how much heat can FRN take

[picobrain]

I have the Native with FRN handle,
if left in the car with california sun all day (repeatedly),
is the handle likely to warp or experience
other damage?

thankyou

 

[Shmackey]

I've baked mine in the oven (old Militec trick) at temps far hotter than a hot car. No problem.

For me anyway.

 

[blue8]

What does baking it in the oven do??

 

[Shmackey]

Those in the Cult of Militec-1 (I was a member and I still dabble in the arts) believe that the heat bonds the Militec to the metal or otherwise releases magical properties.

I just use FP-10 for everything now, as it's a much better cleaner and rust protector than Militec, and it seems to lube as well as anything.

But anyway, that's the idea.

 

[victory]

eezox is the best rust prevention available and a good dry lube. Look it up.

Militec is a good slippery lube, but not much else.

My cars intake manifold is FRN. I'm not worried.

 

[daverave999]

After a quick google, the lowest melting point I've found for any of the Nylons is 210°C, but I don't know which nylon is used in FRN. I don't think the glass reinforcement should affect this temperature too much.

 

[STR]

It seems to take heat pretty well. I've got some laying around in my shop from rebuilds. I may just have to find out.

I read somewhere if you want to melt FRN or any other polymere type materials real fast to just rub some insect repellent that contains DEET on you hands and then hold the knife. Apparently DEET melts the Zytel, FRN, Polymer materials. I have read that DEET can have adverse affects on Glock pistol grips also. I think if I recall correctly that the reason some companies like Fallkniven have switched to using Thermorun for handles on their outdoor knives over FRN is just for that reason. Apparently Thermorun is not affected by DEET at all. I noticed that my latests Cold Steel purchase, an Ultimate Hunter has a Thermorun handle. I must say it is nice; kind of more rubber like and not so hard as the FRN knives.

STR

 

[stevekt]

I now know why my plastic watchband was melting during ROTC training - Deep Woods Off.

 

[zenheretic]

I now know why my plastic watchband was melting during ROTC training - Deep Woods Off.

And all this time you thought you were literally "feeling the burn"

 

[shotgunner11]

Hello, This is my first post, great forums, anyway, I'm a plastics tech with a large hardware manufacturer. Most of the glass filled nylon materials are made with a standard nylon base. In most cases, the nylon can only be "melted" one time, after that, it kinda just degrades and crumbles but this still requires at least the melt temp of the material. Any normal operating conditions and temps should be well within the safe operating limits.Leave it in the car, no problem, throw it in the fire.... well.

 

[Crayola]

shotgunner11,

welcome to the forums!

I appreciate having a "plastics guy" join our forum. All the better for all of us to learn new things about knives.

I look forward to learning more from your posts!

 

[shotgunner11]

Thanks, Crayola.