New micarta scales for my 20CP Para2

[phillipsted]

I talked with Luke at Cuscadi last month and asked him to build me a custom set of scales to replace the grey G10 on my 20CP Para2. I've always wanted a burgundy micarta Para, and Luke said he had one small piece left in stock. 80€ and a couple of weeks later, they arrive in my mailbox - along with a small bag of German Gummi Bears and a thank you note!

The scales fit *perfectly* - Luke's craftsmanship is amazing. I asked him to leave the micarta only partially polished, giving it a "pocket worn" appearance and much better grip. One surprise is that the new knife is lighter than the original - the G10 weighs in a 106g, and the micarta weighs in at a svelte 99g.

The feel of micarta in-hand absolutely can not be beat. It is warm and organic-feeling - and the lockup now has a softer, but still very solid "clack". One downside is that the cotton substrate in the micarta can absorb a little moisture on the surface where the fabric has been exposed. But in my experience with micarta, this wicking effect gives it a fantastic grip and the moisture does not migrate down into the resin and degrade it over time. It just isn't completely impervious like it's glass-based G10 cousin.

This micarta 20CP Para2 is now my main EDC knife - and is on its way to being my favorite Spydie of all time! Thanks, Luke!

TedP

 

[Shaggy]

Very nice, Ted. I really like the texture on those scales. Eventually I'd like to have a set of green linen made for my PM2. Is the Micarta thickness the same as the original G10?

 

[dcmartin]

That is Outstanding man!

Almost any moisture or residue that is left on your scales will readily clean off with Simple Green, just spray a little on a cloth and rub...

Great work and big ups to Cuscadi, I may try my hand at some green canvas ones

 

[RevDevil]

I think that looks terrific. Congrats.

 

[clockman]

Very Nice. I like them Much better than the orginal g-10. :thumbup:

 

[Undertow82]

This is just awesome. Who doesn't love micarta?

Thanks for sharing!

 

[ezoption]

Very nice bro!

 

[A.P.F.]

Very impressive!

 

[dark impaler]

congrats, that is sweet. always wanted to pair some linen micarta with a spyderco, maybe the native- after seeing your para 2, will definitely have to look into it when I get some extra scratch.

 

[phillipsted]

Is the Micarta thickness the same as the original G10?

The Cuscadi scales are an *exact* replica of the original G10 scales as far as I can tell - accurate to within fractions of a mm. Same thickness, same insets for liners, same cutouts for the lock. The only difference is they are 7g lighter than G10.

TedP

 

[Ankerson]

Very nice.

 

[GuinnessSynd]

awesome scales man. if your interested in selling your grey ones let me know :thumbup:

 

[TotinCh1p]

That looks phenomenal. I've been seeing (and hearing) good things about cuscadi and will probably be adding some new scales to one of my PM2s. That, and I'm a sucker for gummi bears...

 

[berserk87]

Nice work Ted P.

 

[KNaB]

Beautiful. I recently contacted cuscadi about micarta scales for my 440V military. They should turn out as well as yours.

 

[RevDevil]

We need a Micarta sprint!
It's too good to pass up. Maybe the BG-42 style steel from Carpenter?

 

[KNaB]

We need a Micarta sprint!
It's too good to pass up. Maybe the BG-42 style steel from Carpenter?

I agree!! I don't, however, like "polished" micarta.

 

[Orion's Belt]

Darn you Ted, I was trying not to get some custom scales, you go and show these off! I'm gonna talk to Luke about some natural Micarta with the same treatment.

 

[RevDevil]

I agree!! I don't, however, like "polished" micarta.

Oooo, that would be a winner all around. Subdued color, and grippy goodness all in one.

 

[eloreno]

Very nice!

I am in communications with Luke about a pair of micarta scales for my para2, did you re-flare the lanyard tube or just press it on? It looks to be more recessed than normal...

thanks, e