Finished, but not happy

Lagrange

Lagrange

Well-Known Member
I finished this one about a week ago. 5/32 1095 approx 7 3/4" OA green micarta scales, orange liner, brass pins... blade sanded to 600 grit.
I dont like the way the micarta turned out. I finish sanded this one to 1500 grit and then buffed it out. I dont like the way it looks.
What do you think? Am I being over critical?

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Eric , I don't think it looks bad at all. I mean , one could tell its micarta , it's has that grainy look too. I'm not holding it in my hand , but from the looks of the pic, it looks cool.
On another note, I know exactly how you feel. I feel that way about a lot of my work. I always find faults in my knives and try to make it better next time. We're all still learning everyday.
I think the knife looks fine .
 
I don't see anything wrong with it at all. I've had some red micarta that finished out a pink-orange and although I didn't particularly care for the color it wasn't reflective of the quality or anything I had control over, either. Sold fast, too. I personally like that lighter green with a color gradient to it with the orange. Looks like a good solid knife.
 
Eric- very nice work on that one- I will say that I have had the very same problem with green micarta - it burns VERY easy and looks like that is what happened to the right side scale. If you hold it on buffer a second too long, it will scorch like that. I would take it back to 320 till is all green again and go slow with the fine and buffing.
 
Eric
I think it looks good. I like the contrast between the orange and green. If there are any faults, most wouldn't notice. I have the same problem, I know every little blemish when I'm done. It's a good looking knife.
 
Thanks guys.
Ausbrooks...I never thought about it burning..but I guess your right. Thanks ...what's your first name if you dont mind telling me...?
 
Eric,
It looks terrible and almost burnt beyon recognition. There is no way that you should keep this piece of junk around to remind you of your failure, just GET RID OF IT. PM me and I will give you an address to send it to for disposal. if you choose to keep this knife and sell it I will understand because in reallity I see nothing but good solid craftsmanship and I believe who ever ends up with this knife is going to be both happy and lucky.:tt2:
Wade
 
The knife looks good Eric.
Wait till you try bone or Ivory linen !!!!
I think we all lament over our final product. I obsess over blending an even pattern in Micarta which years later is still impossible....it's the nature of the material. Aus is right though, the burning can be controlled. I stop at 1200 Trizac and then loose buff LIGHTLY, almost like you think it's not touching the wheel. Stop worrying and make some more.

Rudy
 
Eric my first name is Paul and just don't call me late for dinner. Just keepin' it real here...you make a nice knife my man and not questioning that. That dang green micarta has fought me more than once. G10 doesn't do it- just that micarta.
 
Eric,
This is a canvas Micarta you are using right?
I had a similar instance when I had been making about as long as you have.
I took the Micarta back to 400 then 220 Grit and found I like the grippyness "Is that a Word?" A lot better and the look with all of the imperfections of the layers looked better at lower grits. though I had to stop using Micarta about 10 years ago because the formaldehyde was killing me! I still prefer the canvas micarta at lower finishes and only the paper Micarta at a fine finish.


Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com
 
Eh, not sure if orange and green should go together... edge looks a bit thick, judging from the secondary bevel... other than that, it looks good to me. Red liners and desert ironwood, now that would look even better...:3:
 
Good looking knife Eric! However, I think I see what you're talking about. The "splotches" in the finish? I love micarta for knife handles...performance wise....but for aesthetics, I hate 'em for this very reason! I'd take it back down to 400 or even 320 and try again, being careful of when you're grinding it with any power tool. When hand sanding, I use synthetic motor oil or WD-40 (windex would probably work as well) and sand away, wiping frequently with a clean dry cloth. This has helped my micarta 'clean' up nicely most of the time. The oil helps you see every uneven place on the scales and I believe it helps float out the waste particles leaving a cleaner finish.
 
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