New suit for the Para2

[tjswarbrick]

Sorry I don't have any pics. I took a few with my phone, then broke it yesterday.
I reserve a spot to post some should any become available.

After a 418 day wait, I finally received my HCRI HDS Executive Clicky.
To celebrate, I got my M390 Para2 a new suit. Picked up some vintage black linen micarta scales from Cuscadi.

They were a tiny bit too vintage, worn-looking to me. So I dabbed on a blend of walnut and mineral oils, let it sit for just a few seconds, and wiped it off. Took almost all the character out of 'em, which made me sad. However, after 3 days of use and pocket carry (with keys and lint) there's just enough oil left in the micarta to keep it from looking dull. There's texture, character, and a great hand feel. Really diggin' the scales.

They were the slightest bit pointy at the "peak" above the lanyard tube. I hit it gently with some fine, then ultrafine, on the portable belt grinder. Now the things are perfect.
They also seem to fit as well as, if not better than, the stock G10 scales. And the screw holes are a better fit. (Not that there was anything wrong with the G10 to begin with.)

They seemed a little pricey, but when I consider that I like the Para2 better than ANYTHING else I've tried under $450, I still feel like it's a pretty good deal on a knife.
And the fit, finish, and awesomeness went up a notch. Plus, now it's "mine."

 

[allyourblood]

I would love to see some photos. Hopefully you get a chance to snap some pics soon! I must say, I like the way micarta looks after it gets a little dirty.


By the way, on a slightly selfish note, should you decide to part with the stock G10 scales, please hit me up.

 

[tjswarbrick]

Phone's still toast, so I broke out the actual camera. It's too darn automatic for it's own good, so pics don't actually come out as good. But here are a couple.
LOVING this setup.

(Not that I feel likely to go back - probably more of a hoarding instinct - but I don't feel ready to part with the blue scales just yet.)

 

[allyourblood]

That looks awesome! And no worries on the scales (but you know who to call!).

I love how "rustic" they look. Like you've had it forever, but it's still in great shape. How does the traction of the new scales compare to the G-10? Was it affected much when you oiled 'em? Also, do you know if the color will change over time like it does with lighter shades of Micarta?

 

[tjswarbrick]

That looks awesome! And no worries on the scales (but you know who to call!).

I love how "rustic" they look. Like you've had it forever, but it's still in great shape. How does the traction of the new scales compare to the G-10? Was it affected much when you oiled 'em? Also, do you know if the color will change over time like it does with lighter shades of Micarta?

I know - I really love the look, too. Especially with a touch of oil. They were rather gray without.
The feel is different - more organic to me. More of a textile texture than an actual machined cut. Not as pronounced as the G10, though I do still get the plastic sensation, but feels just as grippy. The oil soaked in to the fibers , so I don't feel it changed much at all. I can't really speak to long-term effects since I've had 'em a month and installed a week. I have a feeling the color will change with time, but it'll be dependent on use and how often they're cleaned.

 

[allyourblood]

Thank you! Be sure to post an updated photo some time down the line. I love the G-10 on my PM2 but I'm starting to come around to the look of Micarta. I don't know if I'd part with the dough necessary, but maybe on another knife. It looks so cool. :thumbup:

 

[jimmydeuce]

Looks great! I've been thinking about a set of linen micarta for one of mine.

 

[phillipsted]

Looking good, tjswarbrick! I also got a pair of worn micarta scales from Luke at Cuscadi - mine are in burgundy. The fit and finish on them is spectacular. I just left my scales go "natural" and they have darkened and taken on a patina from normal every day usage. I think it makes them looks great!

TedP

 

[tjswarbrick]

Looking good, tjswarbrick! I also got a pair of worn micarta scales from Luke at Cuscadi - mine are in burgundy. The fit and finish on them is spectacular. I just left my scales go "natural" and they have darkened and taken on a patina from normal every day usage. I think it makes them looks great!

TedP

Those do look great, Ted.
I trust, with time and use, mine will age nicely, too. And you're right about Cuscadi's F&F - top notch for sure.

 

[EZ Bake]

Phone's still toast, so I broke out the actual camera. It's too darn automatic for it's own good, so pics don't actually come out as good. But here are a couple.
LOVING this setup.

(Not that I feel likely to go back - probably more of a hoarding instinct - but I don't feel ready to part with the blue scales just yet.)

That's not a Zumer Sport football-skin portfolio in the background is it? Congrats on the clicky and for sure on the PM2 wardrobe.

 

[tjswarbrick]

That's not a Zumer Sport football-skin portfolio in the background is it? Congrats on the clicky and for sure on the PM2 wardrobe.

Thanks!
It's not Zumer - just a cheapie stock sheet from Michael's. The other side looks like a basketball.

 

[allyourblood]

That looks great!