Roughing up Micarta

[jkarp_53]

A friend has a couple of Bark River knives with smooth Micarta handle scales. Do you guys have any recommendations on roughing the surface to add some texture? Sandpaper, or?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[yoda4561]

Some 120-220 grit sandpaper should do the trick nicely. Finer than that and it would probably be too smooth, rougher and it'll be grippy, but probably not look too nice. I've also used maroon scotchbrite abrasive pads to good effect, leaves a smooth but not too slippery finish to linen and paper micarta.

 

[Winston Smith]

i usually just slap mine, and tell it that it's sister is better...

failing that then i'd agree with yoda and use a rougher grit sandpaper.

Winston.

 

[merwin]

Which type of micarta?

Mike Stewart once recommended 400 grit for this purpose. I tried it and didn't like it on an ivory paper micarta handle. I went over it again with 1500 grit and like it much better. Not slippery at all, wet or dry.

I've found grip can vary quite a bit between types of micarta. The black and green (linen?) was perfectly grippy polished after a good cleaning with dish soap. It seemed to open up the 'grain' of the fabric.

No harm in trying a good hot soapy cleaning first, then wet sanding is still an option.

 

[Ozy]

i usually just slap mine, and tell it that it's sister is better...

failing that then i'd agree with yoda and use a rougher grit sandpaper.

Winston.

Best - reply - ever.

 

[dos50]

I agree with Merwin. Try washing the BRKT micarta handles with dish soap first before resorting to sand paper.

 

[stormyone]

Wear a mask while working with micarta. Do not inhale it. Nasty stuff.