do not reuse that brush on your teeth...;-)
 
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