Question about scales

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gunslinger387

gunslinger387

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What scales would be grayest (if that’s even a word)? Hard to tell on my phone from the pictures. What would be most similar to Terotuf?

How big of a difference in feel is buffed versus not buffed? How tricky is it to buff or un-buff the scale of I don’t like the feel?

Thanks
 
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The most gray scales to me is Terotuf because to my optical sense, it has more blue/black hue to it. I know that you are viewing on your phone but below are some samples of the two unbuffed UFK (FK2) in Terotuf (bottom knife) vs an FK (FK1) in the bottom photo (second knife from top). Both get more black with use as Grimes, oil and dirt penetrate the pores. Buffed black micarta is NOT gray at all. Unbuffed offers the best grip but Terotuf is even better. It's a lot easier to buff an unbuffed set of scales than the reverse.

H0EVOXl.jpg



wszSNq0.jpg
 
Hey @gunslinger387 ,

The comments above from @Casinostocks are spot on (as always. ;))

One piece of advice I will offer is to order extra scale sets at the time you pre-order a knife (or later when a model you have is currently in production.) The price for the extra scales is very reasonable and it gives you options down the road if your tastes change or you somehow damage the scales that are on your knife. You can always re-sell them quickly later if you decide you don’t need them.

I have ordered extra scales for every CPK knife I have since I first got onboard. That worked out well for me when I went from an AECM craze to a TeroTuf focus. Who knows, six months from now I might go back to AECM again.

The recent photo below shows my spare handle sets. The burlap FK2 scales on top left the reservation when I sold that knife. I have two spare sets of UF scales inbound this week even though I have not yet received my pre-order knives. Like I said above, order your extra scale sets when the model is currently in production to insure availablility and best selection.

Getting back to your original question, TeroTuf is the most gray followed by unbuffed black canvas micarta. The two sets in the center column in this photo are unbuffed black for reference.



One thing I want to bring to your attention is the fact that the unbuffed scales are going to be more prone to absorbing stuff and darkening over time and use.

The EDC pictured below has unbuffed green canvas micarta on it. It was an ugly light green Crest toothpaste color when it first arrived. 2+ years later it is dark green from absorbing all sorts of dirt, grime, sweat, hand oils, etc. Even after thorough cleaning with dish soap and hot water or isopropyl alcohol it is never going to look like new unbuffed micarta again. The standard buffed micarta is more color stable in that regard. Something to consider.



Buy some spare scale sets. You won’t regret it.

Phil
 
Couple questions on the AECM

Is it fragile in any way compared to the regular canvas micarta? I know how plastic/rubber/etc can degrade over time and become brittle. I would hate to have my scales shatter in cold weather. Any experiences with chipping or anything?

Has Nathan done any destruction testing on scaps of AECM to test for brittleness/chipping?

Anyone have unbuffed AECM? Any different in how it feels/behaves compared to regular unbuffed canvas micarta?
 
Nathan has always stated that his best-bang-for-the-buck & tough-as-heck handle scales are the regular" canvas micarta ones that he assembles as his "base package". He had also addressed a question similar to this and if I should find the time, I will try to find the link to his answer for you and I'm also sure that he will chime in again regarding this topic.

There are not many unbuffed AECM handles floating around but I know that someone in here has proclivities toward those, just have scarped my mind as to whom! As for AECM is concerned, I think that Andy (@never.truly.lost) either has or had something in that material and he lives in an environment which can get very, very cold. Other than than, Nathan's fave knife which happens to be a BC has AECM and Nathan deaths the snot outta that BC. So...

ETA, links to Nathan's past chiming:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/random-thought-thread.1507196/page-369#post-18866084

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/random-thought-thread.1507196/page-369#post-18866901
 
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Yes, they're buffed AECM for the HDFK in lighter color and lots of streaks. Luck of the draw as to how they come out after Nathan processes them and if you are kind to Jo (very kind) and ask very nicely, she may look for a set for you if they turn out in that way :)
 
The left is your old one, pretty dark. All compared to burlap on the far right. I've also have one that is very light in the hands of a friend currently. I'm sure the Def I have on order will be a different shade as well. Also for reference unbuffed natural(very little use) on the Hdfk buffed natural(lots of use) on the fk1. The fk1 scales have a lot of time under their belt thanks to a kind forum member :) just so you know how it ages.

 
I bought unbuffed micarta, and lightly hand buffed them (green compound on a rag). The result - not as rough as unbuffed, not nearly as smooth as buffed, and retained the ridges (though slightly reduced in comparison to unbuffed). It also richened the color to a level with which I was quite pleased.
The tricolor is the unbuffed that I touched-up; the black is buffed. If you're on your phone, expand the image to better view.
9zc8R3o.jpg
 
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Casinostocks said:
Yes, they're buffed AECM for the HDFK in lighter color and lots of streaks. Luck of the draw as to how they come out after Nathan processes them and if you are kind to Jo (very kind) and ask very nicely, she may look for a set for you if they turn out in that way :)
Click to expand...
Sold, finally figured out what scales I want. Understanding that luck is part of it how should I word the request, amber cherry colored with lots of streaks and a rich luster?

Those are the best looking scales I’ve seen besides some wood ones but I like the toughness of micarta and being able to swap them out.
 
Thos
hhmoore said:
I bought unbuffed micarta, and lightly hand buffed them (green compound on a rag). The result - not as rough as unbuffed, not nearly as smooth as buffed, and retained the ridges (though slightly reduced in comparison to unbuffed). It also richened the color to a level with which I was quite pleased.
The tricolor is the unbuffed that I touched-up; the black is buffed. If you're on your phone, expand the image to better view.
9zc8R3o.jpg
Click to expand...
Tri-color ones are probably my favorite and that’s what my FK2 wears now. I might order a set for my HDFK unbuffed like yours and try that. Looks fantastic.
 
steelcitysixteen said:
How much are extra sets of scales in the pre-orders?
Click to expand...

The cost of extra scales ordered separately can add an extra $25 or perhaps higher in case of the AECM and the Mystery Wood if those are even going to be allowed as extras! The additional costs that are currently on the optional menu are the add on costs if you were to upgrade the handle scales. Best to use the thread Ask Ninjo a Question or to send Jo a direct email to ask about the ones which you are interested in as extras.
 
fatfrog said:
So I know it's antique micarta but what does "AECM" stand for exactly?
Click to expand...

Antique Edge Cut Micarta (on black liners.)

Just for reference, there were very few Standard Cut Antique Micarta scales made years ago. The EDC set on the lower left of my photo above is Standard Cut. The rest are Edge Cut. The Edge Cut is what gives the micarta that wood grain look.

Phil
 
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