What handle material for Outbounder

F

FrodotheHobbit

Joined
Jan 5, 2003
Messages
127
I purchased a D2 Outbounder (180D2) by Benchmade, and am thinking of getting new handles put on it. I don't mind the Oak, but was interested in something like that Rag Macarta. Something durable, yet awesome to look at and grip.

What are your suggestions and why?

Frodo

PS Any suggestions on who is also appreciated.
 
For myself I like the oak handles it looks good and feels good,and is more than likely fairly durable.I personally see no advantage in justifying the expense of replacing the handles,but its your knife.
 
I think that Micarta would make a great handle material for this knife. The cost of replacing the oak might end up being as much as the knife cost you in the first place. If you figure it is worth it then go for it. You will not be disappointed in Micarta. It is a very durable material and if the handle is the right shape I always find Micarta to be comfortable to grip.
 
I would just put that 180 away and take a look at some of the custom knives from various makers. Bob Dozier makes some really nice fixed blades without costing a small fortune. He happens to like both D-2 and Micarta. :D
 
I had a knife (arclite D2) handled with canvas micarta by one of our own forumites TAZ. He is a true pro, the handle was sculpured just perfect, like it was poured into my hand.

His services are very reasonable & has a quick turn-around time.

You won't be disapointed.

Here is his email:
mailto:tazblades@yahoo.com
 
If you are a non-knifemaker, then Micarta is a good choice. Reason being is, you don't have to flatten the material if you buy slabs. Micarta slabs I've used have all come flatter than the proverbial pancake.
On wood, I've found the slabs almost always have to be flattened on a belt sander or sanded down to get a true fit up to the full tang. Plus when you work the slabs to the desired shape, you can work Micarta with a regular dust mask. Not so depending on the wood as some woods are very toxic to work and can have serious sometimes life threatening side effects(Zebra wood and Cocobolo come to mind), use a respirator. Same with G-10. If you use wood, make sure you ask the seller if it is toxic. If you use G-10, use a respirator. Not using a respirator while working G-10 will land you a case of mesothilioma or lung cancer.
This really isn't intended to scare you. If you plan on doing some home handle replacement, I feel one should be informed as to what safety measures are warranted beforehand.
Good luck in this project!


All the best,
Mike U.
 
Originally posted by FrodotheHobbit
was interested in something like that Rag Macarta
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, I think you will find RAG micarta VERY unavailable! :( Paper, Linen, etc. yes but I think just about every maker here would like to get their hands on more rag micarta! Micarta is however, probably your best choice if you wish to switch but unless you do it yourself you will probably find it quite expensive.:eek:
 
the oak is stabilized, i.e. vacuum resin empragnated, therefore they are just like micarta.
 
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