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POLL, man made scales versus price on custom slips
- Thread starter ken erickson
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2007
- Messages
- 3,018
Since I don't own any custom slips, I didn't vote, but I figured I'd add my two cents here. I think part of the blame for the distaste toward synthetics is that the synthetics that we're used to seeing on the market are those more tailored to hard use conditions - orange, heavily-textured G10 or canvas or burlap, sometimes sandblasted micarta. And I would agree that these wouldn't be my first choice for a knife scale.
But would many of us shy away from a gorgeous ivory paper micarta, or black paper or linen micarta -scaled knife? How about some of the nicer acrylic handles out there? I think these materials do a great job imitating some of the most classic slipjoint scale materials out there.
But would many of us shy away from a gorgeous ivory paper micarta, or black paper or linen micarta -scaled knife? How about some of the nicer acrylic handles out there? I think these materials do a great job imitating some of the most classic slipjoint scale materials out there.
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2006
- Messages
- 2,097
If the knife is a tool the way a screwdriver is a tool, manmade handles are okay. For a carpet knife, an electrician’s knife, a utility knife, the only thing that matters is that it works.
If it’s a personal carry knife, I’d rather have natural materials. When I was young I carried Buck hunters and folders. But I never warmed to the Phenolic handles. I moved on as I learned, and as more appealing knives became available.
Sometimes pragmatic considerations rule. I carry a Ritter Grip as an emergency knife. It’s ugly. I hate the look and feel of FRN handle. But it’s a light knife for its size. I can open and close it one handed, with either hand. As locks go, the axis lock is reliable. The blade keeps its edge well, and slices through cardboard as though it wasn’t there. Until I can find something as good for that purpose, with a natural handle, I’ll continue to carry it. Even though I’m embarrassed to use the thing in public.
If it’s a personal carry knife, I’d rather have natural materials. When I was young I carried Buck hunters and folders. But I never warmed to the Phenolic handles. I moved on as I learned, and as more appealing knives became available.
Sometimes pragmatic considerations rule. I carry a Ritter Grip as an emergency knife. It’s ugly. I hate the look and feel of FRN handle. But it’s a light knife for its size. I can open and close it one handed, with either hand. As locks go, the axis lock is reliable. The blade keeps its edge well, and slices through cardboard as though it wasn’t there. Until I can find something as good for that purpose, with a natural handle, I’ll continue to carry it. Even though I’m embarrassed to use the thing in public.
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- Apr 19, 2007
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- 3,396
I voted Yes, why not. However, I'd take it at a case by case status, or I should say on a knife by knife basis.
My currently only custom slippie has micarta & I love it, but it's also a Back Pocket Shadow pattern, making it kind of ideal, IMHO. I other custom slippie has pre-ban ivory.
I think it really depends more on the knife & pattern than anything else. Good thread, though.
My currently only custom slippie has micarta & I love it, but it's also a Back Pocket Shadow pattern, making it kind of ideal, IMHO. I other custom slippie has pre-ban ivory.
I think it really depends more on the knife & pattern than anything else. Good thread, though.
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2002
- Messages
- 365
I say - why not? Particularly for a user. A safe queen should have the pretty, fancy stuff. Or maybe one for special occasions. But a daily user works better with man-made materials. At least I don't feel as bad about using it.
Of course, I live in the desert. Humidity is usually 10 - 15% or so. When it gets over 20% the folks here whine. I have had wood scales shrink. I've noticed some movement of ivory scales. Bone or pearl are my favorites as they aren't as affected. Stag works too, if the scales are nicely matched. It's fairly stable as well.
G10 is the least hydroscopic of the man-made materials, so it's a great choice for the desert. Micarta is almost indestructible, although it will shrink in a dry climate. I've got one rag micarta folder and it's very cool! Jigged micarta looks great on a slip joint! Carbon fiber is OK, but not really suited for multi-blade traditional knife patterns.
Here's the breakdown of the custom slipjoints I currently own:
- ivory - 4
- bone - 21
- stag - 9
- micarta - 4
- G10 - 1
- pearl - 19
- carbon fiber - 2
All of the ones with man-made scales are single blade designs. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen a multi-blade that had man made scales. But I bet if Ken posted one for sale, it wouldn't last long!
As an example, here are two in jigged micarta. You can't tell me a multi-blade knife wouldn't look great with these handle scales!
Of course, I live in the desert. Humidity is usually 10 - 15% or so. When it gets over 20% the folks here whine. I have had wood scales shrink. I've noticed some movement of ivory scales. Bone or pearl are my favorites as they aren't as affected. Stag works too, if the scales are nicely matched. It's fairly stable as well.
G10 is the least hydroscopic of the man-made materials, so it's a great choice for the desert. Micarta is almost indestructible, although it will shrink in a dry climate. I've got one rag micarta folder and it's very cool! Jigged micarta looks great on a slip joint! Carbon fiber is OK, but not really suited for multi-blade traditional knife patterns.
Here's the breakdown of the custom slipjoints I currently own:
- ivory - 4
- bone - 21
- stag - 9
- micarta - 4
- G10 - 1
- pearl - 19
- carbon fiber - 2
All of the ones with man-made scales are single blade designs. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen a multi-blade that had man made scales. But I bet if Ken posted one for sale, it wouldn't last long!
As an example, here are two in jigged micarta. You can't tell me a multi-blade knife wouldn't look great with these handle scales!
kamagong
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2001
- Messages
- 10,941
Ken,
Great Thread!
I voted for #2, as I prefer natural material, but I do and would have some of the micardas, jigged and not jigged. I like some of that as much as some of the bone material that I have seen, as your jigging style is the cats meow. :thumbup:
My favorites are Ivory, stag and yes, some of the micarda!
Kent
Great Thread!
I voted for #2, as I prefer natural material, but I do and would have some of the micardas, jigged and not jigged. I like some of that as much as some of the bone material that I have seen, as your jigging style is the cats meow. :thumbup:
My favorites are Ivory, stag and yes, some of the micarda!
Kent