Kephart Micarta Handles

GeofS said:
Hey OFFICIAL_KA-BAR OFFICIAL_KA-BAR , not trying to be gluttonous but any chance we could also get micarta for the Adventure line? My parangatang would be very happy. :D
Click to expand...
I'd like those, I wonder how well they'd sell. I think a lotta folks modify they're/their handles. I think I like them stock though, that two finger dingus allows it to rock into some nice snap cuts. Damn that knife bites deep.
 
I'm very tempted. wondering how the balance of the knife will change. I assume they are quite a bit heavier. Also anticipating some real world pic's when the orders start getting dilvered. Anybody got theirs yet?
 
It LOOKS like mine (x4) are due to arrive today instead of Monday! Shd be able to give y'all a read on feel, thickness, balance etc. shortly.
 
Mine just arrived! Thought you guys would like to see these...
4zgFKJl.jpg

lK9zN00.jpg

ewZkY5V.jpg

HjdbKvt.jpg

The dimensions seem to be very close to the walnut scales. If anything, they may be a little thicker just underneath where the handle tapers towards the blade.

These are exceptional! OFFICIAL_KA-BAR OFFICIAL_KA-BAR , hit a home run! They fit perfectly! They are finished in a more refined fashion than the usual official BK&T micarta. Definitely smoother, but still very grippy with a nice texture.

Mine will ultimately be dyed a chocolate brown color.

If you were on the fence, get them! They make the BK62 an entirely different blade. Fantastic job by KA-BAR! :D
 
GeofS said:
Mine just arrived! Thought you guys would like to see these...
The dimensions seem to be very close to the walnut scales. If anything, they may be a little thicker just underneath where the handle tapers towards the blade.
These are exceptional! OFFICIAL_KA-BAR OFFICIAL_KA-BAR , hit a home run! They fit perfectly! They are finished in a more refined fashion than the usual official BK&T micarta. Definitely smoother, but still very grippy with a nice texture.
Mine will ultimately be dyed a chocolate brown color.
If you were on the fence, get them! They make the BK62 an entirely different blade. Fantastic job by KA-BAR! :D
Click to expand...

Thanks, Geof! How does the balance compare to the walnuts?
 
I look forward to seeing some dyed micarta.
The walnut scale ARE great. That dark brown is just perfect. Every kephart in my house has worn my BK-62 scales, and they just look and feel good. To the point where I started wondering why I wasn't using those sticks of plain walnut to make more! Normally it's too boring for a handmade piece, but they just work.
 
They do look good and gives the kephart a modern look. Also people dont need to worry about ruining their walnut as they can either replace them with the micarta or purchase some walnut from someone that prefers the micarta.

Also might be nice to have a set on hand if you need to let someone borrow your kephart for a time.
 
As soon as I read about these, I ordered a pair. They should be here on Monday, but I am already having a pang of buyer’s remorse. I really like the way the walnut slabs look, and I am not sure I want to lose that look.

There is only one way out of this conundrum. As soon as my income recovers from this plague, I will have to order another BK62.
 
GeofS said:
daizee daizee , in the pic below, only my pointer finger is touching the knife...
apeuWh9.jpg

So, the balance shifts slightly with the heavier micarta. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Are the new micarta scales smaller than the tang, just like the walnut ones? I think I see steel protruding? I know I am a little pissy that the walnut Shrank So Much... idk if they used kiln dried wood, or If it's Just mine?.... but whatever.... :/

Thanks So much for the comparison. :D I bet they will look good stained too.... I always soak my micarta ones in an oil finish, and they Then look/feel great....
For $35 bucks I'm half tempted to buy a set.... But then I'd have to redo all the work I did to make Mine look like Mine....haha.
 
My interpretation is the following: I think a few thousandths undersized is intentional. It tends to feel more like a rounded spine/belly on the handle instead of over-sized clumsy scales. And it gives a little room for error. It's hard to make all these things match exactly at an affordable price with bolt-on scales that have some wiggle-room during installation. Blades are stamped, scales are CNC'd, so they're not coming off exactly the same tool process. Of course wood moves by region and season, so room for expansion is better than freuently oversize, IMO. Smaller batch manufacturers at twice the price can hold closer tolerances. That's my $0.02 on scale sizing.

Mine are due today, modulo storm issues affecting delivery. I have a bunch of handles to try them on, will see how they feel. I'm on the fence about the natural color at the moment, but that's easy enough to adjust.
 
All done! :thumbsup:
nQvEsn8.jpg

I’m happy! I got that walnut color I was going for. I included a second pair of raw BK62 scales for comparison. They’ll eventually get dyed maroon when I pick up a fourth Kephart. The tweener scales will be for a BK18 when I strip it.

I won’t be putting the scales on for another day or two. I have some oil polymerizing on my 62 tang for rust protection. I’m waiting for it to dry.

Just in case anyone was wondering, I followed my regular dyeing process. Filled up a small pot with hot water (just enough to completely cover the scales), a healthy splash of white vinegar and the dye (full bottle). Brought the water to the smoking point and kept it there for a half an hour with the scales in it. I stirred it every few minutes. I used this dye...
ck8adZD.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top