Is Dymondwood Sandable? (plus, short Buck Vantage Avid review)

[Scurvy092]

I just got in a Buck Vantage Avid and after some initial misgivings, it is slowly growing on me. I like the deep pocket carry clip (pretty much the whole reason I bought it) but the tension required to keep the blade centered makes flipping that tiny little flipper difficult. I think that once I start tinkering with it that it will smooth out and be easier to flip out without the blade going caddywompus. Maybe not as easy as my Skyline but if I can get close, I'll be happy.

The ergonomics in general are pretty good and the width, while a little wide for my EDC tastes, makes for good comfort in my hand. The dymondwood is nice looking but it is super slick.

My biggest issue though is the edges of the dymondwood. I think this knife would benefit from some chamfering on the dymondwood, there are a lot of fairly sharp 90 degree angles. The problem really is at the bottom of the knife at the pocket clip. Every time I reach into my pocket for keys/wallet/etc my hand gets caught up on the edge. It's not painful, just makes fishing things out of my pocket more difficult. The extra width does not help here either.

I was wondering if you can sand the dymondwood to take the edge off and hopefully reduce the drag caused by the knife. I know it is some kind of compressed wood composite so I don't want to mess if up and have it start coming apart from sanding.

 

[mbjannusch]

I don't think it is a compressed wood composite, I have had the scales off of mine and it appears to be real wood. As for the sanding, I don't think it would hurt it, though it may take the shiny finish off of it. The Diamond wood Select model has a mat finish that may suit you better. The issue of it getting in the way of fishing things out of your pocket can be solved by putting all your things in your other pocket and stop carrying so much crap in your pockets. Good luck.

BUCK Vantage ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

 

[DougB2]

Dymondwood is layers of wood in clear resin, pressed together under heat and pressure. It can be sanded and polished to a high shine. Not quite micarta in terms of strength, but it's fairly tough and can come out very nice.

 

[GundaManiac]

yes dymondwood is sandable. I have done so on my own vantage which has select dymondwood scales. rounded all the edges, sanded them to improve fit with the liners, and then polished it up to a high gloss.