Paper Micarta?

[BearPawBlacksmithing]

I am working on a rasp knife, the back of the handle is about a 1/32 thicker than the rest of if, I will be using 1/4'' paper micarta and 1/4'' nickel silver corby rivets, will I be able to flex the micarta down tight against the steel?

 

[tim37a]

I doubt it will flex that much, but if it does, you will be putting a hellacious stress on it.
Tim

 

[Salem Straub]

That won't be good. I'd use the grinder to either shape the steel or micarta so the fit does not require any bending.

 

[Lieblad]

Small cellulose Micarta pieces wont like to flex. You might safely go a few 'thou, but dont push it.

 

[BearPawBlacksmithing]

Thanks guys, Ill file it down level. I haven't ever worked with micarta, is it brittle? Is there any reason I have to be carful with it in any way?

 

[Frank Niro]

Yes paper micarta is on the brittle side. I preffer the linen of the three types.
Frank

 

[Salem Straub]

Another thing about paper micarta, is the edges will scorch if you shape with dull belts or let the heat build up much. Then tiny separations will appear, that even if sealed with superglue, won't look good.

 

[BearPawBlacksmithing]

I do everything by hand so scorching wont by an issue I will be careful with the brittleness though.

 

[Geoff Flato]

I'd be inclined to solve your issue with a tapered tang.
I quite like paper micarta myself. I usually hand sand it down to 1500 grit, and polish lightly either with a buffing wheel with Zam or by hand with crocus cloth