Newbie question ...

mc5aw

mc5aw

Joined
Nov 6, 2011
Messages
297
Apologies in advance for the newbie inquiry ... what do you experienced Beckerheads recommend in terms of replacement grip scales? I've seen the factory tan micarta ones, and I'm curious if there are any other good stock offerings. I know there's a ton of glow-in-the-dark plastic junk on the 'Bay for a variety of knives, but I'd like to find something cost effective and good quality to go with a BK7 or 9. Thanks for the help.
 
Your best bet is still the micarta. It's not very expensive it looks great it's very tuff and it does it's job, it grips!
 
I really like Kabar micarta. Saint Cutlery micarta is pretty good, too. I've got a set on my 9. Saint's stuff is a little thinner, so if you don't have bear claws, it's a good route to go. I prefer the feel of Kabar, though.

Ka-Bar:
IMG_7042.jpg


Saint Cutlery:
IMG_6349.jpg
 
If your new to the Becker knives, the stock handles are pretty great. I like em just as much as my micarta. Some like one, some like the other.
 
Yup, all of the above. You can easily clean dirty micarta with warm water, some dish soap & an old tooth brush.
 
I like the kabar micarta. They seem to be just a wee little bit thinner than the standard 'glasstic" grivory Becker grips, they look great, and the texture is just wonderful.

Got a set on my 11 and 5, got two more sets coming from Tomar's KaBars due this wednesday for my BK-9HH and BK-7.
 
mc5aw said:
I know there's a ton of glow-in-the-dark plastic junk on the 'Bay for a variety of knives, ...
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Um-m-m. Don't look now, but your stock Grivory is what you refer to as plastic "junk". Don't knock the G-I-T-D ones unless you've tried them.

That said, there is a lot you can do with stock grips to improve them. Search around and find out about soldering iron dimpling, media blasting, spacers... The amount of info here is staggering.
 
For wood, I recomemnd Tommy the Who. I have two sets of his handles and they are beautiful. Mrn8 also make awesome G10 liners to add the finishing touch.
Balding
 
I've never tried them myself but I've heard that Saints Cutlery offers G10 & it's really good. I think G10 is the only synthetic I would try as an aftermarket set.
 
rkmoore said:
I've never tried them myself but I've heard that Saints Cutlery offers G10 & it's really good. I think G10 is the only synthetic I would try as an aftermarket set.
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Good point.
While I prefer the micarta, I like G-10 as well.
To me it's actually a little grippier when wet.

I hear that Wilsons tennis racket grip tape does wonders on stock scales.
I'll pick some up soon and give it a try.
 
G-10 is more water resistant, avalible in more colors than micarta and also a bit stronger (I stress the word "bit" its only slightly stronger)...Just dont polish the damn things, I've heard polished g-10 fels like glass/plastic.

Micarta is good if you like a better texture but it absorbs exerything around it like a posessed paper towel.

I vary rarely work with wood so I cant tell you much about that. Personally I like G-10 mainly for the color selection and cos I've got tons of it at my house already.
 
My brother roughed up the stock scales on his BK-7 with a coarse sanding sponge. It's a cheap and effective way to improve the texture.
 
These ! :D

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Seriously, as others have said, it comes down to personnel preference. Some folks like the stock Grivory (me included)
Others like Micarta, G 10, wood. ... yada, yada, yada


And if you don't like something, you can always sell it on the exchange here on the forums. Pretty good secondary market.

Just gotta' try different things and see what works for you. But, I wouldn't discount the stock grips with out trying them.
Some folks don't like them, but work ok for me.

Good luck, lots of really good info./sources here
 
The plastic junk ones you are referring to are actually quite nice, and have the benefit of being solid instead of hollow.
 
If you want an inexpensive quick fix try a ranger band (bicycle inner tube) on the grips for one of your Beckers, real cheap and does the job while also adding a little survival item right on your knife.
 
Appreciate all the info. BTW I wasn't knocking plastic scales, but merely referring to the assorted cheapo knock-off stuff all over ebay. Is G-10 available in stock configurations for Beckers? If so, what is the best source? Thanks again for all the feedback.
 
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