Kirinite?

I think almost every photo example of kirinite posted in this thread sums up my feelings on it. They look like the $2.99 "impulse" items located right by the cash register of the gas station.

There is a reason for the word 'almost' in my above statement. One knife in this thread almost made it work but how good would that knife have looked with some nice real pearl, ivory or even stag?
 
I've never used it but I didn't like it when I saw photos. However after seeing it in person it looks a lot different. Kind of moves with the light, looks neat and its something different.
 
I think it is pretty and would defineatly use it on a wedding cake knife set especially if it comes in pink tones. I think most ladies would cherish it but I'm sticking with the old materials.
 
WOW, that gun looks sweet.

Mixed Feelings by most. It is not for everyone, but it does make up for at least 30% of the requests for custom handles. First off, in person it does look much different than in pictures. Some tasty patterns that I used. Sorry these are not my custom knives. But the handles are hand made. So that is what we are showing any way.
It can look expensive and elegant if used properly. Sometimes the material can be brittle, which makes it PIA when something happens at the end of the handle process. When adding liners underneath I will not take the material below .09 for thickness.
Otherwise easy to machine. And some patterns look great. Others looks like old lady toilet seat as someone once said.
I like
-Lava
-Desert
-Red/Blue MOP







 
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If a "pretty" look is desired, the wide variety of colours and shades available is an advantage of Kirinite. True, it may, for some, have that "mother of toilet-seat" look, but it can provide a unique appearance. The bright orange Kirinite looks terrific imo with this English scroll engraved knife by Andrew Ovalles.

AndrewOvalles_engravedDropPoint_440,8in_pearlOrangeKirinite.jpg
 
Almost always terrible looking to me. Appropriate for a rental bowling ball - but not something I'm paying money for (especially not custom money). I feel the same way about most acrylics though...
 
I don't find it at all appealing, and I'd prefer just about anything over it. I'd imagine if resale is an issue that you'd be talking about a very niche market, even smaller if you're talking about a loveless style, more traditional, pattern.

Seth
 
I like phenolics best as far as synthetic handles. I've never used ivory actually besides a little inlay work, and never used a whole lot of stag either- I like wood and bone mostly. Gary Mulkey's bowie he posted has me wanting to stabilize bone really bad now!

I would put kirinite on handles of kitchen knives for women... I think it could be well recieved there. It looks OK sometimes IMO.
 
This forum is way too traditional. Maybe it should merge with the traditional forum :)

Even if you don't like it, everyone who's a knife knut should be able to appreciate why kirinite would appeal to some, maybe even many particularly in the tactical and small EDC market. Darom's knife is particularly sweet and his photography skills show the 3D effect. What modern human (not just ladies) can't see the worth?

"Dyed stag and dyed wood are dishonest about it - artificial materials masquerading as natural." I agree. The raw material was natural but not the final product. Cheap wood is dyed to look like expensive wood...doesn't a rich dyed color increase the value of stag?
 
The stuff is like scotch.
Its an acquired taste I think. Not a generic material that just works for everyone.
The majority of the time is looks more feminine except for the Desert and Lava.. Just like this one for my pals fiance.
Although my wife did not care for it . She likes the high tech looks of twill and carbon fiber.
I will not be putting it on my fixed blades when they are complete. It is just not durable enough.
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Mother of Bowling Balls(MOBB)!

I like synthetics that have great strength, resistance to chipping and unique looks....Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber and the Nishijian material that Spyderco uses come to mind.

IF it was a low cost carry knife, I would not have any particular objections to the more subdued and attractive versions of Kirinite, but on a collectible piece.....not for me.

Thanks, and Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
canineforge said:
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Joe,

Great knife.
Thanks for showing ! :thumbup:

Doug
 
With thanks and forgiveness I stole a couple of pics from this thread to illustrate how it might be used: as an accent? (Incredible subject. Where can I get one? :))

orig.jpg



Because it has no material to strengthen it within (canvas, or paper, or rebar ;)), I understand how it would be as durable as, say, Corian, which was also a considered synth material that folks used back a bunch of years. This is probably the same constitution.

Worthy topic.

Coop
 
SharpByCoop said:
With thanks and forgiveness I stole a couple of pics from this thread to illustrate how it might be used: as an accent? (Incredible subject. Where can I get one? :))

orig.jpg



Because it has no material to strengthen it within (canvas, or paper, or rebar ;)), I understand how it would be as durable as, say, Corian, which was also a considered synth material that folks used back a bunch of years. This is probably the same constitution.

Worthy topic.

Coop
Click to expand...

You are talented :)
 
I'll just use fossil ivory & stag until I can't anymore or run out. It'll be quite awhile though. ;)

I like Micarta pretty well...
 
I've used kirinite a couple of times and personally like it. I can understand how it might not be everyones cup of tea, there are some color schemes that I don't like. You asked about the use and working it, I have found that you need to be careful cutting and drilling as the different layers of color can be a brittle point. I've broken one set of scales at a color change and sometimes get chips at the drill exit. Also it will get soft at a low temperature, so if you buff it go slow. Once you get a hot spot it is hard to get rid of it. Pinnacle Mountain Customs has a few pictures on their website, that is actually where I found out about it.
 
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