need suggestions for bk9 grip

S

shanshui75

Joined
Oct 5, 2004
Messages
90
howdy,

just got a bk9. i really like it except for the plasticy scales. i have read about sand blasting them, but that would just change the texture and not the shape, i guess. so, what has anyone else done? cord wrap, sand'em with the dremel. any other options?

thanks

k
 
Having just got a BK9 myself as well, this thread will interest me greatly. I've already taken sandpaper to the scales, and the rougher texture certainly lends itself to a more secure grip. I don't have a problem with the shape, so I'm fine keeping mine as it is...

But what other options are available?
 
I have done a Strider style para cord wrap on mine. It is rather hard to get it tight enough not to slip during heavy chopping though. Bill Seigle made some G10 handle slabs at one time, though I don't believe he makes them anymore. The G10 scales are quite nice as they slim the handle width down alot, I have used the alot on my BK9 and haven't had slippage problems.

You could very easily make your own set of handles out of G10 or Micarta, with a dremel and some sandpaper, and don't forget a dusk mask that stuff is nasty. With the plastic handle slabs as a pattern it shouldn't take very long at all and you would truly have it personalized, just a thought.
 
Go have them sandblasted. Far and away the cheapest, easiest and most effective fix short of new scales - which are a lot of work, and it looks great.
New plastic scales are available from Camillus if the blasting doesn't suit you.
 
i had considered that averageguy, but i would like for them to be a little slimmer. where in ash-evil did you have it done? i guess i should try it before i spend too much.

yeah tir, i tried to wrap it, but could not get it tight enough, so i just put the scales back on.

wasn't there something about new grips for the extreme (stainless?) version?

k
 
I put green canvas Micarta scales on mine. Very secure grip, not slippery when wet. To me you can't do better than sanded canvas Micarta.
 
I just got a BK9, and did a few mods myself. Was going to make new handles out of micarta, but changed my mind, because the only micarta I could come across (for free) was either too thick, or too thin. Did not want to get involved in a labor intesive project. Micarta is nasty to work with, very messy! So I bought a $8.00 can of spray-in box liner from Dupli-Color, sanded the grips (which that alone did wonders to improve the grip), cleaned with electri-clean, and sprayed. It turned out excellent! They look and feel really good. So for a cheap fix, I reccomend it!!
 
Oh yes, let me mention in case your search failed to turn this up.
You can thin the scales by removing material from the side that mates with the tang. Tape a piece of sandpaper to a piece of glass and rub.
Not too much. Less than 1/8" each slab will make a difference - then blast for a canvas micarta "like" grip.
 
thanks, averageguy. i think that will do with just a little shaping on the other sides with a dremel.

k
 
shanshui75 said:
mashbill, where did you get the micarta? what was the cost? did you shape them yourself?
Click to expand...
I got my Micarta from Texas Knifemakers Supply (www.texasknife.com). It comes in various colors (brown, green, and black) and is 3/8" thick. I shaped it myself with a belt sander and files. The trick to working it is not to get it hot. Just go easy with a 60 grit belt and keep the material moving.
 
I just got a BK9 today, and I have a small suggestion for the handle - replace the socket head allen screws with stainless button head allens (and nuts). I think the original steel screws & nuts would rust over time and become frozen and difficult to remove in the future, unless you flush them out with penetrating oil on a regular basis. Plus the button heads (dome shaped) would look better.
 
As I recall, the screws are stainless, they're just coated.

I've cordwrapped a couple, and liked it ok, but went back to the original handles. Got some of the G-10 scales that Bill Siegle used to make, but decided they were a bit too thin. I cut grooves in the factory handles with a file, sanded them with 60 grit sandpaper, and narrowed the scales like averageguy describes, except I just laid them flat on a belt sander. Still not perfect, and certainly not pretty, but my hand likes them just fine.
I'm thinking of trying my hand at making some canvas micarta scales, next.
 
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