If you’re looking for a custom knife handle that can stand up to a lot of use, consider using micarta. This phenolic resin-based composite is a great choice for both strength and durability.
It’s also one of the easiest materials to make your own knife scales. All you need is a simple Fiber Press and some material (old blue jeans are ideal). Then all you have to do is layer strips of the fabric into the press with some 2-part epoxy and let it cure.
1. The Fiber Press
A Fiber Press is a great tool for making custom knife scales. It’s easy to use and a lot faster than assembling your own micarta, which can be time-consuming.
A fiber press is a piece of equipment that uses heat and pressure to compress materials into a desired shape. It’s used for many different applications, including G-10 and fiberglass knife handles.
To start, you’ll need a blade blank, a good quality resin, and some cling film. This can be a sheet or a roll.
Next, you’ll need some thick metal plates or wood pieces. I like to use c clamps for this, but a good set of G cramps will work just fine.
Now you’re ready to make your own homemade micarta knife scales. It’s a simple process, but it’s important to follow the instructions closely. This will ensure you end up with a perfect fit. The key is to press the cloth evenly and carefully.
2. Mixing the Resin
If you are using an epoxy resin for the knife scales, you will want to mix the resin and hardener correctly. This will help you avoid problems with micro bubbles and soft or sticky resin.
To mix the resin and hardener, find a clean container that is suitable for your epoxy mixture. Make sure the container is only filling half way to the top of the cup.
Pour the resin into the hardener and hand stir the two components together in a round fashion for 3-4 minutes to ensure proper mixing. Scrape the sides and bottom of your container several times during the process to prevent air bubbles from forming.
After mixing, allow the mixed materials to stand in a clean cup for 3-5 minutes so that any air bubbles can rise to the surface and become visible. If you notice any large bubbles, use a torch or alcohol spray to remove them before they cause problems.
3. Curing the Resin
The resin you mix will need to cure before it can be applied to your scales. This can take anywhere from 12 hours to overnight.
The curing process will depend on a few factors, including how thick your casting is and the temperature of the room where you’re working. If the temperature is high enough to set your press outdoors, you can get away with a shorter cure time, but it may still take up to a few days before it’s fully cured.
Curing is also a good time to make sure the ratio between your resin and hardener is correct. The wrong ratio can cause a lot of problems with curing, so this is an important step in the process.
4. Applying the Resin to the Scales
Micarta is an industrial laminate sheet made by applying heat and pressure to layers of prepreg resin reinforced with cellulose paper, cotton cloth, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other substrates. The resulting laminate is hard, dense and more durable than many knife handles.
Micarta handles come in a variety of materials and are available in a wide range of designs and colors, depending on their formulization. They deliver durability and a high degree of performance for many years of reliable use.
Unlike G10, micarta handles do not soak up extra fluids or residue. This makes them ideal for tactical knives, such as those used in survival situations.
Knife handle material selection is crucial to a knife’s performance. The two most popular options are G-10 and micarta. They both have different advantages and disadvantages, and which one is best for you will depend on the task at hand.