Lexan Polymers for Spyderco knife handles and other parts ?

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SpyderEdgeForever
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Lexan Polymers for Spyderco knife handles and other parts ?

#1

Post by SpyderEdgeForever »

I remember many years ago some knife companies and makers had knives with handles and even some sheaths/scabbards and other parts made from the high-performance polymer called Lexan. Has Spyderco considered this and what would it be good for? Would a Lexan handle be a good alternative to both G10 and FRN?

Here is a data sheet I found on it:

http://sfs.sabic.eu/product/lexan-solid ... l-purpose/

Here is some more information:

https://www.acplasticsinc.com/informati ... t-is-lexan

Here is an actual project someone did where they use a Lexan handle for a folding knife. It would make good clear handles, I know some people have requested that Spyderco produce knifes with clear handles:

https://www.reddit.com/r/CustomKnifeMak ... n_handles/
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Re: Lexan Polymers for Spyderco knife handles and other parts ?

#2

Post by Evil D »

I was in love with the clear FRCN Manix 2 LW prototype. I'm not sure about Lexan, it does scratch super easy and over time it would get a sort of stone wash finish and wouldn't be so clear anymore.
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Re: Lexan Polymers for Spyderco knife handles and other parts ?

#3

Post by Mushroom »

I used to be big into playing Paintball and Lexan was used extensively to make custom grip panels for paintball markers. They were fragile and would break pretty often. I, personally, wouldn't trust using a knife with lexan scales unless is had liners. Even then, I'd have my doubts.
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Re: Lexan Polymers for Spyderco knife handles and other parts ?

#4

Post by demoncase »

Lexan's just a trade name for polycarbonate.....It's great for high optical clarity needs and is pretty tough
(Motorcycle crash-helmets, most car headlights and the F22 cockpit "glass" are all made from Lexan/Polycarbonate)

It scratches at the drop of a hat- (CDs are made from polycarbonate- and think how easily they scratch!) and does have a habit of yellowing with regular exposure to UV light (and degrades in strength as a result)
It's also not very solvent resistant.
It also reacts badly to post-processing- like drilling holes and the like.

Personally, I'd stick with the engineering polymers that get selected for knife scales......
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Re: Lexan Polymers for Spyderco knife handles and other parts ?

#5

Post by Extra330SC »

SpyderEdgeForever wrote:
Sun Jul 07, 2019 7:41 am
I remember many years ago some knife companies and makers had knives with handles and even some sheaths/scabbards and other parts made from the high-performance polymer called Lexan. Has Spyderco considered this and what would it be good for? Would a Lexan handle be a good alternative to both G10 and FRN?

Here is a data sheet I found on it:

http://sfs.sabic.eu/product/lexan-solid ... l-purpose/

Here is some more information:

https://www.acplasticsinc.com/informati ... t-is-lexan

Here is an actual project someone did where they use a Lexan handle for a folding knife. It would make good clear handles, I know some people have requested that Spyderco produce knifes with clear handles:

https://www.reddit.com/r/CustomKnifeMak ... n_handles/
I'm pretty sure he uses Lexan for these Manix 2 scales. I put them on my S110V G10 knife and they replaced the liners too. Very strong and light (haven't weighed it)but they scratch very easily. Cool concept for limited use carry, More a "show and tell" piece for me personally.

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Re: Lexan Polymers for Spyderco knife handles and other parts ?

#6

Post by JD Spydo »

I once worked with a company that made items from GE Lexan polycarbonate material. That stuff is really stout and rigid and virtually indestructible for the most part. It's one of the better polymer materials I've ever worked with. However the patent on GE's Lexan is probably expired by now>> and I'm sure there are other companies that make a comparable if not a better material by now. That was back in the early 80s when I worked with GE Lexan polycarbonate.
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