How well do CF scales handle EDC ?

J

John Frederick

Joined
Apr 17, 2001
Messages
491
I am considering a new EDC folder that will have Carbon Fiber scales. I'd like some feedback from some of you who have used a CF knife on a daily basis. How does it hold up? Does the finish get dull from constant retrieval? How easily does it scratch and do the scratches look bad? I'm mostly interested in how it compares to G10 for a handle material. Thanks for any rsponses.:)
 
I have been carrying a CF handled folder for about 6 months and it has held up extremely well. No scuffs, no scratches. I do not work at a job that would beat it up to badly, but in my experience it does a fine job.
 
Carbon Fiber, is a really tought material. I used to own a SOG Jetedge, and that handle took lots of abuse. Not to mention its great looking !! :)
 
Forgot to mention, compared to G-10, I'll always choose G-10. Not sure of the physical comparison between the two, but there is just something about a good rough textured G-10 handle, maybe its just me...
 
I've carried a Microtech Lightfoot off and on for almost a year and I've yet to notice any marks at all on the carbon fiber scales. Personally I think carbon fiber is more durable than G10(which is nothing more than fiberglass). Hmmm..I wonder if you could bead blast carbon fiber to give it a texture, I've re-textured G10 that way...does anyone know?
 
my wife carries a CF CRKT M16-00 all the time for over a year, w/no wear on the handles, really , at all - and the CF on the CRKT's has kind of a cats tongue texture, kinda sticky, hard to describe, but not at all slick - i wouldnt be worried about wear on CF handles, but have heard that the CF handled REKAT SIFU's are like laminated they arent solid CF - i dont know how well that will hold up i have never seen a CF SIFU to check it out, but have heard that about them - any one got any info on that particular one??


sifu
 
CF is much stronger than G-10. Not only will it resist abrasion better, it will add to the strength of the knife as compared to G-10. CF can be textured, but I am unsure as to whether it gets as grippy as G-10. Thanks to Darrel Ralph giving me his reasons why he prefers CF over G-10, I will opt for CF from now on.
 
You can rough up CF with sandpaper or a Scotchbrite pad if it is too slick.
CF may be stronger, but it's not tougher. It will chip on edges, and around pins or screws.
Both of my daily carry knives have CF scales, and I like the way it feels and looks, but think that G-10 is a better choice for knives that are going to get knocked around alot. Textured G-10 gives a more secure grip, too.
I like CF, micarta, and G-10, but think G-10 is the best overall for a knife that will see alot of use.
 
Dan,

I don`t think bead blasting would do much to cf but,grit blasting will work wonders on it.I have a WOO with cf scales that I grit blasted and it came out great.Lot`s of raised ridges with a very tactile feel to it.If you want I`ll e-mail you a pic.
 
Good thing I looked through the list before I posted this same question. Good info. I think I'll go for a CF handled Sifu. Hey, Gordon, I'd like a pic as well. montay@excite.com
-Thanks
 
You can rough up CF with sandpaper or a Scotchbrite pad if it is too slick.
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Hmmm..I wonder if you could bead blast carbon fiber to give it a texture, I've re-textured G10 that way...does anyone know?
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You may want to verify this, but CF and G10 dust is not good for your well being. Make sure you wear the appropriate mask and eye protection anytime you are sanding, grinding, etc. CF or G10 (anything for that matter)!

Back on topic, the carbon fiber M16 series from CRKT have a terrific feel and are very well made for the money. I recently bought a M16-14F and it amazes me that this knife only cost $100.00! The texturing really makes the CF more user friendly and it looks great. I really prefer this type of CF over any G10.

Chris
 
You can bead blast carbon fiber to rough up the surface texture a bit. Just be sure that anytime you squeeze the trigger to keep the gun moving. Never stay in one spot too long or you'll cause pits and dimples in the carbon fiber than cannot be taken out.
 
Carbon fiber (aka woven fiberglas) is in G-10, but G10 has a much lower percentage and the inbetweens are filled with something like epoxy resin.
Basically, carbon fiber matches a 10 times as big block of G-10 but whithout resin.

And carbon fiber is tougher, and more wear resistant as G-10, but it can delaminate. If some LCC owner takes a good look, you can see pits were the carbon fiber strings end. Put a knife tip in there and you can delaminate the whole stack.

Both are just as toxic (cancerogene), so no difference there.

Personally, I like carbon fiber better. I dunno why... guess it just looks cooler.

greetz, Bart.
 
I refuse to buy cf handled knives anymore because of their low resistance to chipping and generally slippery surface. It looks great, and has much much greater tensile strength than most other materials for its weight. But it rarely used for its tensile ability, and owes much of its popularity to its glossy good looks and 'hi-tech' connotation. So, if you beadblast it - which is easily done - so that it won't be slippery when wet, it loses that virtue. And, in my personal experience, it definitely chips way too easily for a working knife. Save it for your Sunday-go-to-meeting carry, and go with G-10 or micarta (or bare titanium) on the EDC.
 
So, if you beadblast it - which is easily done - so that it won't be slippery when wet, it loses that virtue. And, in my personal experience, it definitely chips way too easily for a working knife.
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jbravo,

You should definitely check out the CRKT M16 "F" Series of knives. The CF has a cats tongue feel (don't ask) to it and looks much better than polished CF, IMO. I don't see a problem carrying a CF handled knife every day as a user. I've never had a CF handle chip on me, and I can break a knife in a heart beat, just ask Dexter! ;)

Chris
 
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