Questions on White Micarta and G-10?

M

mmtmatrix

Joined
May 15, 2000
Messages
353
Hello-
This is my first time posting on the shop talk forum. I have read a few things in posts and would just like to say that you all have been very helpful. But I was wondering:

What is some basic information about White micarta and G-10? (Basic instructions on making inserts out of it - I have some found some info. one micarta but can always use more) Is there such a thing as white G-10?

I am planning on putting either some white micarta or G10 inserts on a knife and was also wondering where I could easily get some? I wont be needing a lot (probably not even a full Sq. ft.) -- can I get it locally?

Hope that made sense and you can help-
Thanks a lot-
mmtmatrix
 
Matrix-
try Koval Knives in Ohio @ 800-556-4837. White Linen "K-Carta" slabs go for 7 bucks per set, or 23.00 for a 12"x5"x3/8" piece.
 
Thanks for the help -- I would love more help and info though -- please!!!
smile.gif


What is "K-Carta"? (and how does it differ from micarta)?

How big is a slab?

Thanks
mmtmatrix
 
mmtmatrix,

K-carta is just the name given to the product by an other manufacturer. It is pretty much the same thing as micarta.

A slab can be just enough for a scale or enough for 15 scales.

Unless you are lucky, I doubt that you will find any white micarta or G-10 locally.You may be able to get micarta scraps from a local machine shop or at a sign shop but they probably won't have white. You will probably have to order it from Koval Knives or Sheffield's knifemakers supply.

Micarta and G-10 are easy to cut, drill, and sand. Where a respirator when you work with it. The dust is not good for your lungs.
Do a search in the Shop Talk archives and here. You should find a wealth of info on each.


------------------
Barry
Jones Knives
"NEW Knives"
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=126319&a=5922856
"For DUTY and HUMANITY!"
Curly, Moe, & Larry
 
Thanks for the help!
smile.gif


I was wondering what the size of the slab from Koval Knives in Ohio was. (if any one new measurements)

What about White G-10? How common is it?

Any other good suppliers???

Thanks again-
mmtmatrix
 
Check your phone book for a place called Professional Plastics they have them all over the USA. They carry or can easily get Micarta at about 1/2 the price of the knifemaking supply houses. They call it Phenolic plastic, it's the same stuff under it's generic name. I use there's and it works great.
 
mmtmatrix: If your primary concerns are for whiteness and durability you might consider "corian". I was at a show in Toronto
a couple of week-ends back and saw several makers with different styles of blades all handled in white corian. It looked so good that I took a makers advice and made enquiries at a local kitchen cabinet making shop just last Friday with a thought to buying a small amount to try. If you approach them right and are lucky like I was you could hit the mother-load. After explaining what I was interested in I was taken to the basement and GIVEN, FREE three pieces each one 2ftx3ftx1/4inch thick from their scrap pile.
This stuff is beautiful and really tough. Try your luck or let me know and I'll send you some.

Jim Ziegler aka Kraut
 
Here are a couple of tidbits of information that might be usefull in this discussion. I have played around with several brands of generic micarta, k-carta and phenol resin composit, and have found that there are significant differences between them. Without exception, the true Westinghouse micarta is more suitable for knifemaking applications than the substitutes I have tried. Heat discolouration, finish after buffing and durability of polish are all better (in my experience) with the trademark westinghouse Micarta than the generics. YMMV (of course)

As to corian, I have found it an attractive and very cheap handle material, but there are definate drawbacks. It will chip if dropped on a hard surface (I have never had a knife returned for it, but have chipped unfinished blocks when dropped) It will warp due to heat when grinding, and will retain enough heat from grinding to cause epoxy failure if not cooled frequently during shaping. The most difficult property is that it is very difficult to get a good epoxy bond to. You should be very carefull to clean and rough up the surface prior to bonding, and use top quality epoxy (devcon will cause problems 2 of 3 times with corian)

------------------
Those who are willing to trade freedom for security deserve neither, and in the end, seldom retain them!
 
Thank you all for the help so far!!! (feel free to continue with more info. - I am learning so much) You have surely helped this beginner out!
smile.gif



kraut: I would very much appreciate some of you corain!!! If you would not mind sparing some (I really don't need much at all) I would gratefully appreciate it. I would also be willing to help you out in some way -- either pay you (at least for shipping + your troubles) or if there was something that you were interested in I could get. That would be great. You say that you have 3 pieces -- 2ft. x 3ft. x 1/4in? If you would not mind sparing a small portion (cut off a small piece) It would be great and help me out. Please either email me or post your email address (because it is not listed) -- We can work something out
smile.gif


Thanks and I will keep looking
smile.gif

Thanks for everything so far!!!
mmtmatrix
 
mmtmatrix
I forwarded my E-address but not sure if you got it as I am using a new program.
You can get me at alexandr@execulink.com
kraut
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top