Trending scale material?

[REK Knives]

Hey guys... I'm in discussions with a knife company to do a production run of my front flipper (called the "Sparrow").

I'm trying to decide what inlay material to go with (want to try to pick what's in demand currently).

So if you have noticed any market trends as of late please comment and let me know.

For reference here's where we are at currently:

 

[RokJok]

Congrats on the collaboration!!

I voted for "other". As much as I love the look of wood, I'd go with an artificial material (plain single color G10 being personal choice) due to overall thin profile & very narrow waist on inlay doesn't give much room for wood figure to show. I'd likewise skip fat carbon or other large figured material, maybe even canvas micarta, for the same reason.

If you desire some figuring as contrast to plain scales, multi-colored anodizing of Ti or etching/carving the inlay may be an option. A quick online search came up with DNA Lasering as one possible choice.

 

[Kmikaz3]

Carboquartz seems to be very popular amongst high end knives

 

[REK Knives]

Thanks guys, just added those options above

 

[Reswob]

Poll needs option for "No Inlays"!

 

[badmatt]

What, No platinum?

I agree with Vu on Carboquartz.

 

[Ilikesharpstuff]

I voted FatCarbon, but carbon fiber (pattern beyond basic twill), Carboquartz, etc. all seem to be popular choices. CRKs with carbon fiber (Knifeart, BHQ, Thunderbird Gear) have always been very popular. WE, Null, Kansept, Real Steel, BBK, Shirogorov, Burger, Demko...the list goes on. Everyone from high-end to budget uses carbon fiber and they always seem to sell as some of the most desireable when other inlay/scale options are available.

 

[Danke42]

Ultem

 

[RokJok]

I must be getting daft in my creeping along years! I'd completely forgotten Bladeforums own Farid Mehr (username farid) for laser art. Check out his artistry here:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/farid-mehr-laser-art-engraving-pics-thread.1966969/post-22396835

 

[SharpBits]

Ironwood is always the answer!

 

[K.O.D.]

Elforyn--made from Elf bones is popular As an inlay on CRK and Arno Bernard knives. It looks like ivory.

 

[snuffle]

I'd go with an artificial material (plain single color G10 being personal choice) due to overall thin profile & very narrow waist on inlay

I agree, although personally would lean towards micarta instead.

Seems pretty trendy right now, but I'm not a fan of the various color-patterned CF variants. I've seen a couple handles in it that worked well, but in general they just look splotchy and messy to me.

 

[DavidABQ]

Elforyn--made from Elf bones is popular As an inlay on CRK and Arno Bernard knives. It looks like ivory.

I always thought that Elforyn was recycled Cool Whip tubs. I am glad to be set straight and know they are using elf bones.

 

[scorpnsnake]

Copper would look neat, especially after it gets some green. Clear epoxy with sparrow egg shell and/or feathers embedded. Not popular but unique.

 

[ferider]

I like Burlap.

 

[scorpnsnake]

I like Burlap.

Nailed it. Burlap for the win!

 

[Synov]

I think the trend right now is to offer many different options for inlays, so the best answer may be "all of the above." A very popular choice for inlays your list is missing is Zircuti/Mokuti/Timascus.

 

[Twindog]

 

[K.O.D.]

Warthog tusk, especially A-10.

 

[Monofletch]

Anything but ultum or however you spell it.