Why would anyone want a stainless handle, pratically?

J

jzmtl

Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
434
Just wondering. I stashed my endura 4 because it's a tad big for EDC, and bought a byrd robin. So stainless handle look nice I'll giveyou that, but damn they are heavy, and slippery! I had to add some paracord to it so I can pull it out of my pocket easily. The spyderco police only come in stainless handle too, seems strange a knife designed for work would use such an impractical material. :confused:
 
It depends upon the design of the handle...

I had a Spyderco Police and you're right, it was heavy and slippery.

But I also had a Camillus Cuda EDC that was not heavy nor slippery.
My Kershaw Vapor and Kershaw Leek are both fine too.

Some handle designs just work better than others even in stainless steel.
 
Why would anyone want a stainless handle, pratically?
Click to expand...

To do something artistic with it since its basically a clean slate to work up from. Typically some engraving or patterns on the handle are done, or like I did on occasion to one, something in the way of a pattern of grooves to improve grip.

See: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75420&d=1184608145

or

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75419&d=1184608123

Or even aluminum or titanium here.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76307&d=1186009556

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76306&d=1186009534

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76473&d=1186242135

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76471&d=1186242110



STR
 
allenC said:
It depends upon the design of the handle...
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I'll second that. I haven't always looked favorably upon stainless handles -- actually metal handles of any kind, and I still dislike aluminum -- but I've come to realize there are exceptions. I really like the $30 Benchmade Monochrome for example. Plus don't forget that a stainless framelock or mid/back-lock can be very, very strong.
 
They are thin, smooth and strong. Also, they can be engraved.

The only downside I see is weight if it's an issue, which it isn't for me most of the time, and it becoming slippery when working with sweaty hands, which can be remedied in many ways if you work in a place where it's an issue.
 
I have a stainless handled Gerber (Winchester trademarked) with wood inlays that enjoy carrying and using because of the heft from the stainless handle. Too each their own.
 
The only SS handles I have are on my Police. I haven't had problems with my grip slipping, and I actually like the extra heft.

And like some have said, the engraving :thumbup:

I do wish I could find a Police with G10 though.
 
hardheart said:
maybe price, other than that there doesn't seem to be a practical reason.
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Well, there's just no getting around the fact that SS scales are stronger than unlined FRN, unlined wood scales, or unlined aluminum scales.
 
The SS Police really isn't that heavy, the scales are thin enough to hold the weight down to not much more than the G-10 model. For inside the waistband carry, it is hard to beat the SS handle Police. The smoothly rounded contour and slick surface make it easy to put away without snagging on either the shirt or pants, and it doesn't wear holes in a hurry the way G-10 can. Even closed, it makes a pretty good striking tool, with no worries about it breaking.

Having said all that in defense of SS handles, personally I don't like them. I have tried to like them and failed repeatedly. I doubt I ever will learn to like them.
 
allenC said:
Well, there's just no getting around the fact that SS scales are stronger than unlined FRN, unlined wood scales, or unlined aluminum scales.
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well yeah, but just put liners on those, :D I just figure if you're goin to put steel in the handles, might as well cover them with something grippy as well. Only so much handle strength is going to help, the pivot, blade, and lock can also fail.
 
I do not want any stainless handles, but some knives with them just terrific.
I love my Spyderco Adventura and ATR. Due to the cuts they are not that slippery, Adventura isn't heavy. ATR is little heavy, but not heavier than Manix or Al Mar Sere 2000 and it is a great knife.
 
I have an old Buck 560 and Buck Mayo 172 that get used extensively (not stainless, but still all metal). I love the fact that no matter how dirty they get, a lot of hot water and soap makes them squeaky clean again w/ no worries about gunk in the seams, messing up the scales or whatever. In the kitchen especially they are about the only thing I use. They're also strong and slim, and I like that too.
 
To do something artistic with it since its basically a clean slate to work up from. Typically some engraving or patterns on the handle are done, or like I did on occasion to one, something in the way of a pattern of grooves to improve grip.
Click to expand...

STR,
Your handles look great! Can you explain your process? I have been wanting to improve the grip on my knife doing something like that, but to improve its beauty as well, I'm very interested.
 
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