Superfool wrote: ↑Fri Jun 26, 2020 9:48 am
Maybe a titanium handled one, in a good tool steel; what are the differences between K390, CPM 4V and Maxamet?
Yes, when I first read your suggestion, I was envisaging something like the beautiful collection of titanium handled Slipits which Radioactive Spyder has, with the addition of Damasteel blades.
As D1omedes said, this configuration would allow the swirling damascus patterning to be the focus of the knife.
Personally, I’m with Fixall in that I like micarta for a functional handle material. It’s easy to sand into more rounded edges too, for people who prefer that. Contoured G10 is also fine with me.
I understand that some would prefer a more ‘premium’ handle material though.
I have no issue with peel ply carbon fibre as opposed to full carbon fibre.
The shredded peel ply used on the Kapara is my favourite CF Spyderco have used so far.
I much prefer the randomised pattern to the regularity of the usual weave.
Contoured edges would also be great, if we’re going all out with features.
This is a Delica with custom contoured 4k CF scales. The polished surface is quite smooth and slick, but the grip security is still excellent due to the ergonomic Delica handle shape.
The Calyesque shape of the UKPK handle offers a similar, or even better ergonomic handle shape, so it might work well with that kind of contouring.
Superfool, K390 has superb qualities for bladesteel, being strong, highly wear resistant, tough enough to take thin edges and relatively easy to sharpen to a scary sharp edge.
I haven’t tried 4V but I’m keen to, and the UKPK with its thin bladestock is a great model to showcase high performance steels, I feel. Given the popularity of 4V in recent Spydie runs, perhaps it would increase interest and potential sales in a ‘premium’ UKPK to also consider using the Bohler equivalent, Vanadis 4E?
Maxamet offers extreme wear resistance and would be excellent to try in the UKPK if it worked ok with that thinly ground blade.
All three of those steels are non-stainless.
I was actually using my SE Gin-1 drop point UKPK at work this week, and it was such a pleasure, that I’m going to make my usual ‘broken record’ point of ‘Don’t forget about the drop point version’! :D