Sanding micarta inlays

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Nottynuffknives

Joined
Jul 22, 2017
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131
Hey guys. So I have a small 21 with micarta inlays, which i love. I love the look of the micarta and the pattern that it has. However what I don't like, is how quickly the inlays turn black from just the oils on my hand. It happenes within just a couple minutes of holding it. If I'm using it, or just playing with it on the couch, it goes black quick and then I can no longer see that lovely micarta color/pattern. Sure I can clean it up fast and pretty easily but who wants to do that 5-10 times a day. It's frustrating for me because the all black inlays completely changes the look of the knife. I like the look of the micarta and thats why I bought this model.

So after doing some research, I've learned that (from what others have said) you can sand down the micarta to have less fibers exposed, leaving it less porous, therefore not being able to take in as much oils or anything else to make it change color so fast.

Has anyone ever done this? Or maybe have any other trick to keeping the micarta looking clean for longer?

Thanks,
Dan
 
You can sand canvas micarta all day long and get it as smooth as possible and you will not stop the fibers from picking up moisture / oils. It what canvas micarta is intended to do. The treads absorb water / oil and swell giving a better grip.
I’ve heard of people sealing it with polish or wax but honestly you are wanting a less course micarta such as a linen or paper micarta. Canvas micarta while very awesome to look at is designed for use. And don’t forget that CRK markets it as “ Black Canvas Micarta” . Sorry I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear.
 
Most people like the way it looks after use.
As CHNeal said, it's supposed to do that...I'd suggest embracing it, rather than screwing with it
 
CHNeal said:
You can sand canvas micarta all day long and get it as smooth as possible and you will not stop the fibers from picking up moisture / oils. It what canvas micarta is intended to do. The treads absorb water / oil and swell giving a better grip.
I’ve heard of people sealing it with polish or wax but honestly you are wanting a less course micarta such as a linen or paper micarta. Canvas micarta while very awesome to look at is designed for use. And don’t forget that CRK markets it as “ Black Canvas Micarta” . Sorry I know this isn’t what you wanted to hear.
Click to expand...

It's the sad truth I was hoping not to have to face lol. Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it and now have a better understanding of the material
 
hhmoore said:
Most people like the way it looks after use.
As CHNeal said, it's supposed to do that...I'd suggest embracing it, rather than screwing with it
Click to expand...
Yeaaaahhh, I suppose you're right. I'll do just that then, and try not to obsess over keeping it clean, thanks.
 
I don't know if natural micarta will be any better. CRK started using edge cut micarta, don't know when though and don't know if it's exclusively edge cut now. You can look and see the difference in patterns. Don't know if it makes a difference. I would think that if your hands are naturally oily, it wouldn't make a difference. You can call CRK and see how much it would cost to change the micarta inlays. I think that's the only inlay they'll change out.
Edit: They've probably have been using edge cut micarta for a long time, I never noticed until someone pointed it out to me a few months back.

DgX4s7J.jpg
 
Ajack60 said:
I don't know if natural micarta will be any better. CRK started using edge cut micarta, don't know when though and don't know if it's exclusively edge cut now. You can look and see the difference in patterns. Don't know if it makes a difference. I would think that if your hands are naturally oily, it wouldn't make a difference. You can call CRK and see how much it would cost to change the micarta inlays. I think that's the only inlay they'll change out.
Edit: They've probably have been using edge cut micarta for a long time, I never noticed until someone pointed it out to me a few months back.

DgX4s7J.jpg
Click to expand...


Not exactly sure what you mean by edge cut, but I can tell the difference in patterns. One being straight lines vs the other being squiggly lines. Is that what you're referring to? Mine has the squiggly lines. Just bought it in May of this year.
 
Nottynuffknives said:
Not exactly sure what you mean by edge cut, but I can tell the difference in patterns. One being straight lines vs the other being squiggly lines. Is that what you're referring to? Mine has the squiggly lines. Just bought it in May of this year.
Click to expand...

Yes, the squiggly lines are edge cut.
 
I think isopropyl alcohol “dries” the micarta out again, however, if the oil in your hands are darkening it up in a matter of hours ......? Try the alcohol or maybe bleach.....the nice thing about micarta is it’s virtually indestructible and you can almost always revert to darkening them back up?
 
Nottynuffknives said:
Not exactly sure what you mean by edge cut, but I can tell the difference in patterns. One being straight lines vs the other being squiggly lines. Is that what you're referring to? Mine has the squiggly lines. Just bought it in May of this year.
Click to expand...

Also referred to as crosscut micarta.
 
I doubt this will help, but maybe? I've had good luck with the maintaining color on wood inlays with Renisance wax. It's was originally manufactured for maintaining items in museums. I'm wondering if you clean it and give it a try if it will help a little. I doubt it will be exactly what you are wanting, but maybe something between.

edit, I gave it a shot.. worked pretty good.
 
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