Buffed Carbon Fiber..

[JT]

I recently got myself a Caly 3, ZDP-189, with the carbon fiber handles.
First of all, this knife is the sharpest Spyderco I ever had! NOW I know what scary sharp is! :eek: I can put a mean edge on my spydies with the sharpmaker, but this thing is just way much sharper.. I like it :D

However, I don't like the handles so much. (My Superhawk Carbon fiber handles are just perfect). These are, although good looking, just way too slippery.

I searched various threads about Carbon fiber, but didn't find an answer, so:
Can I "un-smooth" my Caly's handles, say with a scotchpad or with sandpaper, without making them starting to peel off etc. AND without making them to start to release single fibers, which are of course not so healthy to have around.. think food prep etc.

[topwater]

Caly 3 is my favorite edc in G-10 so I thought why not get the CF, Got it & sold it I did not have it a week, I think that the CF looks like drab Graphite slabs on such a beautiful knife, That one hurt I loved the rest of the knife ZDP and all, blade shape blows my mind always, very sharp, but every time I look at the CF scales, drove me nuts. I will stick with the Caly 3 in G-10, lesson learned. Got a Sage, Now thats more like it .

[hickster]

I wonder why we don't see more of the "twill" CF as on the Sage? So far, the Sage seems to be the only knife with it.
hickster

[Piet.S]

I
Can I "de-smooth" my Caly's handles, say with a scotchpad or with sandpaper, without making them starting to peel off etc. AND without making them to start to release single fibers, which are of course not so healthy to have around.. think food prep etc.

Yes, you can use sandpaper.
I suggest you try a 600 grit waterproof.
Make sure you make straight one way passes to keep it neat.
You can move the slabs across a sheet of sandpaper or do it the other way round.
In that case you cut a strip of sandpaper and keep it tight over a flat surface, like a file.
It's basicly the same way as applying a satin finish to a knife blade.

[MCM]

Its super easy, I put a sheet of sand paper on piece of glass.
Also sanded wet to keep the dust down. (3M wet & dry. 320grit 1st then heigher)
Have used CF a few times now and smoothed out my S90V Military.

[The Deacon]

Could be wrong but the way I'm reading it, the OP is looking to rough up the CF a bit to enhance grip, not smooth it out or polish it. Not sure how well that would work but think it might require coarser grit sandpaper than what's being suggested.

[Piet.S]

I know Paul.
In my experience, a 600 grit gives a satin finish on CF instead of a pollish.
If still to smooth it's no problem to do it again with a coarser type, like a 400 grit.
I would not go to a very rough finish rightaway.
If you do that, you also loose the typical weave pattern that CF is liked for.

But, this is just what I would do.

[JT]

Okay thanks guys, I changed de-smooth to un-smooth :D , so I'm looking for a way to make hanldes more coarse. One thing I'm worried about, are the fibers, if I'll try the sandpaper-trick, will the fibers start to stick out or something? any experiences with that happening?

[cyberspyder]

Okay thanks guys, I changed de-smooth to un-smooth :D , so I'm looking for a way to make hanldes more coarse. One thing I'm worried about, are the fibers, if I'll try the sandpaper-trick, will the fibers start to stick out or something? any experiences with that happening?

Try mediablasting/beadblasting it with a medium powder...you don't want to actually have gouges in it.

[Piet.S]

Okay thanks guys, I changed de-smooth to un-smooth :D , so I'm looking for a way to make hanldes more coarse. One thing I'm worried about, are the fibers, if I'll try the sandpaper-trick, will the fibers start to stick out or something? any experiences with that happening?

Don't worry, nothing will stick out.
Use the sandpaper wet and all that happens is that your fingers will get a bit black.

Here's the experience,

[sevykor]

I would either use grip tape or ask a friend to make some custom g10 scales for it. Save the originals if I ever change my mind. I personally prefer the slick carbon scales as it clip enters and removes easier. Mine is used less for utility and more for convenience (opens a box of cookies mighty quick).

[JT]

I would either use grip tape or ask a friend to make some custom g10 scales for it. Save the originals if I ever change my mind. I personally prefer the slick carbon scales as it clip enters and removes easier. Mine is used less for utility and more for convenience (opens a box of cookies mighty quick).

I'm afraid, that since the scales are pinned, it would be too much of a PITA for me to change the scales by myself. I like the slickness too for the ease of the draw, and the grip itself is really ergonomic, but I'm used to more grippy scales.. we'll see what shall I do after all.