Hessian “Micarta” clad knife

[Bionic]

Hello again everyone. This is my latest project, it’s made from 3mm O1 tool steel and sports a 4.5 inch convex ground blade and has an overall length of 9 inches. This knife is handled with red fibreboard liners and my homemade hessian “Micarta” scales finished with 4mm carbon fibre pins. I was hoping to have had a sheath to go with it but due to an eBay shop selling leather that they didn’t have in stock I’ll have to post pictures of that at a later date.
As ever constructive criticism and advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for looking. James

 

[ejtrent]

Lovely Micarta, what kind of resin did you use?

 

[Bionic]

Thanks. It was a slow setting epoxy that was sold mainly for counter tops etc.

 

[warthog1981]

Looks good to me the hessian handle looks like it turned out great well done

 

[Jackroadkill]

That's very nice indeed - I've got some hessian micarta for my current project and if it looks as good as yours I'll be well happy.

 

[Nice65]

Spot on, the whole package looks great. I’ve been a fan of the agricultural looking hessian micarta for a long time. A maker called Warren Smith started to use it on his knives. Think I’ve still got a slab of it that he incorporated glow in the dark powder in.

 

[Tony]

Lovely knife, well done

 

[Janne]

I am ignorant:
A question: When you make the scales, the plastic component does not penetrated into the fibers - correct?

The fibers (Jute, Sisal?) , can they absorb discoloration, water, and such?

 

[Bionic]

I am ignorant:
A question: When you make the scales, the plastic component does not penetrated into the fibers - correct?

The fibers (Jute, Sisal?) , can they absorb discoloration, water, and such?

I would have thought with it being a slow setting epoxy it would soak in to the fibres to a certain degree at least. Having said that it did seem very fibrous in nature during the shaping and sanding to the degree that I painted on a further coat of epoxy before the final sanding. I was surprised how rapidly this soaked in so I’d have to assume if I hadn’t done this contaminants would indeed have been absorbed possibly discolouring it.

 

[Janne]

Thank you.

I am myself experimenting a bit with various natural fibers.
My latest (failed) one was to use the Hessian looking fibre 'sheet' that is attached to the base/side of coconut palm fronds.

Failed due to epoxy that set to quickly, it was to warm.

I am collecting new same fibers, but I want a certain colour and it is tricky to find.

I find your Micarta very beautiful. I guess it has a 3D effect?

 

[Nice65]

I would have thought with it being a slow setting epoxy it would soak in to the fibres to a certain degree at least. Having said that it did seem very fibrous in nature during the shaping and sanding to the degree that I painted on a further coat of epoxy before the final sanding. I was surprised how rapidly this soaked in so I’d have to assume if I hadn’t done this contaminants would indeed have been absorbed possibly discolouring it.

A good point. The canvas, linen micartas do absorb liquid like a wick. Sealing it makes a lot of sense.

 

[Bionic]

Well the leather finally arrived so here is the sheath, just a simple 3mm veg tanned leather affair