Thoughts on acrylic covers?

BenjaminRush

BenjaminRush

Joined
Mar 17, 2015
Messages
1,463
Hey all,

I've been bit by the GEC bug... bad. I really have been enjoying my foray into traditionals though! One of the things I'm enjoying most is the variety of awesome cover materials available (which usually come with a substantial markup on modern knives). Wood, bone, and micarta covers just feel warmer and nicer than things like G10. I have (so far) shied away from acrylic covers, but the new GEC 48 tiger eye acrylic improved trapper is calling to me. I'm just not sure if I'll like the acrylic covers in hand.

What kinds of experiences have you had in regard to acrylic covers? Given the choice between wood or acrylic, which would you choose and why? Thanks in advance.
 
I only have one or two acrylics. GEC does a nice job with them. I have the tortoise shell. My concern was how they would hold up. Now, I don't use my knives in an environment that really tests them but I can tell you that I carry them in a pocket by themselves and I'm very glad to own them.
 
I have a silly love for the Nifebrite acrylic. My latest is a Crown Lifter.
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Good that the Forum's back!

I like a lot of GEC's acrylics and think there is scope for development as well. A lot depends on the type of knife itself, not all are suited to Ac.

This Dead Skunk is not too bad eh..?

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Thanks, Will
 
I usually prefer natural materials, but I like the looks of some acrylics. I just wonder how it looks after it's been carried a while. Does it age nicely, like some old delrin, or do surface scratches just make it look dull? Hopefully someone will post some pictures of well used acrylic.

My only acrylic covered GEC is a nifebright covered Electrician. It fits the pattern, so to speak, and I actually like the feel of it. Like smooth bone, but warmer.

 
I've had a few in acrylic, and not kept them long because I just don't like it that much. However, in terms of "holding up," it's probably just about as tough or on par with Micarta.
 
The #48 Trapper with Tiger Eye Acrylic REALLY spoke to me as well when I saw one at the Oregon show Benjamin ! Christine had 4 I believe so I was able to look them all over and pick the one I liked best! :D
I know some people don't care for this handle material but I have other patterns that have held up well and the color Really grabbed me!!!


Dave
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I've always enjoyed vibrant colors, so the acrylics grabbed my interest right away. Tactilely, they aren't as warm as natural materials, but I still like 'em.

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The 2-blade Tiger Eye Improved Trapper caught my attention too and it is my first GEC acrylic. They are all a little different. A GEC dealer told me that the modern acrylics hold up a lot better than ones from days gone by (like the 50's and 60's). I'm enjoying my knife but have yet to carry it. My main concern is scratching up the scales in my pocket much like I do with Vic SAKs. The answer seems to be to use a slip or carry separately in the pocket.
 
I love GEC's use of acrylics.
Before I picked up a GEC I mostly liked wood on my traditionals.

Even when they get worn and scratched they still look nice and I'm sure with a bit of micro mesh and polish one could get them back to new looking.
 
Thanks for all the replies! Some good looking knives in there as well! I decided to go ahead and get the acrylic 48... being delivered today!
 
Hope you like it when you get it. When the Tiger Eye acrylics were first introduced, I just never really considered them. Then the Weasel and Improved Trapper was released and I just kept going back and looking at them.... something about them just drew me. So, I ordered a two blade (which I have received). The thing I noticed after ordering was that I was really looking forward to receiving and handling the knife. Sometimes on traditionals, I order one and it is just sort of added to the pile kind of thing and I am not really looking forward to receiving it.... just filling a spread sheet and my knife box. The Tiger Eye Improved Trapper has caused me to re-think my buying habits and only buy what I really want. I mean REALLY WANT. The Improved Trapper 48 fits that description aptly for me.
 
I am not a fan of acrylic covers due mostly to the odd color patterns. In general, I much preferring the look of wood or other natural materials but I like micarta/g10 at times.
 
I think they have their place. They remind one of the celluloid covers of the past, they are durable, and they help fulfill a need by offering unique colors and patterns.

This is one of my earlier mods. Someone wanted a knife for their wife so she could use it in the garden and around the house. Pink acrylic, she loved it!

 
I think the part about reminding me of celluloid is part of my problem too- I have seen way to many nice vintage knives ruined because of outgassing. This little guy is a good example- it looked nice until you opened the blades and see all the damage!!
 
Buzzbait said:
Nope. Hate GEC's acrylics. From an aesthetic perspective, they do absolutely nothing for me. Actually, even worse. I find them revolting.
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I hear ya. Until I purchased the Tiger Eye #48 (2-blade), I felt almost (not quite "rovolting" however) the same way as I prefer natural materials. Can live with micarta or G10 which are similar. My concern with any acrylics is always durability. I don't want to carry my new knife and get it all scratched up on my pocket stuff on the first day.
 
As I said earlier, I'm a definite fan. However, I think it's very good that everybody express their own opinions and those who dislike it have every right, a Forum is always about debate not following the chorus. For instance, I really don't like MOP or MOT scales at all, yet they are rightly prized by many connoisseurs.

Old Cell, as in Butter & Molasses is incredibly beautiful, I'd like to see GEC emulate that. Acrylic is totally stable so no problem with it gassing your collection and ruining choice knives which Cell may do....(pity there's no Barf emoticon anymore..)

Here's faux Tortoise and very fair looking I reckon, even has blood membranes. Moreover, no Turtles got hunted into near extinction to provide the handles :)

Thanks, Will

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