Do you clean your micarta scales?

[Stas]

One of the main reasons I choose micarta for knife handles is its ability to develop a nice patina over time. It's similar to how quality vegetable-tanned leather ages gracefully, while chrome-tanned leather just scratches and stays the same.

[GT99]

whats the best way to clean them? Just rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush? Ive heard dawn soap and a toothbrush as well, do you need to remove the scales first?

[vivi]

whats the best way to clean them? Just rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush? Ive heard dawn soap and a toothbrush as well, do you need to remove the scales first?

I use rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush or green scrubbie. I don't bother removing the scales.

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Interesting how no one talks about enjoying the feel of hand oiled G10, FRN, etc.

Micarta and G10 both develop similar differences in feel over time without being cleaned, but everyone seems to be on the same page with other scale materials.

[ladybug93]

keep 'em dirty!

[vivi]

before and after cleaning those same scales on the M4 manix. Though they've been dyed green since I made this thread.





Still think this is the way to go.

It's not a patina. It's accumulated dirt, oil, dead skin and other funk.

The scales of all my knives always grip better after a nice scrub down....micarta being no exception. FRN, G10...they always have a more sure grip for me after a quick scrub with bar keepers friend,hot water and a green scouring pad.

the colors pops more now too

[Brock O Lee]

It's not a patina. It's accumulated dirt, oil, dead skin and other funk.

I agree.

Patina on the blade = oxidization.

Blade patina IMO is not a build-up of cardboard glue, fruit juice, or other dirt and grime from use. Similarly, I don't see dirt and grime on micarta scales as patina.

Often times I use my knives around food. I wash the blade when it gets dirty. I wash the scales when they get dirty. Soap and water and perhaps a light coating of oil works for me.

A grimy work knife that never cuts food is another story.

[yalel]

My 2 cents when my micarta scales don’t look pleasing to the eye anymore.
Just some dishwashers soap en lukewarm water . Short rub with haands or brush. Dry the scales with paper towel en after drying a little ballistol or allike oil. I am a bit reluctant with alcohol as this has high drying properties that might affect the look and quality of the micarta in a negative way.

[w3tnz]

I prefer the look and feel of micarta when its dry, sometimes I’ll give it a scuff with some sandpaper to bring it back. Germs / dirt aren’t a personal concern, voted other.

[kobold]

I don't have any Spydercos w/ micarta, just from other producers - it either came polished (I assume it was treated with something like shellac) from the factory, or I applied Tung oil to seal it in. The treatment darkened the hue, but it doesn't get that dirty look in use so easily. BLO should work just as well.

[Tristan_david2001]

I often find g10 often needs the most cleaning with its finer grain peelply texture pattern, is great for trapping in dirt and debris, with frn I often think it needs to be cleaned, just so it looks cleaner, as it doesn’t really affect the more agressive texture, and all the micarta I’ve used has a sealant over the surface so it doesn’t really trap any dirt

[RustyIron]

While I like patina on metal, I don't like dirt. If plastic scales get dirty, I scrub them with Comet and a brush. I also like natural materials, i.e., wood. If a wood scales with natural oil finish get dirty to the point that wiping them with soapy water won't make them better, I mix up some rottenstone in tung oil and give them a polish.

[Rival22]

Depending on the texture and usage, micarta can sometimes get a little slimy feeling to me. Everyone once in a while, I'll just wash it with hot water and dish soap.

I typically end up using my folder for quick food cuts, so I tend to wash knives somewhat often anyway.

[TkoK83Spy]

Only if it were to get actual grease or something that would stain the micarta. Otherwise I've let my oily hands dirty mine up for the past 5 years or so now.

[Danke]

Never clean your scales. When they're sticky the grip is more positive and they can't just fall out of your pockets. It's like they're velcro'd in.

[Ocho]

I swapped the scales on my Maximet PM3 for Green linen micarta with a diamond plate pattern. Before putting them on, I "polished" the tops of the diamonds but left the rest natural linen finish. The scales soak up oils very well for that patina look while still leaving the gloss finish on the tops of the diamonds

[vapedudde1975]

Screenshot_20250822-151709_Gallery.jpg
I swapped the scales on my Maximet PM3 for Green linen micarta with a diamond plate pattern. Before putting them on, I "polished" the tops of the diamonds but left the rest natural linen finish. The scales soak up oils very well for that patina look while still leaving the gloss finish on the tops of the diamonds
Screenshot_20250822-151724_Gallery.jpgScreenshot_20250513-220830_Gallery.jpg

what scales are those?

[Ocho]

Screenshot_20250822-151709_Gallery.jpg
I swapped the scales on my Maximet PM3 for Green linen micarta with a diamond plate pattern. Before putting them on, I "polished" the tops of the diamonds but left the rest natural linen finish. The scales soak up oils very well for that patina look while still leaving the gloss finish on the tops of the diamonds
Screenshot_20250822-151724_Gallery.jpgScreenshot_20250513-220830_Gallery.jpg

what scales are those?

Cerberus green linen micarta diamond plate

[raygixxer89]

before and after cleaning those same scales on the M4 manix. Though they've been dyed green since I made this thread.





Still think this is the way to go.

It's not a patina. It's accumulated dirt, oil, dead skin and other funk.

The scales of all my knives always grip better after a nice scrub down....micarta being no exception. FRN, G10...they always have a more sure grip for me after a quick scrub with bar keepers friend,hot water and a green scouring pad.

the colors pops more now too

I agree. I like the way they look after a good cleaning. Nice and fresh! Since I have access to spray bottles of IPA at work, I'll spritz the handles and let air dry.

[Ocho]

Like they say.. cleanliness is next to oddliness.

[Ocho]

before and after cleaning those same scales on the M4 manix. Though they've been dyed green since I made this thread.





Still think this is the way to go.

It's not a patina. It's accumulated dirt, oil, dead skin and other funk.

The scales of all my knives always grip better after a nice scrub down....micarta being no exception. FRN, G10...they always have a more sure grip for me after a quick scrub with bar keepers friend,hot water and a green scouring pad.

the colors pops more now too

I agree. I like the way they look after a good cleaning. Nice and fresh! Since I have access to spray bottles of IPA at work, I'll spritz the handles and let air dry.

That's crazy! Your IPA comes in a spray bottle? Six pack,12 pack or growler?