Ocelot and Cara Cara

E

edb

Joined
Aug 30, 2002
Messages
740
Bought an Ocelot that arrived yesterday. It's an old song, but this is definately the best Spydie yet (until the next - but I think that'll have to be quite something to improve over this!). Great blade length, lockback, grippy, just nothing to dislike. I've read that some people dislike the paw cutouts because they collect crap while in the field, and I suppose I might come to the same conclusion at some point, but for now, they're cool looking, and I think add to the grippiness of the handle.

Also received a Cara Cara (and an Endura 4 CE FRN :thumbup: :thumbup: ) as part of a trade. I've never owned an all-stainless knife, but this Cara Cara is great! Wonderful quality for the price!

I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for improving the grippiness of a stainless handle folder (like a Cara Cara)? Or are they inherently slippery?

Not trying to denigrate it - just seems a bit slippreeee to me... I hesitate to open it one-handed, because my hand slipped and it almost gave me an unwanted finger alteration :confused:
 
I have both a Cara Cara and an Ocelot also. I love my Ocelot more now since replacing the handle scales and getting rid of the paw prints.

On the Cara Cara I used some of the self stick textured skid guard material used on above ground swimming pool decks and steps, truck steps and running boards and stuff like that. You have probably seen it. You cut it to the shape you want and then peel the back off and stick it on there. The stuff sticks great. I've had it on my Cara Cara for quite a while now with no problems.

I think black would look better but black was not on clearance where I got these and I didn't much care what color it was on a beater. The fact is the knife is very grippy now. The way it feels in the hand outweighs the way it looks IMO. This was the cheapest way I could come up with to make it less slick in the hand and easier to withdraw from the pocket without adding weight to an already heavy knife.

STR
 
Hey STR,

Sounds like a great idea! I think I know what stuff you mean -- but where did you get yours?

As you suggested, I'm not so concerned about looks. I'm sure I can cut it to the contours pretty closely, so if it's a solution, I'm going for it :thumbup:
 
Oh yeah - after adding the grippy stuff, did the clip become unusable (or unattachable)?
 
Scratch that last post - didn't notice you posted pics the first time. I see how you did it now...

Thanks :thumbup:
 
Hello edB,

Welcome to the byrd watchers club.;)

STR has a good suggestion. I bought some clear grip tape at a skateboard shop. They have all kinds of different colors. Here's a pic of how I did my Crossbill CE.
CrossbillSmall.jpg


I also had someone do some filing work on it, as well as my Cara Cara.
CaraCara.jpg


The file work was done with a dremmel tool, and does help with grip, as well as looking good. However, when the colder months come, the SS gets even slicker, so I did the grip tape.
 
Clear grip tape at a skateboard shop? LOL - I suspect when I walk in, they'll fall on the floor laughing when they see the grey beard. Not that it'll stop me from walking in :D

Thanks for the suggestion
 
edb said:
Clear grip tape at a skateboard shop? LOL - I suspect when I walk in, they'll fall on the floor laughing when they see the grey beard. Not that it'll stop me from walking in :D

Thanks for the suggestion
Click to expand...
Actually, if you were willing to spend the money they may charge, they could probably even cut out a design in different colors. My local skate shop has a young woman who is pretty talented at cuting out designs with multiply colors of grip tape. Don't know how much, if at all she charges for it, but she does some pretty cool stuff.

I just copied a Spyderbug from the website banner, and glued it to the handle before applying the grip tape.
 
I got my skid guards at a place called Tyro Bargains. I doubt you have one. Its just a local place I go now and then that never has the same thing twice.

I got like five packs of these things. If you want some email me your address and I'll mail you out enough for a few knives. I've had it hanging in the pantry room for a few years and this is the only thing I've used it for. Just had to have it at the time though. :D

Good to know I'm not the only one around here with gray hair.
:thumbup:

STR
 
Hey STR,

I bought some skid guard tape while I was at Home Depot yesterday - definately does the trick with the Cara Cara! Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Great! Glad to hear it worked for you. I know it has been great on my own.

STR
 
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