Removing scratches from linen micarta

J

Jason Fowler

Joined
May 11, 1999
Messages
40
I've got a W. Goddard C16 with a big scratch in the linen micarta handle from a cardboard box staple. Does anyone know of a way to polish, buff or otherwise remove it?

Jason F.
 
If it's a really big scratch I'd start with at least 240 grit paper and do a wide area around the scratch so it doesn't get a pronounced depression. In fact, given that the Goddards are so flat, just about any work like that is going to show up unless you resand the whole side on a good, flat surface. After 240 go to 400 grit, then 600 grit and buff with a compound like White Diamond. At each step, be thorough; micarta's really hard compared to stuff like dymondwood and I've had almost no luck buffing out scratches that the previous sanding steps didn't catch.

I wonder if Spyderco's repair department would take care of something like this?

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
 
Beadblast. Improved texture.

L8r,
Nakano

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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."
 
I talked to Keith in repair, he said he could try it on a polishing wheel, but no guarantees. He does NOT recommend trying to sand it yourself. It could come out looking much much worse than you even expect.

Danelle
 
Sorry, Danelle! Not trying to get folks into trouble.

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)
 
Thanks for the ideas. Actually, I have already had Spyderco's repair dept. look at it and they said there was nothing that could be done. I figured that someone out there might have attempted such a repair and met with success. Maybe I'll just leave it alone...

J.F.
 
Jason,

Just an idea, not sure how it would work, how about filling the scratch with pigmented epoxy and then buffing it back? In boat building they use all sorts of fillers to thicken epoxy, including wood flour, so if you could find a suitably coloured filler it might do the trick.

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Take care,
Clay

"A witty saying proves nothing." Voltaire :)


 
With Micarta, I've found that a scratch usually shows as white or light colored. Sanding it makes it a thousand times worse because particles get caught up in it. I would try some buffing compound to polish the scratch and chances are it will blend in. If not, then consider it a battle scar and move on!
 
There's nothing you can do. Might as well send me your knife and buy a new one.
 
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