Removing or modifying bi-directional texturing?

[Airlsee]

Yeah, I don't really understand the complaint either, I would like to see photos of the knife after sanding if possible. I have the Native Salt & P3LW and the texturing feels identical between them. They feel fine...they are good scales.

[Sharp Guy]

The bi-directional texturing on the Native 5s & Seki models is what drew me to the LW models. I don't think Spyderco needs to change anything. In fact, I thought it was interesting that they used toned-down texturing on the Para 3 LW. I carry one often and certainly don't dislike it but I think I like the original texturing better. My only complain is the pocket shredding. I just replaced several pairs of blue jeans only because the pockets were gone. I've finally wised up and adjusted the clips on all my FRN Delicas and Native 5s. Problem solved

[Karl_H]

So, here are the photos of my Native 5 with modded scales. Aesthetically, it may not look as good as an unmodded Native 5, but it is now much more comfortable to use in every way (hammer with choil, hammer w/o choil, saber with choil, saber w/o choil, pinch grip, precision grip, reverse hammer grip, chest lever grip).

The main mods are:
(1) ramps from the pivot to the blade tang
(2) removing scale material behind the choil to make arc of the curve match that of my finger and create more space for a 4 finger grip behind the choil
(3) flattening the "palm swell" bump
(4) rounding all of the edges
(6) sanding down the bidirectional texture.

Note: "Finish" was done with 60 grit sand paper.

[JRinFL]

I like it! Much closer to the old style Native LW scales and to the classic Delica/Endura scales. Maybe Spyderco will take note and release a more contoured Native 5.5?

[Airlsee]

So, here are the photos of my Native 5 with modded scales. Aesthetically, it may not look as good as an unmodded Native 5, but it is now much more comfortable to use in every way (hammer with choil, hammer w/o choil, saber with choil, saber w/o choil, pinch grip, precision grip, reverse hammer grip, chest lever grip).

The main mods are:
(1) ramps from the pivot to the blade tang
(2) removing scale material behind the choil to make arc of the curve match that of my finger and create more space for a 4 finger grip behind the choil
(3) flattening the "palm swell" bump
(4) rounding all of the edges
(6) sanding down the bidirectional texture.

Note: "Finish" was done with 60 grit sand paper.

Thanks for uploading the pics! It definitely looks more contoured around the edges, but doesn't look like the rigidity/stability is effected. It's custom fit now.

[Bill1170]

The contrast between the factory N5 FRN scales and how Karl’s N5 looks after he modified it looks like the contrast between the Manix LW FRCP scales and the FRN scales on my old gen 1 Stretch.

[jpm2]

Fill it full of mud.

[Airlsee]

Fill it full of mud.

Best answer.

[Grizzly]

The only part of the frn scales that bother me a little are the lower edges where the blade closes into. They are a little sharp there and could certainly use a little rounding. I may do that one day.

[Evil D]

After sanding if you oil the FRN with something, either mineral oil or WD-40 or just about any kind of oil, it'll darken it back to factory looking and get rid of the chalky look.

[Karl_H]

After sanding if you oil the FRN with something, either mineral oil or WD-40 or just about any kind of oil, it'll darken it back to factory looking and get rid of the chalky look.

Thanks for the tip!

[araneae]

I like the rounded edges, the flat slab scales are a turn off for me. I still don't get the bi-directional texture as an issue.

[Josh Crutchley]

So, here are the photos of my Native 5 with modded scales. Aesthetically, it may not look as good as an unmodded Native 5, but it is now much more comfortable to use in every way (hammer with choil, hammer w/o choil, saber with choil, saber w/o choil, pinch grip, precision grip, reverse hammer grip, chest lever grip).

The main mods are:
(1) ramps from the pivot to the blade tang
(2) removing scale material behind the choil to make arc of the curve match that of my finger and create more space for a 4 finger grip behind the choil
(3) flattening the "palm swell" bump
(4) rounding all of the edges
(6) sanding down the bidirectional texture.

Note: "Finish" was done with 60 grit sand paper.

I like how you went for comfort above all else.
It should only take a custom backspacer to hold the lock spring then you could use just about anything for the scales. I'm working on one for my Native 5 so I can make some micarta scales for it.

[skx013k2]

Has anyone tried this? I’m looking to use a PM3 Lynch clip on a Salt 2 as I want a mini deep Cary clip. It fits fine but it hits the textured part of the handle and is doing damage to my pocket.

Sand?
Melt?
Epoxy?

Anyone smoothed out a small section like this successfully?