Kim Son grips?

[BAC]

Search didn't turn up anything, but is anyone familiar with Kim Son's bone and buffalo horn grips? I'm looking at his website here (http://www.handicraft-vn.com/shop/pistol-grips-craft-1911a1-grips-compact-full-size-c-101_102.html) and some of his work is outstanding. Would bone handle wear better than wood grips, or would these be mostly a dress-up thing (which I'd still be okay with)?


-B

[MoneyTree]

kimsonvu (http://forum.m1911.org/member.php?userid=15379) is a forum member and posts here every once and a while in the Parts - Grips forum . There are several threads and posts on the forum about his grips and showing photos of them . Here's a pic of my buffalo horn grips . They're beautiful grips , they're lighter than all my wood grips and since I've only had them a short while I don't know how they'll stand up as compared to wood . I haven't decided whither to use them as dress up grips or not but they definantly qualify . Here's one thread (http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=55595&page=1&pp=10) to get you started .


http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll245/BigMoneyTree/Kimber01.jpg

[cedjunior]

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=55595

[BAC]

Ah, thanks guys. Given what I'd use them for and what Rock River Arms is making me wait for a rifle upper, I'd have no problems waiting for a set of nice grips.

Still, does anyone know how bone wears compared to micarta and wood?


-B

[cedjunior]

Well this guy lasted 65 Million years, I'm sure bone grips would last a while too :D

http://www.mysciencebox.org/files/images/T%20rex.jpg

[MoneyTree]

Ah, thanks guys. Given what I'd use them for and what Rock River Arms is making me wait for a rifle upper, I'd have no problems waiting for a set of nice grips.

Still, does anyone know how bone wears compared to micarta and wood?


-BI'm sorry BAC , I thought you said you had done a search and nothing showed up so I did one and hundreds of posts showed up about Mr. Kimson Vu's grips , I think the site has done a review of his grips or planned to do one . I guess I just misunderstood your post .

kimsonvu uses a copper insert in the holes to releave the screws stress on the buffalo horn so I'm pretty sure as brittle as bone can be it's not going to hold up to hard use like wood or Micarta will . You can always email him at kimson@handicraft-vn.com with any questions you have , he's a very nice man and has always gotten back to me within 24 hours ( I've only emailed him two or three times ) . Hopefully he'll see your post and respond , he's been pretty good about doing that . Again I'm sorry for my misunderstanding your original post .

[BAC]

Yeah, was more trying to find durability of his product is all. No harm though. :)

Mostly I ask because I only have on 1911 for now and it's a working gun. If bone/horn grips like his are durable, great, but if not I'll have to consider something else for now. Or just get the grips and wait until I have a "show" gun to put them on. ;)


-B

[sarge43]

BAC,
I'v eread many threads made by posters who are very happy with the grips they have ordered from him.
While I haven't made grips from buffalo horn, I have turned pens from it for years, and can tell you that the high shine on horn grips is beautiful and if scratched or worn, can be easily retouched and brought back. Many finishes work well with horn from a simply wax to a full coverage polyurethane. When you order, just find out what finish he uses so that you know what to use if/when they need to be touched up. Buffalo horn is actually compressed hair not bone, so high heat (higher than anything you'll see under normal conditions of use) and extremely dry air are enemies. It makes beautiful grips and you shouldn't have any reservations about picking up a set. I'm sure we'd all love to see pics of them when you get them!
Kim Son seems to pop up and post every once in while when there is a thread addressing his work, so hopefully he'll see this one and answer your questions directly.
Good luck!
Sarge

[MSgt G]

Well this guy lasted 65 Million years, I'm sure bone grips would last a while too :D

http://www.mysciencebox.org/files/images/T%20rex.jpg

You could end up looking like this guy before your stocks come in too! :( In a few days I'll be at the 5-month and STILL WAITING point from a website that says, "**Some order need 1 - 4 weeks (maximum date) to produce from our factory. Some of them can ship immediately." Another member here ordered his stocks almost a month AFTER me and his arrived earlier this month or last month.

I love the set I have from this company, and would love to have an all white set, but when being completely mislead (**Some order need 1 - 4 weeks (maximum date) to produce from our factory.Some of them can ship immediately), and others are receiving their orders while I'm still waiting,

"05/30/2008 # 217 Carl Gentry
United States Grips Processing $47.70",

I'll order any future stocks from somewhere else.

[NYCMedic]

It is true that he takes a lot longer than the site implies. I ordered mine in June and they just arrived. However, I think that they are well worth the wait. They are well priced and the end product is good. Take a look at my thread for some pictures.

[kimsonvu]

Sorry all gentlemen for waiting! Some time, the plan doesn't go as i think.

@MSgt G: Your order is 1 mistake when my staff packing with another order. That why it take long time but i was send 1 email to offer . I think you will not complain and will pleasure with my offer . Again, that is my mistake .