How to Polish Micarta Grips

A fixed blade or folding knife is often designed for hard use by outdoor enthusiasts, law enforcement officers and military personnel. The grips -- or scales -- of the knife must be as durable as the blade. Micarta is favored by many manufacturers for its strength, ability to withstand extreme temperatures and its beauty. Micarta is created via a thermoset-laminating process, It integrates plastic -- combined with linen fabric, paper and fiberglass -- to create unique and functional grips.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Rag
  • Water
  • Mild detergent
  • Container
  • Paste wax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the knife's Micarta grips with a soft-bristle brush. Loosen and remove any dirt or mud with the brush. Work the bristles along the edge where the Micarta grips join the knife liners. Pay special attention to the screw heads.

    • 2

      Pour water into a small container. Add a few drops of a mild dish detergent to the water. Stir to make a soapy solution.

    • 3

      Dip a rag into the solution. Wipe the surface of the Micarta grips to remove oil, dirt and debris.

    • 4

      Wet the rag with water only. Thoroughly wipe down the grips to remove the soapy solution and any loosened dirt or debris. Dry the grips completely with a clean rag.

    • 5

      Dip a dry rag into a container of paste wax. Use a general-purpose paste wax designed for wood furniture or floors. Place a dime-size or smaller amount of wax on the rag; apply the wax to the Micarta grips in a circular motion. Follow specific manufacturer's directions for wax application and removal. Wipe off the wax off and buff the grips a high shine.