Micarta bow drill socket

[RescueRiley]

I've seen some folks utilizing micarta handles on there knives by drilling a divot in them for use as a bowdrill socket.....My question is I suppose with the micarta where down quickly to the point of the divot being useless? or is micarta not effected by friction in the same way other materials might be?
Thanks in advance

 

[Mistwalker]

I've seen some folks utilizing micarta handles on there knives by drilling a divot in them for use as a bowdrill socket.....My question is I suppose with the micarta where down quickly to the point of the divot being useless? or is micarta not effected by friction in the same way other materials might be?
Thanks in advance

Well, I haven't used the one I have on hand to make too many fire...only about a dozen actual fires, and another dozen experiments with different spindles and hearth types....and all the spindles have been pine and cedar. But... so far the only change I see in the micarta is that it got a little smoother inside the divot. It hasn't gotten any larger or any deeper that I can tell. It has inspired me to add this feature to some of my other knives with micarta handles because I don't plan on making friction my my every day fire starting method.

I have no idea what the effects of every day use over years would be. Sorry I can't offer any more than that. Tony has been using his RC5 for a while maybe he will chime in with more info.

 

[dawsonbob]

I've seen some folks utilizing micarta handles on there knives by drilling a divot in them for use as a bowdrill socket.....My question is I suppose with the micarta where down quickly to the point of the divot being useless? or is micarta not effected by friction in the same way other materials might be?
Thanks in advance

From the little I have read about Micarta, it should be fine. The phenolic resins used are pretty stable, and should actually provide some lubricating properties, IIRC.

I would wonder about making a divot in scales as thin as the BK-13, though. I guess you would just have to try it and find out. Then let the rest of us know (I'd be interested, for sure).