Westinghouse Ivory Micarta

Rockon75

Rockon75

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2008
Messages
2,084
Can someone please describe the makeup or process for this cover material. I think it looks classy and it is identified in two listings on the exchange. Any info would be appreciated. Looking to broaden the horizons here.
 
This is from Wikipedia: Micarta industrial laminates are normally phenolic, epoxy, silicone, or melamine resin based thermoset materials reinforced with fiberglass, cork, cotton cloth, paper, carbon fiber or other substrates.

A very good article on the subject; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micarta
 
Anyone know the significance of "westinghouse" in the description? Thanks for the replies.
 
Micarta is a Registered name. Westinghouse made paper, linen and canvas Micartas. Originally it was made for its' electrical insulation qualities but further uses were found. It is laminated with a resin under very high pressure....something the at home guy cannot even begin to approximate. It is good stuff with some being very rare to very common.

John Lloyd
 
Thanks John! Now I get it. And by the way, thanks for the Stag covers.
 
Westinghouse Ivory Micarta became very popular years ago when Randall first started using it on there knives

In the early Tom Clinton days
 
I think it's the best thing to approximate real ivory; no grain, but it does mellow (something most plastics do poorly). Shown here next to a set of real ivory's on the Colt.
cc1.jpg
 
Some old westinghouse micarta was used as an electrical insulator and contained asbestos. Not necessarily dangerous for the end user...more of an issue for knife makers (but not really in the small quantity they work with)
 
^ I had some concern about that, as I read that most of the asbestos Micarta was produced / used in Europe, and this year at blade show I picked up a set of westinghouse ivory paper scales that came from a French or Italian knifemaker who retired many years ago...

Does anybody know if the asbestos content has no ill affect when handling it? is it only dangerous when being sanded and particles are inhaled?
 
Here's a big 70s bowie dressed in Westinghouse paper Micarta. The fine black lines at the guard and coffin bolster are not gaps but perfectly
framed with thin black micarta. I made the sheath for it.

Regards

Robin
 
Last edited:
Got this one from Mike Zcherney years ago at Blade. Westinghouse gets darker with age

 
Nice one, Campbell. Just curious but how do you know if your Ivory Micarta is from Westinghouse or not? I've got a few with what was called Antique Ivory Micarta or Ivory Micarta but I don't I know if it is Westinghouse.
 
ISKski said:
^ I had some concern about that, as I read that most of the asbestos Micarta was produced / used in Europe, and this year at blade show I picked up a set of westinghouse ivory paper scales that came from a French or Italian knifemaker who retired many years ago...

Does anybody know if the asbestos content has no ill affect when handling it? is it only dangerous when being sanded and particles are inhaled?
Click to expand...

As long as the asbestos remains encapsulated by the resin, it is harmless. Grinding, sanding or similar actions which release dust must be avoided. This is within the realm of my professional knowledge.
 
Maybe, but it ain't gonna be off white.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top