Esee 4 Aftermarket Scales Discussion

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Krissig12

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Sep 11, 2013
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Theres an old thread from a few years ago that kinda covers this, but its short and I didnt really want to bring it back from the dead. So.....


Im thinking about getting a set of aftermarket scales for my esee 4, as I really dislike how the micarta darkens with use. It wouldnt be bad with if the original scale was a darker color, but with tan it just looks too noticeable and kinda ruins the look for me. I know Im being petty, but still. I went on the theknifeconnection.com because they have a bunch of options for the esee 4 and these are all in G-10. My question is will the G10 darken like the micarta if I got a lighter color like blue? And for anyone who already has a pair, could you share your experiences with them? Like how much thicker and longer they are, how they feel in hand, durability etc. Thanks

BTW, Im one of the few who actually liked the size of the handle as it came from the factory. Will the new scales make it too big? I actually wouldnt mind a slightly wider handle (as long as it still works with the sheath), but I dont want too much extra length. I cant stand when the butt of the handle sticks out too much from your hand. For me, it just completely throws off the looks of the knife.
 
I don't have the TKC scales for my 4 but I did have a set for the 5/6. I didn't like how they made the handle slightly fatter so I sold them. I do have some aftermarket scales for my 4 made by kryptoglow (no longer available). I like them more for style than actual use. You know, if you don't like the way the hand oil looks you can give em a good wash with soap and water and they come out looking like knew. I did this with a very well used 5. Scales look factory fresh. Now, if you did this all the time, like weekly, I am sure the micarta wouldn't fare so well. Another option is dyeing them whatever color you want. And this is nothing against the TKC scales. The fit and finish was fantastic. I still want to try them for my other Esee blades.
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If you don't like the darkening from use, wash the scales with dish soap. Good as new. No problem.

The darkening is from oil and junk from your hand. It comes off with soap.
 
Yup and im so anal about it, ive been washing them every few days. I scrub them with an old toothbrush and soap. And like craytab mention, the micarta definately isnt fairing very well....... In fact, most of the grip is gone now

Thats part of the reason Im looking at aftermarket scales......
 
Well, I went ahead and ordered a set. This is what the final product should look like. Mine has the same tan blade and this is the exact coloration I ordered. Cant wait till they get here!


ESEE16.jpg
 
Why wouldn't the micarta "fare so well"? It's micarta. It will still be micarta long after you're in the dirt. Regardless of washing it with soap and water. It remains unchanged no matter how much you wash it.

Enjoy the new scales (they look great!), but they will get discolored from oil from your hands too. Just wash them. Don't overthink it dude!
 
Krissig12 said:
Well, I went ahead and ordered a set. This is what the final product should look like. Mine has the same tan blade and this is the exact coloration I ordered. Cant wait till they get here!


ESEE16.jpg
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Looks like a neat setup. Let us know how you like them, with pictures of course !
 
Will do craytab:thumbup:

AntDog, the micarta DOES change after repetitive washing. Toothbrushes are used to remove crap from your teeth..... Imagine what they do to the grip on micarta. Just like g10, it slowly becomes less grippy with wear, but the toothbrushing definately speeds up the process:D
 
I'm a fan of the TKC scales offered for the Izula, II, and Candiru, BK14/24, etc., but never could get into the the ESEE 3,4,5, etc TKC scales simply because they covered the pommel, which on say a 3 MIL, can be quite useful in glass breaking in an emergency
 
Scuff them up with sandpaper. That's what I do when I get a knife with polished micarta scales and it works great.
 
Alnamvet68 said:
I'm a fan of the TKC scales offered for the Izula, II, and Candiru, BK14/24, etc., but never could get into the the ESEE 3,4,5, etc TKC scales simply because they covered the pommel, which on say a 3 MIL, can be quite useful in glass breaking in an emergency
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Yeah I'm with you. I would prefer if the pommel was still showing. In fact, I wouldnt mind if nothing was changed except the color and material. The looks and size from the factory were fine for me
 
Krissig12 said:
Will do craytab:thumbup:

AntDog, the micarta DOES change after repetitive washing. Toothbrushes are used to remove crap from your teeth..... Imagine what they do to the grip on micarta. Just like g10, it slowly becomes less grippy with wear, but the toothbrushing definately speeds up the process:D
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Nope. Micarta does not change from repetitive washing. It just doesn't.

Dude, it's the toothpaste that's abrasive, not the toothbrush. Micarta might get smoother with use and wear, but it's not like a toothbrush is going to polish it flat. I use toothbrushes to clean parts of firearms that are hard to reach, and darn sure wouldn't do that if it was abrasive! Hell, if toothbrushes were going to flatten stuff, I wouldn't use one on my teeth!

If you just wash micarta with soap and water, there is no way you are going to break it down, or smooth it out, or change it's structure whatsoever. Just use dawn and water. The color will come right back and it will NOT smooth it out. Not even using a toothbrush.

In fact, it's been my experience that the aggressiveness of the texture of micarta comes back after you wash the oil off. The oil clogs it up, washing it removes the oil and makes it grippy again.

Enjoy your new scales!
 
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AntDog said:
Nope. Micarta does not change from repetitive washing. It just doesn't.

Dude, it's the toothpaste that's abrasive, not the toothbrush. Micarta might get smoother with use and wear, but it's not like a toothbrush is going to polish it flat. I use toothbrushes to clean parts of firearms that are hard to reach, and darn sure wouldn't do that if it was abrasive! Hell, if toothbrushes were going to flatten stuff, I wouldn't use one on my teeth!

If you just wash micarta with soap and water, there is no way you are going to break it down, or smooth it out, or change it's structure whatsoever. Just use dawn and water. The color will come right back and it will NOT smooth it out. Not even using a toothbrush.

In fact, it's been my experience that the aggressiveness of the texture of micarta comes back after you wash the oil off. The oil clogs it up, washing it removes the oil and makes it grippy again.

Enjoy your new scales!
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Dude, your arguing against facts here. It doesnt matter what it SHOULD do......The simple fact is, the micarta is now MUCH smoother then when I got it. No, its not polished flat, but a lot of the original grip is gone. You cant argue that this hasnt been my experience.......:confused:

Always the argumentative type arent you man? :D
 
Krissig12 said:
It wouldnt be bad with if the original scale was a darker color
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Something else you might try is just dye the factory scales a darker color. Here's my Izula before and after I dyed them with RIT Dark Brown dye. Cost about 3 bucks and took about 30 minutes.

 
Krissig12 said:
Dude, your arguing against facts here. It doesnt matter what it SHOULD do......The simple fact is, the micarta is now MUCH smoother then when I got it. No, its not polished flat, but a lot of the original grip is gone. You cant argue that this hasnt been my experience.......:confused:

Always the argumentative type arent you man? :D
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Not always. It's just that I know what all phenolic material behaves like. That's all.

Hell, maybe your diamond won't cut glass either. Who knows.

I still consider you a buddy, I just disagree. No worries man - enjoy your new scales. I'm just telling you that you shouldn't worry about it so much.
 
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