New Handle Material

[J. Hoffman]

Has anyone seen or used this stuff? It is stabilized plant fiber. I like the looks of it.

 

[FullyTorque]

What's it called? Where'd ya get it?

 

[fishface5]

looks cool but seems like a lot more epoxy than fiber so not as strong as a traditional micarta or stabilized wood

 

[J. Hoffman]

Even if there were more blades of grass than epoxy, I still would not consider that as strong as wood or micarta, after all, they're blades of grass.

 

[Willie71]

Hemp is pretty strong!

 

[Don Nguyen]

Looks very cool. Where can I get some?

 

[J. Hoffman]

Looks very cool. Where can I get some?

Finland! Google Raffir. They also make a version with aluminum filings and spiral cuts from drilling

 

[NickWheeler]

Hmm... I think it looks really cool in block form, but I'm having a hard time picturing it on a knife where it wouldn't look really cheesy.

***edited to add***

Well I just made a good example of where people should take the 30 seconds to click here and there before forming an opinion... :foot:

googled "raffir" like Moose suggested--- that's some really cool stuff. There are some examples on their site that IMHO, would look really cool with stainless damascus for kitchen knives!

Like this one with yellow---

Thanks for the heads up Moose.

 

[Broomhead]

I like their Metapol stuff. It looks very unique. Only problem is the store front they sell through doesn't have it listed anywhere.

I think the black and silver look good together.

 

[J. Hoffman]

I like their Metapol stuff. It looks very unique. Only problem is the store front they sell through doesn't have it listed anywhere.

I think the black and silver look good together.

I haven't been able to find any of the Metapol stuff either. The head company sent me to there US importer, but they have not replied to any of my emails, so I just ordered it from a knife supply shop in Finland.

 

[Broomhead]

I haven't been able to find any of the Metapol stuff either. The head company sent me to there US importer, but they have not replied to any of my emails, so I just ordered it from a knife supply shop in Finland.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost you total after all was said and done.

 

[J. Hoffman]

I finished a knife with the Raffir scales. I think it turned out ok, but not as good as I was hoping. It seems very soft, and I think it will scratch easily.

 

[HallHandmade]

I dunno, I think it has pretty neat character.

 

[PT Doc]

I finished a knife with the Raffir scales. I think it turned out ok, but not as good as I was hoping. It seems very soft, and I think it will scratch easily.View attachment 383623View attachment 383624View attachment 383625

Maybe a layer of CA over it to protect it and add hardness?

 

[Burl Source]

Looks a lot like the prickly pear fiber, pine cone and corn cob blocks that are made with casting resin.
Popular with the wood turners. I want to see one done with bugs.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Maybe a layer of CA over it to protect it and add hardness?

Exactly what I was thinking. I think it *may* bring more shine to it too.

It reminds me of that pool cue inlay stuff. Very cool! Looking forward to an update report.