The "Ask Nathan a Question" Thread

In terms of rust, if there is a build up of it on DV3 under the scales and is left, can it cause any damage or vulnerbility to the knife itself? I can easily maintain a blade itself, but I am not a fan of removing scales and attending to the tang. Would that matter in the long run?

depends upon how long a run you're asking about. Most of what you'll find under a tang is not the kind of thing which will lead to failure, unless the knife is kept in a super corrosive environment or you enjoy an inordinately long life span. With my knives, corrosion under the scales is not on the list of concerns at all, and is something I wish folks would worry about and discuss less. It is what it is
 
Alternatively, with a brand new knife, do what I did, and remove the scales, coat the tang with some type of rust protectant (don't use an oil. Use one of the protectants that leaves a wax type coating, or an epoxy, or one of the clear acrylic top coats, or even a deck sealant varnish).

When it's dry, replace the scales, and use it without worrying about it anymore. With the scales back on, there's no exposure to wear/remove the protectant, and you won't have to wonder about anything happening under the scales.

P.S.
I understand some folks can be a little OCD about things like surface rust/stains, even if it's only cosmetic, and not anything that affects usage/structural integrity.

I like using my knives, and I'm not the type to periodically change the scales or remove them for whatever reason. More of a one-and-done type. For me, removing the scales, applying a coat of protectant, then replacing the scales and never thinking about it again is just peace of mind. Might work for similarly OCD individuals.

Less OCD individuals wouldn't even worry about it. More OCD individuals can always keep their knives in a humidity controlled safe.;)
 
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Hey Nathan, would you consider making some scales without the rear lanyard cut out for the up coming MC HC preorder? I’m particularly interested in antique micarta.
 
Nathan, will the HC scales be compatible (Fit) the MC and BC Models?
Edit: Also would you consider offering (using) Titanium (Screws) Fasteners in the future?
Thanks
 
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Nathan, will the HC scales be compatible (Fit) the MC and BC Models?
Edit: Also would you consider offering (using) Titanium (Screws) Fasteners in the future?
Thanks

Yes the scales for the BC, HC and MC will be interchangeable on the production choppers.


Also, I have titanium screws.

The strength advantage is moot.

The weight advantage is moot.

There may or may not be an aesthetic advantage. If someone wants raw titanium screws (looks like plain stainless) instead of black oxide stainless steel on their knife we can talk about it. If you want them turned for teh prety we can talk about that.

In my opinion the advantage to the titanium screws is they're made with a little bit larger head which is helpful with certain scales materials such as ebonite and wood.


I plan to use titanium screws on the DEK1 because Lorien asked me to.

Do people what me to start using titanium screws as standard on everything? I'm open to discussion. It would add several dollars cost to the knife without offering any real benefit. I haven't done this because we're about performance and value, and unnecessary exotic fasteners would go contrary to that value unless there were a purpose for it.
 
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^ your knives are already well beyond "production" knives and at the expense of my blatant "fanboyism" for your products, your knives are actually above mid-tech, as far as I am concerned. With this said, even if the Ti fasteners add say $10 (I dunno, I just assume and average 3 x $3 extra cost) I think that they are well worth the additional costs as the black oxide fasteners tend to lose the blackness with use, do not do your higher end handle scales much justice. Also, I have found out that on some of my edgecut antique micarta handle scales, their heads looks a bit too small and sunken in for the fastener holes on the handle scales. Just MHO.
 
Don't want to clutter up this Thread, my guess is a lot of people would want the Titanium, and others would prefer the Black oxide! I agree with Uncle Matty's post above! Instead of cluttering up this thread, why not just make it an option on upcoming release's!
 
Don't want to clutter up this Thread, my guess is a lot of people would want the Titanium, and others would prefer the Black oxide! I agree with Uncle Matty's post above! Instead of cluttering up this thread, why not just make it an option on upcoming release's!

Thank you my dear (older-than-me) nephew :)

Seriously though, I may have been way off with my costing as I just pulled that outta you know my what! A set of 3 x Ti hardware could cost $25 additional $ or more. I'm in up to $30 per handle scale :)
 
^^^I know better than to start a poll, but thought it might keep the traffic down on Nathan's Thread
Edit: For Nathan, what would be the extra cost per knife if titanium screws were used Sir?
 
Thank you my dear (older-than-me) nephew :)

Seriously though, I may have been way off with my costing as I just pulled that outta you know my what! A set of 3 x Ti hardware could cost $25 additional $ or more. I'm in up to $30 per handle scale :)

Five to ten bucks per knife


By the way I am not "midtech". I'm high end low volume production or semi-custom but we don't outsource much of anything.
 
Five to ten bucks per knife


By the way I am not "midtech". I'm high end low volume production or semi-custom but we don't outsource much of anything.

Apologies Maestro! The phrase I was actually looking for was semi-custom as your knives were described on the other dealer / distributor website who used to get your knives in the past.

Brain freeze, age related; you know how that goes ;)

P.S. those Ti fastener prices are a friggin DEAL!!!
 
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