Paper micarta Beautiful synthetic "Ivory" questions

[Blackpowderwarrior]

I have long toyed with the idea of making some "Ivory" grips out of paper Micarta slabs used for knife making.

I've thought about giraffe bone also but the paper micarta material seems like it would be easier to maintain the quality of the material in the grips.

Believe it or not I actually worked at a company that made synthetic marble/ivory/wood etc for floors and counters.

Unfortunately I never got to work with the finished product in any manner conducive to grip making.

The paper micarta really is beautiful and has a lovely grain to it.

I think it would really look good on the Stainless Steel Remington.

Has anyone here ever worked with the material?
If so what's the best way to remove/shape material.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

I have long toyed with the idea of making some "Ivory" grips out of paper Micarta slabs used for knife making.

I've thought about giraffe bone also but the paper micarta material seems like it would be easier to maintain the quality of the material in the grips.

Believe it or not I actually worked at a company that made synthetic marble/ivory/wood etc for floors and counters.

Unfortunately I never got to work with the finished product in any manner conducive to grip making.

The paper micarta really is beautiful and has a lovely grain to it.

I think it would really look good on the Stainless Steel Remington.

Has anyone here ever worked with the material?
If so what's the best way to remove/shape material.

Yes I'm a knifemaker and have used it probably hundreds of times. It also scrimshaws nicely too provided you have a perfectly polished finish on it so the ink only goes in the scrimed marks. To achieve this you must use plenty of elbow grease and sand to at least 1000 grit by hand before buffing so you can go directly to a fine buffing compound. No scratch pink or the Brownells 555 white both work but don't use any of the darker more course compounds or they will leave black or dark color in the fine pits of the handle material that more buffing will not remove.

Main shaping you do as with any Micarta, real ivory, or most handle materials for that matter. Drill, saw, file, and sand. Whatever methods you use just make sure you use sharp tools and slow speeds with machines so you don't burn it.

 

[CraigC]

I bought a couple slabs of the antique linear paper micarta from Sheffield and had a bunch of grips made from it.



Some blades too.

 

[woodnbow]

Smooth Magna grips… be still my beating heart!