Gritty G10 Suggestion

[chad504]

I have been a "lurker" more than anything, for a long time, but it seems that a lot of people comment on the grittiness of the G10 folders when new. Having experienced it with my Dodo and Military I decided to try something on the Dodo, to "expedite" the self-polishing process.



DISCLAIMER - please understand that I am NOT QUALIFIED nor WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE for the below suggestion, but wanted to share my idea. Perform at your own risk.



I used to do LOTS of Fiberoptic terminations, and happened to have some 2500 and 3000 grit polishing (read fine sandpaper) laying around. I pulled my Dodo apart and WET-Sanded (to contain the dust) in the pivot area of the G10. remember that the object is not to remove material, but to polish the pivot area. Be sure to use a solid sanding block, and light pressure, to keep everything even. It doesn't take much and you can feel the results. My Dodo is now sooooo smooth. the Gritty sound is almost nonexistent. You can get similar paper at any automotive store. I would say anything from 2000+ would work.



The most important things to remember are:

- You want light pressure

- Polish in a circular or figure-8 pattern, for consistent even polishing

- Always use light pressure

- Wet sand, to contain the dust, and keep the paper from clogging

[Rob]

Hi Chad!

Interesting approach to make the action more smooth. I polished some G-10 handles of knives that I made to a glossy finish. I used (just as you) sanding paper until a 2000 grit and then I polished them with a buffing wheel. You can also "mirror"-polish G-10 with a felt buffing wheel.

Maybe the action will get even more smooth if you would really polish the inside of the handle slabs?

Just an assumption - I've never tried that...

Cheers, Robert



Edited by - rob on 7/1/2004 9:44:17 AM

[chad504]

Rob, you are correct, and after reading I realized I never said that, I was actually talking about using this process on the inside of the G10 slabs, not the blade. I never thought about a buffing wheel. i wanted to polish more that remove material, and wanted to keep the interion surface true.

Thanks!
Chad

[Alan2112]

I like it just the way it left the factory in Golden! I wish other COs could make their G-10 like the current <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> models. RKBA!

[Rob]

Chad, no misunderstanding on my side.

You don't need to use a buffing wheel very long on G-10 to get it very smooth. A few seconds are enough, so I think that keeping everything true wouldn't be a big issue.

I'd use a buffing wheel of the type which consists of multiple cloth layers. These don't remove very much material.

Cheers, Robert

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha chad504 and Rob!

Cool tips! (Imagining Renegade w/ polished G10 handle...)

I wonder what my G10 junkie friend "TD" would say to this one?! LOL!

Proverbs 16:3...Commit YOUR works to the LORD, and YOUR plans WILL succeed!

[king-of-mars]

Cool idea, I'll have to get a $17 S&W knife at Big 5 with G-10 scales to try it out on, or better yet maybe a Benchmade! LOL!<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Daywalker,
What do have to say to that one?<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> I'm trying to get help for my G-10 addiction! Honest!

"it is better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for what you are not."

[chad504]

Thanks guys. Rob, I never thought about the buffing. Like I said, I'm really not trying to modify it, just "expedite" the polishing process. My Dodo is smooth as glass now, almost silent, except for the "plink" of the ball lock.

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha KOM!

Great idea about trying it out on a S&W first...but c'mon!

Who are you trying to fool about getting help on your addiction ya G10 junkie you! LOL!

Great idea, for real...I may even try it out on a S&W!
Take care, regards to the 2 and a 1/2 and the Queen of course! BTW, that Griptilian's edge has been causing some beautiful destruction my friend! Thanks again...

Proverbs 16:3...Commit YOUR works to the LORD, and YOUR plans WILL succeed!