Stingray Inlays

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Feb 18, 2017
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Does anyone know more about them? Are they functional, what's the maintenance/durability like, how expensive are they to add to a custom? Personally, I think they look really cool on the few Rocksteads they're used on, but I'm having a hard time learning more about the material.
 
I have a wallet my brother got me in Mexico made out of stingray and it has a piece of what I assume would be used for a inlay in it.
This piece of bone or whatever it is is super tough as is the Stingray leather itself. I have had this wallet probably 5 years and no wear at all.
I wouldn't have any concerns of that inlay holding up.
 
Very durable. Looks good and provides a good traction. There was a reason it was used on sword grips for so long for many cultures! Can't comment on price.
 
I've had a few stingray wallets, and frankly, I'm not a huge fan. I love the way the look and feel, but the denticles (the bumpy bits) aren't very durable. The tops of the bumps will break away after time and use. On a knife stingray might be fine for a safe queen but if something you're going to use, you're going to be pissed off in a few months.
 
This sterile Microtech Ultratech used to be in my own collection around 2010-2011.
Through Microholics.org i found member Diplomat as the man who originally did the inlays, and in a mail he told me it took him about 8 hours to do just this one knife.
Stingray is quite difficult to work with, especially around the edges, but definitely worth it if done right.
I think he did a terrific job on this knife, and i still have his e-mail for anyone who's interested.





 
Planterz said:
I've had a few stingray wallets, and frankly, I'm not a huge fan. I love the way the look and feel, but the denticles (the bumpy bits) aren't very durable. The tops of the bumps will break away after time and use. On a knife stingray might be fine for a safe queen but if something you're going to use, you're going to be pissed off in a few months.
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Yup. I bought a user Rockstead on the exchange once and some of the tops of the bumps were worn off around the edges. Looked kind of like styrofoam underneath, IIRC.
 
I use stingray inlays for some of the handgun holsters i make, i have also made wallets from stingray. I will say this about the leather, It wears like iron. My mentor that has been doing leather for 30 years has a 30 year old stingray card holder that he carries every day. that cardholder shown almost no wear. What you need to realize is that there is real stingray and then there is fake stingray. the comment that was made about the bump being worn off, that was probably faux stingray. the way to tell the difference is by trying to melt the bumps. if it melts it is fake.
as for the price a whole hide check http://www.rojeleather.com. there are other sellers that are a little less expensive but i have always received quality hides from this seller. Hope this helps.
 
My Rockstead Shin has them, they feel like plastic in a way, but they are grippy and look really good in person
 
This Japanese made Kershaw has them. Retail on this was around 200 and they sold for about 150. Kershaw closed them out at 50, which is what I paid years ago. Both sides are ray skin inserts and it is a well made knife , but people didn't like Steven Segal by the time they were on the market.

2vxlm6b.jpg
 
jill jackson said:
This Japanese made Kershaw has them. Retail on this was around 200 and they sold for about 150. Kershaw closed them out at 50, which is what I paid years ago. Both sides are ray skin inserts and it is a well made knife , but people didn't like Steven Segal by the time they were on the market.

2vxlm6b.jpg
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How has it held up over the years? Does water ruin it?
 
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