Working with Kirinite

tryppyr

tryppyr

Joined
Feb 5, 2010
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Yesterday, after reading an off-hand remark in an unrelated topic, I decided to look into buying some Kirinite scales. I don't have any specific plans for them, but I wanted to check it out. There are some pretty wild patterns out there.

Anyway, I found some that I really like and plunked down some serious coin for a pair of scales. Only after doing so did I remind myself I have VERY little experience working with synthetics, and this beautiful material was likely to be ruined by my ineptitude if I didn't get some advice first.

So, what advice can any of you offer on how I should handle this material?
 
The only problem I have with it is that it clogs abrasives pretty bad. Also, if you work it too fast it will form a kind of skin or film on the surface. If you have that type of problem just slow down a bit and it will stop. It isn't hard to remove but is kind of aggravating. Other than that, just take it up to 600X and buff lightly with pink compound on a loose buff and it will shine like new pennies.
 
My dad use to make bowls and vase's back in the 70's that looked like that by adding pearl pigment to three different resins and then mixing them slightly, glad to see that 70's look making a come back........now let me see where did I put that old lava lamp and my jimmy hendrix LP... hmmmm
 
Great stuff, very easy to work with. Much tougher than acrylic and less prone to scratch. Doesn't snap as easy, either. My biggest complaint, and I've expressed this with the manufacturer, is that there are no matte colors. Bright shiny stuff, but what if I want something in black for a hunter?
 
zaph1 said:
Great stuff, very easy to work with. Much tougher than acrylic and less prone to scratch. Doesn't snap as easy, either. My biggest complaint, and I've expressed this with the manufacturer, is that there are no matte colors. Bright shiny stuff, but what if I want something in black for a hunter?
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Why not use micarta or g10?

Have you tried sandblasting kirinite?

I've really been wanting to try this stuff. Love anything wild, and kirinite certainly qualifies. I didn't know that it is particularly expensive though.
 
tryppyr said:
Yesterday, after reading an off-hand remark in an unrelated topic, I decided to look into buying some Kirinite scales. I don't have any specific plans for them, but I wanted to check it out. There are some pretty wild patterns out there.

Anyway, I found some that I really like and plunked down some serious coin for a pair of scales. Only after doing so did I remind myself I have VERY little experience working with synthetics, and this beautiful material was likely to be ruined by my ineptitude if I didn't get some advice first.

So, what advice can any of you offer on how I should handle this material?
Click to expand...

Slow and steady wins the race.

Go slow so it doesn't overheat.

I take it up to 600 on the grinder at about half speed and then polish it up to 3000 grit by hand. Works better than taking it to the buffing wheel. Even the pink compound likes to embed itself in kirinite sometimes. And the buffer can overheat it too if you're not careful.
 
I kind of suspected heat would be a problem. I don't have a speed setting on my grinder/sanders, so after doing a 120 grit rough out it will be all hand filiing/sanding for me.

Thanks for all the tips guys.
 
tryppyr said:
I kind of suspected heat would be a problem. I don't have a speed setting on my grinder/sanders, so after doing a 120 grit rough out it will be all hand filiing/sanding for me.

Thanks for all the tips guys.
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I've found that the 3M Trizact paper in 3000 grit works perfectly to finish out the kirnite. 220-400-600-1200-3000 are the steps I use. Wet sand with a bit of WD40 and it shines up nicely.

And post some pics when you're done, bud. I'm mostly a lurker here, but I've grown quite keen on your work. Keep it up.
 
I agree, It is nice and easy to work with. Easy on the Drill bits and saw blade. It does cost a bit more than the g-10 or micarta, but you get what you pay for. That is for sure.

I take my handle blanks and rough up each side on my marble table with 400 grit to open the surface. To finish I do a quick 600 grit rub down. Then to the buffing wheel with white compound. Like many have said heat will effect it. I buff is high speed and fast. I have a glass like appearance in 30 seconds.
 
I got my Kirinite scales today. Pretty cool stuff. I have no idea how I'll use them, but I feel certain an inspiration will eventually overcome me.
 
make it a girly looking tactical kitchen knife.
A bit like a wolf in sheeps skin. Looking pretty and colourfull, but up to the job if the zombies invate
 
You know, I like that plan. I'll make one with all the bells and whistles... thumb ramp, jimping, a compass in the handle and this thing that tells time... :D
 
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