I'm thinking about getting new scales made for my CRKT Crawford casper. Question is how to do this. I would like to do it myself but have never done anything like it. They are pretty simple but do have a relief cut in them near the front. I'm sure you guys have a lot of info on this. I just hate to retire it as I've carried it for so long.
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How to put new scales on.
- Thread starter mfi
- Start date
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- Nov 1, 2005
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- 1,592
Are you making new scales yourself? Or having them made for you? If you're having them made for you, the maker will need your knife, or a copy of the same knife on hand. After that, it should be an easy bolt on and done kinda thing. Keep in mind though that most custom scales cost quite a bit more than the original cost of that crkt of yours...depending upon materials and machining, custom scales can run easily $100 or more.
I would like to do it myself as Im pretty good at fabricating things. There are always little tricks to make it easier that people who have done it before know.Just looking for some insight. I of course will scour the web for all the info I can get. I have a pretty good shop to make things at work.
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2005
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- 1,592
That's really cool, I wish I had the means and the know-how to do stuff like that. I tinker with my knives, polishing the internals, stone washing, flame anodizing, etc., but straight up fabrication is a bit above my head. My best advice would just be to try to match the original scales the best you can and make sure you measure everything twice. Once the fabrication is done, popping them on should be easy. Make sure to post pics when you're done, we love to see these kinds of projects.
Additionally, you may have better luck getting tips and tricks from experienced fabricators in the maintenance forum. Either that or try to get a hold of some of the custom makers here and see if they have any tips. Good luck!!!
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- Jan 28, 2009
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I make G10 scales using nothing but a dremel (and a LOT of different bits 
) so if you have a shop to work with, it will definitely expedite the process. One thing I have learned is to always leave a few mm's extra all the way around the scales until all you're holes are lined up and you have done the pattern (if you decide to put one). Then screw them to the liners or a template and just sand them down. I used to shape the scales before drilling and it left no margin for error if any of the holes were slightly off. Here's a thread where I have some process pics of a recent set I did. The first picture is after shaping the scales closer to the liner...forgot to take some earlier pics. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/980028-My-Latest-G10-Work?highlight=g10+work
If you have any questions, let me know- I'd be glad to help.
) so if you have a shop to work with, it will definitely expedite the process. One thing I have learned is to always leave a few mm's extra all the way around the scales until all you're holes are lined up and you have done the pattern (if you decide to put one). Then screw them to the liners or a template and just sand them down. I used to shape the scales before drilling and it left no margin for error if any of the holes were slightly off. Here's a thread where I have some process pics of a recent set I did. The first picture is after shaping the scales closer to the liner...forgot to take some earlier pics. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/980028-My-Latest-G10-Work?highlight=g10+workIf you have any questions, let me know- I'd be glad to help.
Just ordered some small slabs of Gaboon Ebony and Cocabola. It was tough finding them in 6 X2 x 1/4. I think the hardest part will be thinning them out and getting them completely flat. shaping them will be no prob as I have a big drill press with drum sanders. I hope i can get it all back together and working right but I'm a pretty good mechanic. I wanted to do them in Black and White Ebony but couldn't find the right size slabs..I'll keep looking. Hell for 20 bucks a piece now for the knife I might do 3 of them.