Seeking Advice on Trimming Micarta

[heefageLA]

Hello forum gods.
I have several Ontario Ranger Series knives that id like to trim down the Micarta scales.
Ill be going to buy some files today to do this.

Any specific ones yall recommend?

Can I use my dremel on a low speed?

What advice can you offer before I get started?


Thanks in advance for the help

 

[hhmoore]

I did a quick job on my RD7 a couple years ago (see thread/images)
I've been meaning to go back and do a little more reshaping - or, at the least, pretty it up a little - but I keep opting not to mess with it because it feels great in hand, as is.
Grab yourself a half round file, and go to town!

 

[heefageLA]

Will do.

 

[8steve88]

If you do decide to dremel it be sure to wear a mask as the dust can be nasty. A file will probably not create the small particles that a dremel would but if you see them floating then grab a mask.

 

[Jemblade]

In my limited experience, micarta hogs away real quick like with a file. I probably would so no to the Dremel. Even at its slowest it would probably still remove too much material.

 

[Phydeaux]

In my experience, Micarta works well with files and sand paper. Using files will give you more control of how much you remove.

I find that a half round file is useful. The half round side gets used a lot for inside radii.

Once I get to 320 and finer sand paper, I use wet/dry paper with water.

Ric

 

[heefageLA]

You guys are right about using a file only.
The file offers a lot more control over material removed.
I slightly touched the scales with the dremel and it was way too much.