Your Thoughts on Custom Wood Scales for Folders

D

dzlvs8

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Jun 13, 2013
Messages
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So, I just bought a 710 and I hate the stock scales so much they about make me mad when I look at them. I REALLY REALLY love the custom burl wood scales on the 707 (see pic below). But for some reason, I have my doubts that the wood scales wont look gaudy and out of place on such a big knife. I think its because the 707 resembles something more of the size of a traditional knife (which can commonly be found with wood scales).

I don't see many folders with all wood handles and I assume there are reasons for that other than durability. I REALLY HATE a lot of pimped knives because they just look gaudy. I am trying to find something that looks like it belongs on the 710 and I dont want just some plain old G10 if I am going to get it customized.

Does anyone have any opinions on folders customized with wood? I'm trying to get other peoples opinions because I dont trust my judgement since it's strictly based off of internet pictures.

This is exactly what I am thinking of doing to my 710 (the pic is a 707). Not sure if something like carbon fiber would look more normal. I have a feeling that some large 710 scales made out of wood might not look right.
707_diw_2.jpg
 
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Tommythewho said:
Wood always looks right.
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As a fellow knife maker I make all my fixed blades with wood scales. I'm just not sure if it's right for a folder. I really don't want to regret my purchase. Unforunately, I don't have a mill of my own to mill out some scales for the axis lock. I only am going to dump money at this pimp job once. So it better be right!
 
I have wood scales on my RSK M4 large grip. Love it.

Who made the ones for the 705 above?
 
^^^^ nice work! I love wood handles, and they are plenty durable if you get wood that is dense or stabilized. To me, since the grain is never the same it really gives an extra custom feeling to your knife over carbon fiber or g10.
 
I think this post by Keyman shows the great range that wood scales can offer. The light colored wood on that McHenry & the Benchmade just under it look very much more subdued to me than the other knives. I think if you put a little thought into it, some wood scales can give you just what you're after.


Keyman said:
I don't do just the holy version......





Click to expand...
 
I've put wood sales on a couple of folders. The wood has nice texture and feel to it. I like wood scales.

If you're worried about the scales looking gaudy, you can always use a wood that is not highly figured. Wood is such a diverse material, I'm sure you can find something you'd like.

One minor thing I noticed is that the when I open my knife and the lock clicks, the wood makes it the click sound different. It is a little bit louder. Not a big deal, but interesting side effect.

Ric
 
I'm a big fan of wood on knives, but it depends on the knife. I love wood on traditionals and gents folders and also inlays like Sebenzas and the Mnandi. IMO I don't think wood looks that great on the 710 or really even the 707 if we're talking about full wood scales. There are some exceptions though when it comes to modern folders. Look up evilgreg on here. He has some of the most gorgeous Spyderco Southards that you will find anywhere. Something about the shape of the knife and the wood and titanium together that looks really nice. For the 710 and 707 I think some nice wood inlays in black aluminum scales would look great.
 
Stabilized wood is your best bet, center is Black crotch cherry select matched (high figure) and it's impervious to temperature and humidity changes.
 

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