micarta

[takao]

Hi, I've got a question dealing with shaping micarta. Is it hard to shape micarta with a rasp, dremel tool, and sand paper. Would it be similar to pakka wood, any input would be appreciated.

 

[Chiro75]

Micarta can be shaped quite well with these hand tools. You'll also need good ventilation and a good respirator, too, because you do not want to be inhaling the dust. I never used a rasp, per se, but I did use files. I wanted to work relatively slowly so I could control exactly how the grain patterns came out. Then I finished with 220, 320, 400, and 600 sandpaper and that was it. It is harder to work than wood with the same tools, but it isn't overly difficult. Requires more patience, for sure! Make sure you use a bench vise to clamp the blade, too, as that makes it MUCH, MUCH easier to remove more material in a faster and more controlled way. You can see my Micarta handles knives on my webpage. All were done with hand tools. Follow thw link below and click on Knife Kits or Project Knives or whatever it says there. The ones with Micarta handles are the Cetan Tanto, Tanto #2 and Chinese Utility. http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/knifehome.html

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[takao]

thank you for the quick reply and information.