micarta upgrade

benyaM95 Ranger Knif

benyaM95 Ranger Knif

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Jun 23, 2006
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Hi guys
Recently scored a BG-42 Classic 2000, brand new except scratches on the handle. Called CRK and arranged it to be reconditioned, also asked them for possible micarta upgrade - they said no.
I don't know much about knife making, but isn't it just a run on milling machine + micarta + glue?
 
The explanation makes no sense from a machining standpoint. The fixtures are already made and will readily accept the handle. If they don't have them mounted or the programs loaded would be the only difference. The reason isn't the machining of the handle.

Bill
 
I have a little expirience with milling machines - and I don't think that could be a problem at all. Surely the handle is shaped first and then slots for the incerts machined.
Don't see a possible problem with software either
Unless I'm completely wrong - and thats happened before... few times... back in.... 78:)
Perhaps somebody from CRK would explain why it can't be done.
Thanks
 
Kilroy Higgins said:
There's an explanation somewhere about this, but the Micarta is actually inlaid in a special way that it's locked in there where the panels would not fall out even with glue, and doing that to a set of handles that have already been made is a no no.

http://www.chrisreeve.com/inlays.htm
Click to expand...


The adhesive used, 3M VHB tape, creates a permeant bond between the inlay and the handle. The inlay is installed and aligned by hand, then tamped/pressed down permeantly with a small arbor type press. With the VERY tight tolerances CRK works with, I believe it would be very difficult to machine out. You may be able to machine the inlay material, but as soon as you hit the glue of the tape, it woud wreck havic on the machining bits. This has happened to me in the past and you have one heck of a mess. And I was just using a drill press with various cutters and bits. I can definately see why they dont want to get into doing that !!! I purchased the CRK DVD about a month ago from New Graham Knives. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANYONE that likes CRK or has ANY questions about how they are made, MUST PURCHASE this DVD. Its a 2 disc set. One disc is One-Piece Knives, the other disc is Sebenzas.
 
I do not think that the OP is talking about changing an inlay, but rather, installing an inlay on a regular Classic 2000.

If they wanted to do it, it should be able to be done. My guess would be that it would be more trouble than it would be worth to do it or cost prohibitive.
 
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I dont see why the OP cant just buy an extra scale and lock side already inlayed, I dont know if that is an option from CRK or not ?

Machining a plain set to take inlays is probably just more hastle that its worth for CRK.
Its not just about putting the holes in the scale for the inlays.
The scale needs mounted to the stage for milling and that might be tricky/not an option when the Ti is already shaped for the handle.
The machining will need to be finished some how by tumbling or beadblasting before the inlays are fitted too.
I dont know how they do it at CRK but I would imagin its done in batches and not done one at a time so doing just one set would be a big PITA.
 
Speculation;

If the lockbar side is normally inlayed before it is flexed into the locking position, you might not be able to un-flex it properly in order to re-cnc the piece.

Or it just might be a path they don't want to start down, re-machining perfectly good knives might hinder production of their very in-demand goods.
 
I have been thinking about this this question, here is some possible answers.

(Everything below is pure speculation)
1. Any inlay option at the from the factory is an extra $70. That needs to cover the T/M cost of the inlay as well as failures in machining. This is with new parts at well known tolerances. It may not be very cost effective for them to "reevaluate" those tolerances on knives coming in for spa/referb treatments. Also if there is a failure in the handles of your knife then what happens?

2. There is a slight almost invisible difference between inlay scales non-inlay scales. However invisible to the public CRK knows it exist. Working under the tight tolerances that CRK is know for they do not feel it is in anyone's best interest to make the change.

3. (Strictly business reason). Most manufactures make more money selling you a new product than refinishing an old one. If CRK went back and kept every option open to every customer that ever purchased a knife it might be a drain on the business. I know CRK's customer service is top of the line. However, if they went out of business due to modifying older knives, the knife buying public would be missing out on a great product.

Just some thoughts,
STICF
 
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