new with questions

D

dwsonar

Joined
Jan 28, 2014
Messages
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Hi all. I'm new to the forum, and to knife making.
I'm putting canvas micarta scales on a blade I bought. There are red spacers also. How do I finish the handle? I've been reading, but can't find good answers. I saw where these won't buff to a good shine, but that's ok. I would like the red spacers to show better, they kind of blend in.
What should I use to seal the micarta? Or don't I seal it at all? I saw where some use super glue, but couldn't find how it's done.
Thanks for any help, and for having me.
Dave
 
Work at the micarta with files and sandpaper. If you take it down to about 1000 it will look good. I have never used ca glue on any I have used. Frank
 
well depends what kinda finish you want on it. If you want something with traction, finish with a rough grit or sand blast. If you want a smooth/glossy finish then finish with a higher grit. I have buffed micarta and did not have a problem with it.

I guess you can use super glue to give it a glossy finish, but i think i would just sand to a high finish. I have applied polyurethane black micarta. This helps if you want to retain texture but get rid of the layered look. If you only do one coat you retain most of the traction if you finished in a low grit. Perhaps CA will have a similar effect.

Be sure to well ventilate if you are using large quantities of CA.....
 
Your spacers are not going to show well against the canvas micarta since the two colors are similar. If you leave the micarta unsealed, it will darken over time from the oil (and dirt) in your hands and skin. If you've never worked with micarta before, I suggest you practice on a piece before you do it on the knife you're making, especially if you use pins instead of screws.
 
after sanding you can wash the micarta well and then spray it down with WD40. Let it sit a minute then wipe off the excess. Gives it a rich, darker look without being shiny
 
This is natural canvas micarta that I sanded to 600 grit and polished with some auto rubbing paste stuff. I think it was turtlewax. I also buffed it with a cloth and beeswax.

11724128933_ca61e9e200_c.jpg
 
Thanks for the quick replies. Looks like I'll do a little more sanding, then call it finished.
 
Sand and shape until it looks right...then keep sanding with finer and finer grit. Once done, buff with a soft cloth. Finishes, waxes, and oils don't really belong on Micarta as far as I am concerned.

Before any handle work is done, be sure to tape up the blade well....or you WILL get cut.
 
I sprayed with WD40, and while it was wet, it had a great shine and look. Now I'm thinking about a polyeurethane.
 
Oh yeah, after reading more about the hazards of micarta, I think this will be the last time I use it. Gonna go with wood next time.
 
There are no major hazards with Micarta. I don't know where people keep getting that info.

All dust should be vacuumed up and proper lung protection should be used whenever you make dust. Whether it is pine from sanding a bookshelf, or Micarta for a knife handle.
If hand sanding, the dust can be easily controlled, and a simple respirator mask will prevent any dust exposure. The dust flies about more when using a belt grinder, and some sort of dust extraction and filtering is required for the shop, as well as the mask for your face.


Micarta is a phenolic resin impregnated into a laminate of natural materials. Paper and cotton or linen cloth are the materials used . The dust is exactly that...dust. It is not toxic or harmful like fiberglass ( which is what G-10 is). If you grind it on a fast grinder, the heat generated by the belt will break down the resins and release formaldehyde gas. The gas is an irritant, and will make you cry and cough if you get enough exposure, but in the concentrations normally released in making a knife handle it is just that....and irritant. It does not cause you to get cancer and die or destroy your lungs. Use common sense and good shop practices and Micarta is probably one of the safest products you can use on a knife handle.


www.cntrline.com/uploads/files/CWL-MSDS_Micarta-2012JAN.pdf

As you will see if you read the above, there is no toxicity or real problem with Micarta.
 
I guess it's time for an update.
I coated the handle with a spray-on clear top coat. Then decided I should have sanded more. So, off it came. Now I'm going to leave it as is, with no coating/sealing.
I made my first sheath also. Tried a little stamping.
I'll get some pics soon so everyone can have a chuckle. Then when you quit shaking from laughter, you can give me some more pointers.
 
I've got mad skills Yo.




Click reply with quote on my post , to see how it looks; then cancel so you don't have to post it.


As far as I can tell, you had it right, but the difference between it working was the letter s or the letter i in the address.
I don't understand the links they give you in the photobucket boxes, I just right click the photo and copy photo location
 
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