Pics of Old/Worn Carbon Fiber Scales?

J

jayjaygee

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Mar 13, 2023
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I'm thinking of buying an expensive (for me) knife and it comes in cerrakote or carbon fiber scales. I want whichever one will look like new in three years of daily pocket carry (keys, coins, screws, misc hardware) and use (shop, woods, etc.)

I feel like the nickel-plated cerrakote will wear off like any finish, right?

But the carbon, I have no idea about. Will it scuff on the first day or look exactly the same after 10,000 years? It's new to me.

Pics of well-loved carbon scales would be great if you have them.
 
Cerakote is probably the least durable coating you can get on a knife; the fixed blades I have with it get the coating worn off where the sheath rubs it within a few days.

Nothing will look new with a lot of use, but carbon fiber or G10 or micarta hold up pretty well. You might also want to narrow your search to knives with stonewashed or brushed blades. Brushed blades can be touched up with an abrasive pad, and stonewashed finishes hide marks pretty well.
 
Tsujigiri said:
Nothing will look new with a lot of use, but carbon fiber or G10 or micarta hold up pretty well. You might also want to narrow your search to knives with stonewashed or brushed blades.
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Thanks, I should have been more clear, I don't care about the blade so much as the scales. I want the scales to still look good after a while. And yeah I'm always happy with G10 or Micarta. The question I'm asking is about carbon fiber.

grownstar said:
Go for the Kershaw Bel Air in CF!
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Maybe, do you have pics of one after being slapped with keys and coins for a year?
 
On second thought...

Interesting topic.

I doubt you'll find what you are looking for as CF is not 'common' perse. Though there are some knives with it, hard use examples may not exist. It isn't low budget.

I hope someone proves me wrong.
 
I use Carbon fiber for pistol grips and knife scales, to include what used to be my EDC CCW, an officer model 1911. CF will scratch, and if the scales are glass like, those scratches will show. However, satin finished CF hides wear well, and my grips look good after many years of carry and range time. Also, CF is relatively easy to refinish (just be sure to wear a mask and gloves!)

Another consideration is that CF is not the most secure grip material and will become slick when wet (like G10).

If you like it, buy it.
 
Depending on the knife you’re looking at, you may be able to get aftermarket scales. If they start looking rough, just replace the scales.
 
I've had a Sage 5 with the laminated CF over G10 for a few years now. It hasn't had a lot of pocket carry but it's been in and out of rotation the whole time. I've read where the layers may begin to separate but don't see anything with mine. My issue why it's still my only CF scales knife is that it can be a slippery little thing. It has a textured finish but the slightest bit sweaty hand or drip of oil and that thing is a bar of soap in you hand. My preference is still Spyderco's textured G10. Yes it's a little rough on fabric in your pocket but it will never slip in your hand.
 
I love CF and will give you those pics from years of carry. I've found CF scales outstanding to hide wear, especially compared to G10. Here's a bunch of pics from my archive... I miss some of these I later sold!

This CRK MATTE CF has seen a ton of carry and has often kicked around with other knives loose in a duffle bag side pocket when I car camp. Glossy CF doesn't usually do quite as well as matte:

rEJK88V.jpg

Np2IoVo.jpg


Same story with this Benza:

4HSpFqg.jpg

QjCcRVs.jpg



Textured Hinderer CF barely shows the wear:

5RT5Pkb.jpg


Well loved Militaries with stock peel ply textured CF scales from Golden, top and bottom, middle brand new:

1XnkViv.jpg


This one has seen a TON of pocket time, Taichung peel ply CF:

ohGzHG4.jpg


Cerakote actually holds up pretty well, but not as well as DLC. When it comes off it comes off like paint, see the clip:

PpdUJr4.jpg
 
navman said:
I use Carbon fiber for pistol grips and knife scales, to include what used to be my EDC CCW, an officer model 1911. CF will scratch, and if the scales are glass like, those scratches will show. However, satin finished CF hides wear well, and my grips look good after many years of carry and range time. Also, CF is relatively easy to refinish (just be sure to wear a mask and gloves!)

Another consideration is that CF is not the most secure grip material and will become slick when wet (like G10).

If you like it, buy it.
Click to expand...
I did not know you made 1911 grips. Do you have any pictures you's like to share?
 
I made them specifically for 1911's I built. All of the pics were loaded to Photbucket. If you google search "navman 1911" you should see some.
 
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