All About Pocket Knives

This very cool SOG Stingray arrived today, part of a lot of various knives that were in a TSA "confiscation" auction. There was one knife in this lot that I really wanted, and I got it, so I have nothing to complain about. But, I really do like this Stingray, except the "Kraton" (rubber) handle scales are rather sticky and I'm afraid that they are deteriorating. I tried all the "expert" advice I found on the internet today (washing with detergent, rub with alcohol, baking soda, etc.) and nothing made the stickiness any better. In fact, it may be a little worse now. I don't see any pin heads or other obvious means by which the "Kraton" scales are attached, so I assume they are just glued on. Before I do any more damage to this knife, I am asking for opinions. My first preference is to find some other treatment for the "Kraton" that makes it no longer sticky. After that, if I can find some similarly checkered handle material for this knife, I might be willing to try that, but would hate to destroy a cool knife that is just a bit sticky. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

I have no ideas on restoring the Kraton, but I wonder if SOG has a warranty for something like that?
Of course, I also imagine that it would be beautiful customized in some dark wood, or smooth white bone instead. That would be much more fun!

I wish I could help you Herb but I have no idea how you would accomplish removing the sticky feeling on that knife. It's an awfully good looking knife, it would be a shame to ruin the covers. I was going to suggest isopropyl alcohol to get rid of the sticky feeling, but I don't know how the Kraton would react to it. Hope you find a solution, it's a beautiful becoming rare knife! EDIT: If you don't mind how it would look, perhaps some good ole' talcum powder on your hands before using your knife?

Armor-All will probably help the stickiness.

Bill DeShivs wrote: ↑Fri Aug 05, 2022 5:51 am Armor-All will probably help the stickiness.

So, I tried scrubbing it with dish washing detergent, rinsed and dried, (now a little bit improved), then rubbed it with isopropyl rubbing alcohol, (now even more improved but still a little sticky). Then I tried Bill's suggestion of Armor-All, and bingo, perfect! I have no idea if the Armor-All alone would have produced the same result. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

Bill DeShivs wrote: ↑Fri Aug 05, 2022 5:51 am Armor-All will probably help the stickiness.

Herb - I've watched Bill over the years kindly share his well-earned wisdom with us, we are lucky to have him here

Have you thought about using Ray skin as a re-handle? I see plenty of Japanese swords with Ray.

1967redrider wrote: ↑Mon Aug 08, 2022 1:32 pm Have you thought about using Ray skin as a re-handle? I see plenty of Japanese swords with Ray.

John, as the saying goes, I'll probably "leave well alone" at this point. But, you have aroused my easily aroused curiosity - where does one get "Ray skin" and are we talking about real stingray skin?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295136070372?m ... media=COPY

It is traditionally used on Japanese swords. I am not sure how to install it as knife scales, but I am sure that there are those who can!

herbva wrote: ↑Mon Aug 08, 2022 9:35 pm

1967redrider wrote: ↑Mon Aug 08, 2022 1:32 pm Have you thought about using Ray skin as a re-handle? I see plenty of Japanese swords with Ray.

John, as the saying goes, I'll probably "leave well alone" at this point. But, you have aroused my easily aroused curiosity - where does one get "Ray skin" and are we talking about real stingray skin?

Reverand wrote: ↑Mon Aug 08, 2022 11:12 pm https://www.ebay.com/itm/295136070372?m ... media=COPY

It is traditionally used on Japanese swords. I am not sure how to install it as knife scales, but I am sure that there are those who can!

That's the ticket, Reverand.

While it seems you may have solved your issue for now, I thought I would add the following.

I carried a Stingray or the similar Sogwinder I (drop point blde with thumb stud) for many years. Great knives! After considerable pocket time the Kraton would do exactly what you described. My solution was to send it in to the SOG Service Center and have the Kraton replaced. Did that twice, and got back a fully repaired knife with Kraton checkering that could almost break the skin. I was very pleased. So there is always that option.

I have a custom sheath made with Stingray skin. I like it a lot.

hardman wrote: ↑Tue Aug 09, 2022 1:40 am While it seems you may have solved your issue for now, I thought I would add the following.

I carried a Stingray or the similar Sogwinder I (drop point blde with thumb stud) for many years. Great knives! After considerable pocket time the Kraton would do exactly what you described. My solution was to send it in to the SOG Service Center and have the Kraton replaced. Did that twice, and got back a fully repaired knife with Kraton checkering that could almost break the skin. I was very pleased. So there is always that option.

I have a c ustom sheath made with Stingray skin. I like it a lot.

Thanks Gary! If that "stickyness" comes back, I am going to follow your advice and send it to them.

I have a Tomcat 3.0 and the stickiness is what I like about it. It stays stuck in my hand when it gets bloody.

To each his own Piper! Also, to AAPK!

I am having the same issue with my SOG tomcat. The Kraton was so bad it seen like every time I touched it , the rubber was smearing the lines so I took them off .They are hold only by to little holes under the Kraton, I need to find me another set , or find something better.

I've owned a couple of knives like this one. It's not an inexpensive knife. I'd suggest it might be worth more as is that if it is rehandled. If you're going to keep it, that may not be an issue for you. But if you think you might want to flip it and make a few bucks, "as is" would be my suggestion.