Do the Micarta or G10 scales make a noticeable difference over the Paracord wrapped handle? I like the wrap on my Izzy, but I'm always up for improvement.
Just my opinion but I like the G10 scales for grip and even more for ease of cleanup after use. The paracord is tedious to take off if it gets dirty,bloody ,soaked etc.
The thing that concerns me is the bacteria from raw meat, and chicken. Other than that and keeping clean, I like it.
My trick was to apply a thin layer of clear silicone to the tang, wait just a bit for it to get "tacky" then install the scales and torque them down. Wait about 12 hours and any squeeze out can be removed with a green nylon scrubbie. The scales are now sealed against penetration of water or pathogens but can still be removed later if you so desire. (Note: this works best with the TKC G-10 as it has a machined raised area to fill the skeleton tang, but will also work on the oem micarta. Just be more carful in the application of the silicone in the tang cutout portion if using the micarta.)
I used the extra orange set that came with my black Becker BK14 zytel scales. They fit fine with no mods needed (maybe not completely flush but plenty good enough for me)...you can get them for under 15 shipped and it comes with an orange set and black (as well as two sets of hardware) You can sorta see in the pic that theres a little bit of knife handle that sticks out a hair further than the scales in a few places but nothing I notice in the hand.
I LOVE the G-10 scales from The Knife Connection! They do add quite a bit of extra weight and make the knife a little top heavy but they make the knife MUCH more comfortable. Would highly recommend getting a set.
Thanks brother. She looks good from far still. Up close she’s a little beat up lol Been of favorite of mine since I got it in 2012
Scales are a must if you plan to do real cutting/whittling or any kind of animal/meat processing IMHO. The cord wrap is fine if you just need to cut 1 or 2 things but holding or using it for an extended period, that's going to wear your hand out. You are not getting this out of a cord wrap short of taking the cord off and putting it thru a washing machine.
They are thinner than the micarta. I wish Esee sold the g10 in half slabs like mine. I had a friend cut these for me a while back.
I’ve had the cord wrap, short Micarta and now TKC G10. I prefer the G10. Knifehunt- I’ll send you my Izula with TKC G10 scales to play with if you want to try before you buy. Send me a PM.