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Don't Overlook the Acrylics

Although I occasionally bought one of the GEC Acrylic handle knives for my little assortment because I found it an attractive handle material my primary enjoyment of my knives is in the use of them every day. I didn't use my Acrylic handle knives because, "Yeah, well, it's "plastic" and probably will scratch and wear poorly." I have since found out quite differently.

When the #62 Easy Pocket Congress pattern was introduced in January, 2011, I bought a few in the differrent Acrylics and decided to put one of the Green Velvet Acrylics in my pocket. I have been carrying and using this knife daily for nearly four months. I am finding the Acrylic to be a tough and durable material, without the easily damaged appearance I had expected. I do take a bit of care to keep it by itself in my right front pocket while my keys, pocket change, etc. is carried in my left pocket, but it gets used several times a day for all manner of chores. The Acrylic material has held up very well and shows no wear what so ever.

The first thing I noticed about the Acrylics was the consistently fine fit of the material to the knife. An almost seamless fit at the scales and bolsters with no unsightly gaps, something I have not always enjoyed with some bone and stag. As I experience the toughness of this material I don't believe I will have to encounter any future cracks at the main center pin as is seen on so many of the really old time pocket knives, and it requires none of the routine maintenance necessary with the natural handle materials. An occaional application of Renaissance Wax, which I obtain from my friend and fellow iKC member Vince Roberts, over at Fort Henry Custom Knives, brings the Acrylic material to a shiny and pleasing luster. That's all I've ever done for it.

So when the #65 Ben Hogan knives came out I decided to really try out this stuff and started carrying and using one in the Sea Shell Perylic. I use this knife in place of the paring knife in my kitchen, use it as my table/steak knife, open hay bales and feed sacks, and all manner of rough work. I just returned from a 2 week camp in the mountains and used the #65 and the #62 as my only knives. I camp 19th century primitive, which means cooking over a campfire twice a day, fire starting and meal preparation, so the knives got used. I still cannot see any scratching, wear, or dulling of the Acrylic handle material. This is some amazing stuff!

As you may imagine, I am quite favorably impressed with the GEC Acrylics and I will not hesitate to get more of them. I just wanted to share some of my thoughts and experiences with this attractive and durable material and I would enjoy hearing from others about it as well.

Thanks for reading and adding your comments.

3 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Morrie Mayfield on May 2, 2011 at 11:06

Hi Dave,

I agree 100% with you !!!!!!!!!!! I'm not a "User", however I still like the "plastic" handles the best.

I think the Bone and Stag are "BORING"!!!! (I'll probably get in trouble for saying that).

Good Luck,

Morrie

USA USA USA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on May 2, 2011 at 17:01

Dave, thanks for telling us your experience with these wonderful handles. Anyone else have experience with "using" them?

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on May 2, 2011 at 17:04

Morrie,

LOL,,,No one is ever "in trouble" here. We respect each others opinions. Donnie loves the plastics GEC produces for thier fit, finish and character but prefers to carry bone or wood.

BTW, Morrie wants a slim jack in 440

Morrie Mayfield said:

Hi Dave,

I agree 100% with you !!!!!!!!!!! I'm not a "User", however I still like the "plastic" handles the best.

I think the Bone and Stag are "BORING"!!!! (I'll probably get in trouble for saying that).

Good Luck,

Morrie

USA USA USA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Dave Taylor on May 2, 2011 at 18:34

Morrie wants a Slim Jack in 440-C........With Acrylic handle covers!!

What's your favorite Acrylic, Morrie??

Jan Carter said:

Morrie,

LOL,,,No one is ever "in trouble" here. We respect each others opinions. Donnie loves the plastics GEC produces for thier fit, finish and character but prefers to carry bone or wood.

BTW, Morrie wants a slim jack in 440

Morrie Mayfield said:

Hi Dave,

I agree 100% with you !!!!!!!!!!! I'm not a "User", however I still like the "plastic" handles the best.

I think the Bone and Stag are "BORING"!!!! (I'll probably get in trouble for saying that).

Good Luck,

Morrie

USA USA USA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Morrie Mayfield on May 2, 2011 at 20:24

Hi,

To be honest; Micarta has always been my fav !!!!!!!!!!

However any of the "under glass handles" are great !

Thanks foe asking.

Morrie

Dave Taylor said:

Morrie wants a Slim Jack in 440-C........With Acrylic handle covers!!

What's your favorite Acrylic, Morrie??

Jan Carter said:

Morrie,

LOL,,,No one is ever "in trouble" here. We respect each others opinions. Donnie loves the plastics GEC produces for thier fit, finish and character but prefers to carry bone or wood.

BTW, Morrie wants a slim jack in 440

Morrie Mayfield said:

Hi Dave,

I agree 100% with you !!!!!!!!!!! I'm not a "User", however I still like the "plastic" handles the best.

I think the Bone and Stag are "BORING"!!!! (I'll probably get in trouble for saying that).

Good Luck,

Morrie

USA USA USA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!