plexiglas scales

justfighter · May 21, 2014

I have a question, a good friend is a designer that makes Plexiglas jewelry from highest quality plexiglass on a laser cutter of some sort, check it out if you want

https://hr-hr.facebook.com/pages/SEXY-PLEXY/319924421391463

So i could ask her to cut me some scales form plexi, i KNOW it would look excellent but question is, since i will be using the knife, is Plexiglas durable and comfortable enough for a chopper-handle? we are talking best plexi there is...

just an idea FOR THE SCALES

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ted_Noten_Grandma's_Bag_Revisited_2009.jpg

Thank you in advance,

Dexwithers · May 21, 2014

It will look great but the impacts from chopping may cause it to break. Plexi-glass is a very brittle material I think. At least all the stuff I have played around with.

Also it scratches very easy.

Do post pics if you do get some made!

Chameleonbear · May 21, 2014

Who has pictures of Crystal and Crystal Light?

tjswarbrick · May 21, 2014

Dexwithers said:
It will look great but the impacts from chopping may cause it to break. Plexi-glass is a very brittle material I think. At least all the stuff I have played around with.

Also it scratches very easy.

Do post pics if you do get some made!

This and This. I think after a little use it wouldn't look good, and impacts (or even tightening down) will cause chipping or cracking.
As for hiding scratches, you could have it "frosted" first, I suppose.

You may have better luck with polycarbonate. It's softer, but much less brittle.

Here's the thread on "crystal light" - says he used polyurethane epoxy.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...twork-Meet-the-BK-15-quot-Crystal-Light-quot-!

samclaymore · Jun 11, 2014

could try a soft or rubber liner to reduce shock. 2 inch tire inner tube (ranger band )comes to mind. cut two 6" round sections. then make a straight cut up each tube to make rectangles. lay over knife tang w/excess hanging over for all sides of the handle. cut small X's in rubber to let hardware (screws) to pass through. put scales on over rubber & screw on. cut off excess rubber. orrrrr buy very small inner tube. cut to about 6" and pull over tang w/out cutting off fingers. cut X's in rubber for hardware. put on scales & screws. and enjoy.

p.s. find flat parts of the inner tube or trim down the bumpy parts to prevent stress points.

Blade Runner 7 · Jun 11, 2014

FYI it's acrylic. Plexiglas is a name. Kinda like calling gelatin, Jell-O. Or tissue, Kleenex. I deal with acrylic for a living so I get picky about the term.

There is abrasion resistant acrylic but I wouldn't recommend ANY acrylic for chopper scales. Maybe a light duty folder. Even then it won't stay nice for long if you plan to actually use it.

samclaymore · Jun 12, 2014

So you think the arcylic wouldn't do well. Even w/rubber liners in between the scales and tang. Or does it have to with the nature of acrylic to become brittle regardless?

BryanNomad · Jun 12, 2014

samclaymore said:
So you think the arcylic wouldn't do well. Even w/rubber liners in between the scales and tang. Or does it have to with the nature of acrylic to become brittle regardless?

It's just brittle stuff, plus when it cracks it gets jagged. I wouldn't recommend it at all.

centennial · Jun 12, 2014

I have several k"theater knives" from WWII that have handles made from airplane canopies (plexiglass) They are all on pretty good shape.

Blade Runner 7 · Jun 13, 2014

Pics.

Bobber · Jun 13, 2014

You could use Lexan, it`s a kind of plexiglass, but more durable. I have used it for scales on a knife I made a couple of years ago.
Still holding up ok.
You shape it With files, sanpaper and finnish it off With a heating-gun.
The heating_gun will make the Lexan og back to Clear, see-through state due too the surface melting just enough.
Just be carefull not to overheat, because that will cause Bubbles to appear in the Lexan.