Micarta handle scales, how to ?

B

boarinator

Joined
Jul 28, 2010
Messages
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I plan on getting a bk9 sometime soon and want to put some custom micarta handle scales on it but I've never done micarta before. Does anybody have any videos or instructions on how to do this ?
 
There is a good video on you tube about how to make it. 3, 10 minute segments. Thats how I learned to do it.
 
Do you think I will have problems with rust under the handle scales if I make them permenant ? I will be stripping my bk9.
 
boarinator said:
Do you think I will have problems with rust under the handle scales if I make them permenant ? I will be stripping my bk9.
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Wonderful thing about Beckers. Every once in a while you take the scales off and clean and check the tang. Put some anti rust coating on, reinstall the scales. Don't mess with a good thing! :D


Would I put permanent (rivets?) scales over non-treated steel? The answer is "no", unless it will be a safe queen.
 
is there a way I can make the holes so that I can use the nut and bolt that came with it on the scales ? what would I use ?
 
boarinator said:
Do you think I will have problems with rust under the handle scales if I make them permenant ? I will be stripping my bk9.
Click to expand...

Probably not, all my customized blades have permernant scales and they're all missing their coating...No problems yet. The removable ones are the ones where I've had rusting under the scales. Are you planning to make the micarta yourself or buy some and make the scales?
 
Just don't strip the coating under the scales, There's a how to around here somewhere on the topic. Even if you do strip the coating under the scales it would take a hundred years for the the metal to rust through. Besides it's pretty standard these days to epoxy the scales on as well as riveting/ pinning them, the epoxy helps keep the moisture out from under the scales.
 
I just tried my hand and my second attempt at micarta. Blue Jean this time. I think making a mold may make it a bit easier (this batch slid out the side of my wood press a bit.......I just hope I got enough to get one set of handles. Thanks Fal'er....going to try epoxy plus pins this time. So far my 15 is holding up with just pins, but this set is going on my 7, so it may be worth it to fix them more permanently.
 
When pressing the micarta i've learned at least these two things, 1) applying gradual pressure and then backing off a bit seems to keep the layers from slipping quite a bit and 2) You can always go back and add more layers later after it's dry/cured.
 
I'm just going to buy a slab of micarta, cut out the handles, and shape them. Don't feel like actually making the micarta too.
 
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