Mikarta

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Fiddleback

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I made my first two sets of mikarta blanks this weekend. One is just heavy tan canvas from the marine store. The good stuff they use on boat seats. The other is blue jeans. I saw a knife done with blue jeans, and it just struck me as American as hell. I'll post pics tomorrow when I get them out of the clamps.
 
How does one make a micarta blank....or am I asking for a book? I can see some other applications here besides scales for knife handles ( denim .45 grips?)
 
Thats what suprised me. Its so damn easy. Go to a marine store and get the epoxy fiberglass resin. Then cover two ~1' lengths of 2x4 with saran wrap. Cut your cloth scraps to your specific size (actually any fiber can be used, ie canvas, linen, paper). Paint the first scrap flip it and paint the other side, then lay em on and paint a layer of epoxy, then another. It was kinda fun really. Clamp the 2x4's together and leave overnight.

This first thread is by Ariel Salavierra.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376238

This is the question thread I started. You can see a denim mikarta knife in there.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=376238
 
Andy,

Both links take me to the same thread. Is the second one supposed to be different?

Eric
 
Andy,
I am working on making my own micarta as well...Wanna see some sweet "homebrew" micarta?? GOTO Ariel's site and look under tutorials for micarta..It is black and white and looks sweet!!!!

Here is the one by Pat a Northcoast knives...Really great guy to deal with, however I am much better looking...

http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials_hints_tips14.htm

here is the one from Ariel's site...

http://www.aescustomknives.com.ar/docs/tutorialdamascusclaw.htm

And I shall call you OREO EVILCARTA!!!!
 
I checked em today, and they look great, and are hard as a rock. Sweet. I can't wait to do more. That one from North coast knives is the one that made me wanna do denim.

Sweet.
 
Andy,
Did you do the flat micarta or was it the damascus micarta??

The "twist" kind is the one that I am gonna try
 
The blue jean Micarta(R) is absolutely beautiful and if I were able to make some it's what I would have put on my old Cold Steel Trailmaster with copper fittings!!!!

jean1Lrg.jpg


From the website....

Hints and Tips Page 14

Click on any of the thumbnails below for a more detailed photo




Homemade "Micarta" Scales
This technique comes to us from knifemaker Joel Bolden of Halfmoon Knives in Port Matilda, Pa. ( Thanks, Joel). If you want to try something really attractive and different, Joel shows us how he makes his own micarta-like slabs out of an old pair of jeans. Yes, you heard me right, an old pair of jeans. This is a pretty cool and unique treatment which just cries out for experimentation.
 
I did both. The thick heavy canvas I just did flat, but the blue jeans I twisted. I will be doing more of this and possible putting mikarta up for sale. I haven't looked into the what mikarta costs. I am going to be affiliated with Raindog Outdoors soon. He likes my sheaths and is going to put them up on his site. Hasn't happened yet, but soon. Keep your fingers crossed.

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