[faraim]

I like that. I prefer stippling to checkering.

 

[Augee]

Crazy improbable projects and all, but that would be / would have looked great for meteorite grips or even Cabot’s meteorite guns, even better if the same texture had been used for the cocking serrations:

~Augee

 

[kingpin]

I'm almost finished with the front strap and just recieved a smooth Nighthawk MSH which will get the same treatment. I like the way it's coming along so far and thought I'd share some pics...

View attachment 1754209
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That is greatness! You hit the mark with "primal", and glad to hear it is grippy but comfortable. Thanks for sharing the method, did you lay out your random pattern with a sharpie or the like, or just go with the flow and be one with the stipple?

 

[TacticalMustache]

That is greatness! You hit the mark with "primal", and glad to hear it is grippy but comfortable. Thanks for sharing the method, did you lay out your random pattern with a sharpie or the like, or just go with the flow and be one with the stipple?

haha... one with the stipple...

"He's switched off his targeting device."
-Use the force Luke..

 

[AJR1911]

That is greatness! You hit the mark with "primal", and glad to hear it is grippy but comfortable. Thanks for sharing the method, did you lay out your random pattern with a sharpie or the like, or just go with the flow and be one with the stipple?

Thanks! No layout...just went freestyle!

 

[CDW]

Any knowledge to share about what you've learned as your work has progressed? Better to start at edges and fill in the center or any such information? Lay in the bigger divots early then populate around them? I'm certain I'd never attempt such an endeavor but am very curious about the method. Of course, you may opt to keep that knowledge which I could understand too.

 

[az4783054]

I really like the unique creativity of that finish.

 

[CAINuKe]

Crazy improbable projects and all, but that would be / would have looked great for meteorite grips or even Cabot’s meteorite guns, even better if the same texture had been used for the cocking serrations:

View attachment 1754394

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~Augee

Oh man, This scratches an Itch I never knew I had. Time to make some grips.

 

[LEDetailing]

Uniform depth and size yet looks totally random. Almost looks like it was done by a machine vs by hand/dremel. I’m really impressed!

 

[AJR1911]

Any knowledge to share about what you've learned as your work has progressed? Better to start at edges and fill in the center or any such information? Lay in the bigger divots early then populate around them? I'm certain I'd never attempt such an endeavor but am very curious about the method. Of course, you may opt to keep that knowledge which I could understand too.

I started with the borders and worked inward.

With regards to shaping the cuts, I'd look at each of the nearby cuts and try to place a starting cut towards the center and then shape the cut outwards so it joined the nearby cuts and the sides created a clean border. I also put a lot of thought into making sure to continually turn the frame as I made each cut to vary the angles. Another suggestion is to vary the sizes ... with the larger cuts, I'd typically make them and then fill in around them ... all combined, that helped to ensure the randomness of the design.

Once I complete the rough initial cuts I went back to each to clean up machining marks and make sure that the borders weren't rounded, etc.

Not sure if that helps since it's kinda hard to describe...feel free to ask any questions.

 

[MrMcSimon]

I'd love to see some pics of that frame zoomed out a little. Looks like you might have something there.

 

[Rccolt.45]

So maybe a stupid question but when doing this with a hand tool how do you make sure you don’t go too deep and keep it as consistent look as you do? Looks awesome btw

 

[Yeti]

Well done and looks unique, cool.

Could only do that on an appropriately thick front strap, say ~.070"

 

[AJR1911]

I'd love to see some pics of that frame zoomed out a little. Looks like you might have something there.

Thanks I'll post some additional pics.

 

[AJR1911]

Well done and looks unique, cool.

Could only do that on an appropriately thick front strap, say ~.070"

Yes my front strap measured just over .070

 

[AJR1911]

So maybe a stupid question but when doing this with a hand tool how do you make sure you don’t go too deep and keep it as consistent look as you do? Looks awesome btw

It's hard to describe but you just develop a feel for it...it's important to take your time and if I wasn't "feeling it" I just put it down and came back to it later.

Also, prior to this I did similar work on a couple of knives so I already had some practice.

 

[Remember84@]

Why don’t you just take a pair of grips ,put them in your trunk for a month and bang them up pretty hard and go fr there.

 

[Strater]

I'm almost finished with the front strap and just recieved a smooth Nighthawk MSH which will get the same treatment. I like the way it's coming along so far and thought I'd share some pics...

View attachment 1754209
View attachment 1754207
View attachment 1754211

Superb artistry and craftsmanship!

 

[Strater]

I started with the borders and worked inward.

With regards to shaping the cuts, I'd look at each of the nearby cuts and try to place a starting cut towards the center and then shape the cut outwards so it joined the nearby cuts and the sides created a clean border. I also put a lot of thought into making sure to continually turn the frame as I made each cut to vary the angles. Another suggestion is to vary the sizes ... with the larger cuts, I'd typically make them and then fill in around them ... all combined, that helped to ensure the randomness of the design.

Once I complete the rough initial cuts I went back to each to clean up machining marks and make sure that the borders weren't rounded, etc.

Not sure if that helps since it's kinda hard to describe...feel free to ask any questions.

AJ, great tips. Thank you for sharing! Guys, I think the best place to begin is on an old pair of crappy grips panels. Then move on to practicing on scrap steel pieces. When you gain technique, skill and confidence, move on to trying your work on an inexpensive gun.

 

[Strater]

Why don’t you just take a pair of grips ,put them in your trunk for a month and bang them up pretty hard and go fr there.

Remember, that's a idea stimulus, but I think the environment needs to be harsher. How about flinging them around in the garage to bang into various objects!