Replacing FRN scales of "lightweight" designs - some dummy questions

[archangel]

Inspired by the great selfmade titanium scales presented by Rockscale:

I realized that I tend to keep out two very reputable knives off my EDC rotation, the Stretch and the Native Forum knife. I think I know why: Apparently I favour G-10 / carbon / titanium scales over FRN designs.

Is it possible to replace the original FRN scales of these two (or any other)? If you already did, where did you purchase the replacements? What do I need to consider, process-wise? I've not yet studied the subject of scales swapping or taking apart knives (obviously) - when I unscrew the original scales, the metal construction never comes apart at the same time?

[archangel]

Is my question too stupid? Tell me, right in my face! Or else, help me please... can i replace FRN scales with other materials? :confused:

[farnorthdan]

You can, Cuscadi or Wilkins Berlin are a couple sources

[sal]

Hi Michael,

I think you will need to wait longer for a response, if you get one.

sal

[farnorthdan]

Not sure if Wilkins does stretch or native but I know they do Delica, Endura

[The Deacon]

It's not easy, but the FRN scales on the Stretch can be definitely be replaced. This textured cocobolo Stretch started life with FRN scales...

Not sure about the Native, as it uses a different construction method. No, the scales cannot be removed without taking the entire knife apart. As for craftsmen to do make the scales, I'm hesitant to recommend anyone since, in the last 6 months or so, two of the most talented scale makers have suddenly dropped off the face of the earth leaving more than a few people hanging. Search around, on BladeForums in particular, and you may find someone still doing this kind of work.

[archangel]

Thanks all for replying, and sorry for my impatience. Was just paranoid that the question was not answered because it was too stupid.

So I guess the answer is "Yes, but..." meaning neither is it trivial to find scales, nor to do the swap. I'm not reading in BF, this forum here is the only one I'm following, since I tend to invest really alot of time in such things, so I stick with just :spyder: . But anyway.

Other users who have done such changes - especially on the Stretch and the Native LW - are free to post pics and their comments! :)

[ZrowsN1s]

Thanks all for replying, and sorry for my impatience. Was just paranoid that the question was not answered because it was too stupid.

So I guess the answer is "Yes, but..." meaning neither is it trivial to find scales, nor to do the swap. I'm not reading in BF, this forum here is the only one I'm following, since I tend to invest really alot of time in such things, so I stick with just :spyder: . But anyway.

Other users who have done such changes - especially on the Stretch and the Native LW - are free to post pics and their comments! :)

Here's what stops me from doing scale swaps more often than not... The aftermarket scales are usually 80% of the cost of a brand new knife.

[foofie]

When contacting scale makers, be sure to specify g10/liner vs frn versions. Scale replacements for the g10 models are readily available. With FRN, many of the hardware and attachment points are molded. It is possible to replace with standoffs, spacers, etc - it just takes a bit more work. I recently asked cuscadi if they make frn native scale replacements - not at this time. They suggested this was due to lack of market demand - the benefit of focusing on something like the delica platform is the much larger group of users.

[sal]

Hi Michael,

I don't think there are any stupid questions here. The purpose of the forum is to learn and share knowledge.

sal

[yablanowitz]

As the old saying goes, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

The Native and Manix lightweights are linerless, so they don't have scales per se. Replacing the scales essentially means building a new handle, fitting the blade and the lock. I can see that costing more than the knife, depending on the handle material you choose.

[archangel]

Thanks to all once more. I guess the answers mean that me personally I need to stick the the original FRN handles (at least for now), since money is the big issue, and I learned it's quite costy to replace them. For the Native at least there's always the option to get a G10 or maybe even titanium version instead.

@ Mr. Glesser (since you already posted twice :)): Have you ever thought of bringing up the Stretch with other scale materials? Or would that in a way be against the main purpose of this model?

[Doc Dan]

I had the frn scales of one of my Delicas replaced with some custom G10 scales with orange liners. Pretty awesome.

[The Deacon]

Here's what stops me from doing scale swaps more often than not... The aftermarket scales are usually 80% of the cost of a brand new knife.

That's true if you're replacing the scales on a G-10, GF, or CF scaled knife, You have to really want something unique to go that route.

OTOH, if you spend $100 for custom scales and backspacer for an $120 FRN Stretch 2, you've only spent as much as you would have buying the G-10 version and have a knife that reflects your personal taste a lot better. If, like me, you prefer VG-10 for ZDP-189, you've actually saved $40 and gotten your preferred steel as well.

[archangel]

Dang it, I almost missed that the Stretch is also available with G-10 scales :eek: So much to my stupidity. :p

[ZrowsN1s]

Here's what stops me from doing scale swaps more often than not... The aftermarket scales are usually 80% of the cost of a brand new knife.

That's true if you're replacing the scales on a G-10, GF, or CF scaled knife, You have to really want something unique to go that route.

OTOH, if you spend $100 for custom scales and backspacer for an $120 FRN Stretch 2, you've only spent as much as you would have buying the G-10 version and have a knife that reflects your personal taste a lot better. If, like me, you prefer VG-10 for ZDP-189, you've actually saved $40 and gotten your preferred steel as well.

An excellent point Deacon :D