Para 3 texture on G10 scales chips?

[SB1]

I dropped my Para 3 from waist height onto a dirty floor and the debris chipped off tiny parts of the texture of the G10. I've never had this happen on other G10 scales but this is my first Spyderco in G10. I was wondering if this was common? I know it's minor but makes me wonder how well it will hold up over time. Seems unaceptable for a popular EDC.

[TazKristi]

Hi, SB1:
Welcome to our forum. Your best point of contact is our Warranty & Repair Department. Please send them an e-mail, and if possible, include pictures. They'll do their best to take care of you.

Kristi

[SB1]

Thank you. I emailed Spyderco earlier today but haven't recieved a response. I was just curious if this was common. My only other Spydeco is in FRN so I cant compare.

[kennethsime]

Sounds normal to me! I believe G-10 is plastic, essentially. Tough, but not impervious.

[SB1]

G10 is laminated fiberglass. I have it on other items and haven't had an issue. Perhaps the texture is just too fine to be durable? I expect it to wear smooth over time but not break chips out from dropping it.

[AwayFromMySpydieHole]

I looked very closely at the pictures. What your pictures show is not the texture chipping off....

It looks *exactly* like your scales came into contact with something sharp/pointy and that in turn damaged the texture. I have had this exact same thing happen, and it looks just like that.


Peel ply G10 can't really have the texture "chip" off, since the texture is actually molded into the scales themselves. As the composite material is setting there is a pattern called peel ply laid onto the scale, and the composite material conforms to that peel ply texture. Once they are set the peel ply is removed, revealing the texture beneath. Hence one reason it is called PEEL ply, because it is peeled off. It is essentially just a fabric laid on top of the epoxy, that is ripped off.

The peaks of that texturing can become damaged, and over time the peaks will wear down some naturally causing it to be a little less aggressive. But, your pictures definitely show damage to the texture from contacting something sharp or pointy, rather than chipping of the material.

Unfortunately if you drop your knife onto hard, pointy objects there is going to be some damage to the G10.


The damage is also very, very small. The damaged points (circled in red) are small, compared to the already small pocket clip holes.

I say use it and forget about it. You're inevitably going to get more damage through use.

[GiftedMisfit]

Essentially making mountains out of mole hills.