Kephart Micarta Handles

Mine arrived!
Ordered 4 sets, as I have 4 AuKs without handles.
These are a QUALITY product. Geometry feels the same as the walnut - maybe a taaaaad thicker? Haven't mic'd 'em. They have a noticeably greater heft, but as Geofs pointed out, change in balance is very slight. They have a good even finish, but are definitely not sanded. But I don't feel compelled to sand them either. My only real gripe is that they came without hardware, which I now need to go to the hardware store for - only have enough bolts/nuts for 2 sets.

Other thing to note: I'm not THAT into the light color. On the back sides of the scales you can see the color they'd be if polished, which is how micarta looks on the surface when you order it as a sheet. On the other hand, this natural/light color will be perfect for dyeing. Thought I'd be the first to do it, but Geof beat me to it! I'll be doing my Fiebings Mahogany, and since I have 4 sets, no worries.

The other three sets will require fitting to my not-quite-matching tangs. Oh, and they'll all need hidden lanyard holes of course. :cool:

So in summary, these are a VERY good accessory! They cost half of what it would for me to make a set (shop time and materials), and I know that for sure because I've made several sets of kephart scales already this year!

:thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
GeofS said:
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
Click to expand...
Color looks Real Good! I really like the idea since micarta will be way harder...The wood they used is too soft. It scratches just looking at it...haha

I might as well order up a set for one of two that we have..... lol Or maybe just get a third, since I don't plan on buying the 18?
 
daizee said:
Mine arrived!
Ordered 4 sets, as I have 4 AuKs without handles.
These are a QUALITY product. Geometry feels the same as the walnut - maybe a taaaaad thicker? Haven't mic'd 'em. They have a noticeably greater heft, but as Geofs pointed out, change in balance is very slight. They have a good even finish, but are definitely not sanded. But I don't feel compelled to sand them either. My only real gripe is that they came without hardware, which I now need to go to the hardware store for - only have enough bolts/nuts for 2 sets.

Other thing to note: I'm not THAT into the light color. On the back sides of the scales you can see the color they'd be if polished, which is how micarta looks on the surface when you order it as a sheet. On the other hand, this natural/light color will be perfect for dyeing. Thought I'd be the first to do it, but Geof beat me to it! I'll be doing my Fiebings Mahogany, and since I have 4 sets, no worries.

The other three sets will require fitting to my not-quite-matching tangs. Oh, and they'll all need hidden lanyard holes of course. :cool:

So in summary, these are a VERY good accessory! They cost half of what it would for me to make a set (shop time and materials), and I know that for sure because I've made several sets of kephart scales already this year!

:thumbsup::thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Nice review. I agree, these are very well done. :thumbsup:
 
daizee said:
My only real gripe is that they came without hardware, which I now need to go to the hardware store for - only have enough bolts/nuts for 2 sets.
Click to expand...
There's a bolt place online that sells those very reasonably in black oxide coated stainless if you want that.
The name of the place sounds like Home depot, but replace Home with Bolt and your mostly there.
8/32 x 1/2 socket head button #22862
 
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These look great I ordered a pair, as well a two bk16 stock sheaths. Didn't know kabar sold those. Anyways look forward to adding some ultra thin blue liners and lanyard channel. Really set this great blade off. Might have to pick another one up now. I do also look forward to the TKC handles that should come out eventually.
I would think that kephart would go with micarta himself. Being the modern camper he was.
 
Those are some great dye jobs. Im starting to think i may need a few sets, a bare set, light brown, and that sharp mahogany that daizee used.
 
1066vik said:
If anyone getting micarta wants rid of their walnut scales, I could use a set or 2.
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hey eric.
i like these micarta scales, but if they're the same thickness, i am going to want to put some thicker scales on. i like this knife. so, i expect i'll rehandle it at some point. when i get to it, i don't expect i'll need the walnut ones any more. i'll hit you up.
 
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