Wood, or Micarta?

If you can work wood, you can work micarta. I use a dremel with a small bit for the hexes, but there are those who just drill a hole and pull the nut through by tightening. Not that there's anything wrong with wood - I like it, too. But I think I'd go micarta on a 2.



 
I learned the hard way which i preferred by trying both. For durability, probably the micarta, but for sheer sexiness with a small tradeoff in durability, definitely wood.
Here is the thread detailing my experiments with both. But Im an amateur so take my experience with a grain of salt.
IMG_8238-XL.jpg
 
OK- I think that wood looks better, especially a dark red brown wood like Mahogany on a becker blade that has been stripped. However the advantage that micarta has over wood is that it wont get slippery when it is wet or your hands are mucky. I spent the $40 for some micarta scales from Tomars and couldnt be happier with how they felt in my hand, and I dyed them w black liquid Rit dye and I am really happy with the look and the feel of them now!bk 7 after 2.jpg
 
I say micarta. I also say make your own scales. I started a couple years back, and it is very good feeling to use a tool that you helped make, especially when parts of it are made out of your old favorite shirt and jeans! Every time I look at it, I get a nostalgic feeling, and a humble feeling that those clothes that I had countless experiences in, now have a home (forever) on a tool that I use on a daily basis. If you dont want to press your own, you could send some material to me, or use some of my hand pressed slabs. Using micarta is really not that different then wood. Its just a lot denser and more time consuming. A couple of examples of my hand pressed work:


 
Thanks for all the advice guys.
And thanks to all who posted so sweet pics. I always love seeing pics of nice knives, especially Beckers(ESEE's are nice too).
Since I plan on buying at least 2 more Beckers with the same size handles(a 9,10, and maybe 7) I'm going to take a bit of all the advice.

First I'm going to see what I can get for cheap hardwood. I can definitely at least get some nice cherry for free if all else fails.
Seems like the easiest material to work with for my first trial at making BK2 scales(I've already made some for my 11 out of a cutting board)

I'll keep my eye out for deals on Becker micarta in the meantime.

And after I've successfully made some wood scales, I'll try my hand at micarta.
I've worked with epoxy on occasions so I wouldn't mind trying my hand at this too.

I suppose if I end up with some extra scales that look nice, I'll have another excuse to buy another Becker.
 
A little update.
After much staring at pictures of micarta scales I decided to splurge on a set of micarta scales from Tomars.
Figured I treat myself to an early Father's Day present.

I haven't given up on wooden scales though, and I'm still on the lookout for some nice scraps of hardwood.
I figured it would be nice to have some custom scales to slap on my 9 as soon as I get it.
Grivory scales will never do on the king of knives anyways, and I'll have time to craft the perfect scales befitting of such a blade.
I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures and start a tread to share my progress.
 
I would have to say micarta since I think it would be more durable if you are going to use your knives roughly.
 
I want to see some handles made of curly maple. If anybody has them post a picture so I can see how it looks.

I vote for wood handles then glue them on and put some JB weld on your bolts and bolt them on.
 
I have a question about wood scales. Would a kydex scratch the wood? Or would it be okay?

Thanks!
 
evildick said:
I want to see some handles made of curly maple. If anybody has them post a picture so I can see how it looks.

I vote for wood handles then glue them on and put some JB weld on your bolts and bolt them on.
Click to expand...

I'm working on some curly maple scales right now, but it's going to be a while before I can post pics. As to the epoxy idea, I've been told that its not a great idea for 1095 steel because if moisture gets in there you're hosed. Any dense hardwood should hold up to bolts (I hope!). I'll be finding out, at any rate.
 
I had cocobolo scales made for mmy bk7 & matching ones made for the bk14 sooooooo nice. Love that wood.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top