why carbon fiber?

[Jared Stenoien]

just wondering what the reason for using carbon fiber scales is. is there one besides it's cool?

 

[B Finnigan]

I have only made two knives with CF scales and it is impervious to just about any enviromental condition. It also does not shrink or expand after mounting them like woods might. However it is obnoxious stuff to work with and very bad to breath. It is also tough on mill bits unless you run them at low speed and use alot of water to keep it cool and reduce the dust.

I have not had the need or inclination to ever use it again.

 

[Jared Stenoien]

so if i were to use micarta it'd be basically the same thing i just wouldnt have to worry about the fibers as much? thank you

 

[Matthew Gregory]

Don't know whether this is important to anyone or not, but carbon fiber is an excellent conductor, so if the tool being handled is going to be used near electricity (military knife cutting electrified fence comes to mind...) carbon fiber is a big no-no.