I love my new Cyclone but what to do about so many scratches on the scales?

MTHall720

MTHall720

Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
2,957
About a month ago I got a new Kershaw Cyclone which I have been lightly using as my EDC. In the past I never noticed scratches on the scales with previous cyclones. I always carry my keys and my blade in the same pocket. The scales are a dark grayish color with a very smooth finish. Just noticed today that it is getting a lot of scratches from carrying. Now, the big questions are:
1] Is this normal?
2] How do I remove, or reduce the appearance of the scratches -- Flitz polish, "Back to Black" (Mother's Car care stuff for Black trim, or simply remove the scales, and paint them black (my least favorite option).
3] How do I help prevent more scratches without resorting to a pocket I can carry only my knife in.

Any ideas :confused:

Thanks everyone.
 
I like the looks of a well-used knife. Scratches add character and make the knife "yours".
But...you could invest in a leather sheath/slip which protects the folder in your pocket.
 
I have to admit I am not quite sure. Never had one like this before but I think it may be aluminum. My wife bought it for me at a show and the price was a bit steep IMHO for the Cyclone so I think it not the lesser expensive type if synthetic scales.
 
I have heard that the aluminum scales on the BM 943 picks up scratches like crazy. Is that what you meant? If so maybe I should apply some Flitz and see if that helps.
 
MTHall720 said:
About a month ago I got a new Kershaw Cyclone which I have been lightly using as my EDC. In the past I never noticed scratches on the scales with previous cyclones. I always carry my keys and my blade in the same pocket. The scales are a dark grayish color with a very smooth finish. Just noticed today that it is getting a lot of scratches from carrying. Now, the big questions are:
1] Is this normal?
2] How do I remove, or reduce the appearance of the scratches -- Flitz polish, "Back to Black" (Mother's Car care stuff for Black trim, or simply remove the scales, and paint them black (my least favorite option).
3] How do I help prevent more scratches without resorting to a pocket I can carry only my knife in.

Any ideas :confused:

Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

There is a term used, "safe queen", it refers to an item that never gets used, it rules your safe. Tat is the only way to prevent scratches. Think about it for a second, you ask if it is normal for something that gets used to show wear and tear.
 
MTHall720 said:
I have heard that the aluminum scales on the BM 943 picks up scratches like crazy. Is that what you meant? If so maybe I should apply some Flitz and see if that helps.
Click to expand...

Before you go polishing away with Flitz, make sure the "scratches" you are referring to are actually scratches (as in, material removed from the handle scale). Otherwise, you might be making a BIG mistake. If your handle scales are anodized Aluminum, they're more likely scuffs, and the "scratch" you see is actually metal rubbed onto the surface of your knife handle.

The anodizing on the BM943 will remove metal from other objects rather easily, and a simple, firm rub with a thumb removes the marks from the surface withut any trouble. I have pocket-carried a 943 for around 8 years, and the only real scratches/dents it has are from dropping it, not from anything else in my pocket.
 
Question? Is the blade black? Does it say ZDP-189 anywhere? If so then your scales are Titanium.

The normal cyclones have a black anodized aluminum scales/frame.

Either way, Ti or Al you can always take it all apart and polish it or get it re-anodized.
 
Maniacal Pete said:
I never knew that, thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey, so long as at least somebody learned something here, my work is done! :p :D

Anodizing can be VERY hard (it IS AlO3, aka Aluminum Oxide, aka Sapphire, aka Corundum, etc.), and if thick enough (like Type III), quite a durable surface treatment!!!
 
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RevDevil said:
There is a term used, "safe queen", it refers to an item that never gets used, it rules your safe. Tat is the only way to prevent scratches. Think about it for a second, you ask if it is normal for something that gets used to show wear and tear.
Click to expand...
Rev you could be onto something there. I tried using Flitz tonight and that helped. The only thing is that when I have EDCd other blades like BM 710 no scratches, but of course I had G10 scales on that and on most of my other blades.
 
SpyderPhreak said:
Before you go polishing away with Flitz, make sure the "scratches" you are referring to are actually scratches (as in, material removed from the handle scale). Otherwise, you might be making a BIG mistake. If your handle scales are anodized Aluminum, they're more likely scuffs, and the "scratch" you see is actually metal rubbed onto the surface of your knife handle.

The anodizing on the BM943 will remove metal from other objects rather easily, and a simple, firm rub with a thumb removes the marks from the surface withut any trouble. I have pocket-carried a 943 for around 8 years, and the only real scratches/dents it has are from dropping it, not from anything else in my pocket.
Click to expand...

Should have read your post first I guess. The Flitz seems to have cleaned it up/ Glad to hear your comments on the 943 too. I may just get one in the future.
 
bluejayburly said:
Question? Is the blade black? Does it say ZDP-189 anywhere? If so then your scales are Titanium.

The normal cyclones have a black anodized aluminum scales/frame.

Either way, Ti or Al you can always take it all apart and polish it or get it re-anodized.
Click to expand...

Doesn't say ZDP Satin blade with dark scales. Blade doesn't show what steel it is.
 
SpyderPhreak said:
Hey, so long as at least somebody learned something here, my work is done! :p :D

Anodizing can be VERY hard (it IS AlO3, aka Aluminum Oxide, aka Sapphire, aka Corundum, etc.), and if thick enough (like Type III), quite a durable surface treatment!!!
Click to expand...

I've got a green 940 with a really cool purple anodized spacer, but it doesn't look like the green aluminum scales are anodized.
 
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Pete I think that green is anodized, I could be wrong and I'm sure someone will tell me, soon.


Leadfoot
 
My cyclone has a few light scratches too.
1024112107.jpg
 
Blais....now that is a well used well loved knife. I love knives that have that broken in look.
TC
 
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