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Sidearms & Scatterguns Best knife scales when wet with......

WileyG

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Minuteman
Jun 24, 2009
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Alabama
Let's face it, blood is pretty much a lubricant when it gets outside it intended environment. Obviously when forced to use a knife for defensive weapon we'd prefer it to be successful and over with BEFORE being soaked in blood. I'd like input from experienced 'persons' as to what knife scales retain the best grip with bare hands under at least minimal blood or similar liquid coating.
 
Re: Best knife scales when wet with......

Well....obviously nothing smooth, I too have had this problem with blood on the grip surface of my knives, and smooth micarta sucks!!!!
I like strider's gunner grips, Very easily controlled with wet hands.
I'm sure there's more good options out there.....
 
Re: Best knife scales when wet with......

my blood-on-knife experience is mainly coming from field-dressing/dressing out/cutting up (or whatever the correct english word is) deer.

- i do like the rubber grip from cold-steel, but i don't like the knife.
- normal wood (without texture) is not that great. otherwise, that's what i'd go for.
- bone is always polished and about as bad when covered in blood as you can go.
- what i really like: horn. one of the knives of my old man has its grip/handle made from chamois-horn. that's also nice to hold while covered in blood.

i hope that helps a bit
 
Re: Best knife scales when wet with......

I stippled my TDI with an old cheap soldering iron. I've never had blood on it. I can't see it slipping in my hand though. My hunting knife has a rubber handle. It does ok but, I'm not trying to stab the animal just skin it.
 
Re: Best knife scales when wet with......

The grips on ESEE and RAT cutlery knives (pretty much the same blades) don't tend to slip with blood or fat on them.
 
Re: Best knife scales when wet with......

it has less to do with the material and more to do with how it's finished.

I have one custom knife with micarta handles that have deep grooves and high ridges. I have not had a problem with it slipping even when doing some odd tasks.

I have a production knife with zytel handles that are checkered so deeply that you have to wear gloves when chopping. If not it WILL take the skin off. I have never had a problem with it slipping even when covered in blood.
 
Re: Best knife scales when wet with......

Micarta, G10 and carbon fiber are all good choices. You can get them in various degrees of grooved, textured or rough finish.

Some rubber handles deteriorate when exposed to DEET, so if you want an outdoors knife and have mosquito/bug issues, take that into consideration.