Micarta texture question

[LLCoolJeff]

A lot of Tops and Ontario knives (like the Sk5 Blackbird) have a roughed up micarta scale that I really like. It's more grippy than the typical polished micarta on Bark River and many higher end and custom knives. Does anybody know what Tops and Ontario are doing to achieve that texture?

 

[McFeeli]

I’m guessing they just finish it at a lower grit.

 

[LLCoolJeff]

I've heard it called Sandblasted before but not sure it that's the industry term.

 

[19-3ben]

I've heard it called Sandblasted before but not sure it that's the industry term.

Well sandblasting is an actual thing, not an "industry term." Wikipedia link.

You know who is a pro at that? 91bravo . I've seen some of his work on some Becker blades, and he might be able to answer questions about media blasting of micarta.

 

[91bravo]

Well sandblasting is an actual thing, not an "industry term." Wikipedia link.

You know who is a pro at that? 91bravo . I've seen some of his work on some Becker blades, and he might be able to answer questions about media blasting of micarta.

Sandblasting has been a go to for a lot of my micarta-handled knives. It does in fact roughen up the texture a bit, which helps a little with traction. I have access to a sandblaster and I’ve done it to just about everything under the sun. Did you know that titanium sparks when you are sandblasting it? Well, it does and roughens it up in the process as well.