Micarta

[MotorbikeMan]

I used the search bit first but couldn't find much so I thought I'd ask.

First of all, what is the difference between paper micarta and linen micarta and does it affect suitability for knife handles? secondly, where can I buy Micarta. I'd really like to find some black and purple micarta if that's possible?

[Basemetal]

Paper micarta is paper in phenolic or epoxy resin and linen is ..er...linen. Both are cellulosic fibre and since paper can be made of linen there's not much real difference in strength.

The surface you are in contact with is usually the resin -although a wide range of effects and finishes are possible. Even the smoothest resin finish is nice and grippy for knife handles -witness the MS woodlore, some spydercos and so on.

Danny

[Jeff Pelz]

Jon,

Micarta is a name that was used by Westinghouse way back when they produced this product. The name still sticks around with a small group of product users, like knife makers. But the trade name in the states is phenolic. Try your search under that name as well, you may have better luck.
The difference is of course the filler which can be many items. But you only asked about paper and linen/cloth, these are the materials which are both a filler and bonding product.
Paper will offer a more single solid color finish, where linen will offer a layered look to the finished material and can also have various colored layers, like black and purple.
Paper micarta needs to be sanded slowly to reduce friction which causes heat, any high heat from sanding will discolor the micarta. Linen has the same problem, but at a lesser chance of burning or browning. It will not discolor as easily as paper micarta.
They are both a great fit for knife handles.
Colors: I have never seen the black/purple combination. It might be out there somewhere. But I have seen black/orange and black/red. Two color micarta looks great, but takes a certain customer or friend to appreciate the micarta. Most colored micarta/phenolic other than brown and tan are special ordered by knife suppliers here in the states from some where. And there is a minimum of one or two large sheets, for theses specially made colors.

Best regards,

Jeff Pelz

[Basemetal]

Mushi was making his own at one time and some silk ties were under threat...

[MotorbikeMan]

Cheers for the info guys, If Mushi doesn't see this, maybe I'll pm him. Any ideas about any other suppliers?

[Jeff Pelz]

Jon,

Here is a start, USA contacts,

Augus Campbell Tele # 1 (213) 587-1236 Pacific Time
Sheffield Knife Supply www.sheffieldsupply.com
There are others suppliers, but sheffield has the largest
section.
Other options:
Ebay
Your local salvage/scrap yard.
Electrical contractors, switch board manufactures and
others in the electrical industry. But the colors are very
limited.

Best regard
Jeff Pelz

[Stuart Ackerman]

Jon, the UK equivalent is Tufnol...
http://www.ryanplastics.co.uk/htmlpages/operations/materials/tuflam.html

[MotorbikeMan]

Jon, the UK equivalent is Tufnol...
http://www.ryanplastics.co.uk/htmlpages/operations/materials/tuflam.html
I have some Tufnol courtesy of Shing, but all the digging around I do seem to say that you can have any colour Tufnol you like so long as it's brown :(

What's involved in making micarta?

MushIIIIIIIII!!
;)

[Basemetal]

I can't find the posts Mushi made last year...but I did remember I snatched a bit onto my hard drive....here's an extract (all I have) with Mushi's suggestion for laying down the material in an epoxy...

sounds cool. If it's an epoxy, a post cure in the oven @50C after the first 24 hours will speed it up. To get more density and get rid of more air, you might find using a couple of off cuts of conti board from B&Q or somewhere like that, wipe them down with warm Vaseline, soak the material in the mixed resin for a while and then build up layers of material on the conti board, build it up at least 3 times thicker than the required thickness, place the other piece of waxed board on top and either clamp it or put a weight on top and leave it to set. Should give you better and more consistant density.

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/verkleidung/costumed-smiley-064.gif

[Stew]

This any use?

Multilayer Materials (http://www.aescustomknives.com.ar/docs/tutorialmultilayer.htm)

[MotorbikeMan]

I can't find the posts Mushi made last year...but I did remember I snatched a bit onto my hard drive....here's an extract (all I have) with Mushi's suggestion for laying down the material in an epoxy...


http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/verkleidung/costumed-smiley-064.gif
interesting :)

[MotorbikeMan]

This any use?

Multilayer Materials (http://www.aescustomknives.com.ar/docs/tutorialmultilayer.htm)
Yup :D

[Stew]

...and there's this which might be useful too.

Making fake ivory (http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313)

[mic201m]

MBM,

This firm does some interesting materials , might help you with
the colours you want.

http://www.fibermascus.com
made by Gary Riner in the US.

regards mic.