Ultem is HOT right now, should you care???

[@user-zm6pt9ne4q]

Enjoying the vids Maxlvl. Worked in industry with both G10/FR-4 and Ultem 1000. Have personally machined G10. Have designed for Ultem 1000 and worked on the manufacturer's floor. Have extensively qc'd both. If you check the material datasheets, you'll find that G10 is a much stronger material mechanically and that bears out in my experience. It is a pain to machine. The embedded fiberglass wears down milling tools much faster than Ultem 1000. If I remember correctly, G10 is cheaper to source, but has significantly higher labor costs. I'm straying from the topic. Ultem 1000's claim to fame is effectiveness as an electrical insulator, good resistance to a variety of chemicals, good dimensional stability in humid conditions and machinability. Works well in stable, inert environments like electrical test setups, rigorously climate controlled and for the most part mechanically unstressed. I can't vouch for uv resistance as most industrial ultem equipment is sent to environments that hardly see natural sunlight. Its weakness is mechanical strength: poor resistance to chipping, scratching and especially stress-cracking. It was often last on my list of candidates of engineered plastics for applications where mechnical stress was a factor. It can be effective, but the technicians have to respect the amount of torque they put in assembly screws or the product would see early failure from stress-cracks around those points. And the engineers had to respect where they chose to introduce mechanical stress in ultem parts. This is accelerated in wide-temperature conditions, particular ice-cold temperatures. The material is brittle and failures from fractures / stress cracks are expected over the lifetime of the material. It'll work, but you can't fault the material for its limitations. I think electrical & chemical resistance was the goal for the original formulation. Ultem 1000 is a capable plastic in the right application, but in the EDC industry, a more suitable choice if a customer insists on ultem would be a glass-filled variant like Ultem 2300 which addresses the mechanical shortcomings. However since glass-filled variants are opaque, G10/FR-4 comes in far more color options. Anyway, most of this is common knowledge if you've worked in the electrical / manufacturing industry, but you can refer to the material datasheets via any search engine to verify. Personally, ultem 1000 accented EDC gear would make for nice garage queens, but for hard use, I'd think I'd like to have G10 or some other mechanically durable plastic. That however is just one product designer's experience so take it for what it's worth and put it up against other engineer's perspectives. I rarely comment if ever, unless the information is important for consumers, so hope this is informative. Thanks for all the vids. Your powerpint vid has led me to pick one up and correct its shortcomings to bring it up from C-tier to A-tier. A lot of potential that was left unrealized in that design, but it's actually a pretty good one. Edit: One thing I missed. Ultem 1000 is injection moldable. Not as cheap as something like nylon, but in theory if a design is popular enough, it could be made into a mold and cut down on production costs significantly. That may not apply to the EDC industry since a lot of offerings are somewhat bespoke or run in smaller quantities.

[@maxlvledc]

ThIs comment EASILY Deserves a pin!

[@Imminentgg]

Thanks for this

[@chickenfoot713]

I love comments like this

[@randompasserby9817]

Wow, an actually informative comment from someone with actual experience, wish comments like these weren't so rare.

[@megacab]

Damn you just educated everyone including myself.

[@DrNooooooo]

Ultem is just polyetherimide, it's only expensive when you buy the ultem brand, and every edc piece made of it is ridiculously overpriced for what it is.

[@thumperstick]

and the icing on the cake for me is... it doesnt look that great : /

[@MichaelRossi__]

@@thumperstickyeah it looks like it was clear and has yellowed over time

[@MartinGonzalez-sl2kj]

Is tactical bro And it keep this KZbinr in business😂

[@EphemeralThought]

I like it.

[@20cent]

Like GoreTex. Other "brands" are fine and work the same for a fraction of the price.

[@jimbob5376]

I bought the same full-sized Praxis in Ultem that is shown in the video, and TBH, it was an impulse buy. I've had it for a couple of weeks now, and it has grown on me. It feels good in the hand, and I now like the looks of it. The color under lights is very yellow, and gets a bit of green as it moves into the shade. As stated in the video, it's appeal is more visual, but I'm still glad I got it. Oh, and if your piss is this color, either drink more water or see a doctor.

[@jmp485]

FYI, be weary of ultem or PEI in general if you work around nastier chemicals, especially solvents. It's pretty good vs chemicals but nowhere near as robust as something like G10 or FRN

[@bahjinelson3986]

I'd be interested in seeing testing on Ultem. A lot of KZbinrs are repeating marketing claims without much empirical evidence or time-testing. Does Ultem discolor over time? Lose elasticity? What elasticity does it have? For example I've heard the phrase: "it has it's own rockwell" without citing what that rockwell is. Every solid thing has a hardness. It just feels like this is one of those corporate driven trends that we need to think critically about on principle.

[@MartinGonzalez-sl2kj]

More like all of them 😂 They all get the same email with the same instructions They are great employees...

[@thundercell13]

That color, brings me old school LEGO vibes. Some of the old clear LEGO pieces were that color, I remember a few cockpit windows

[@georgewashington3012]

There is a trend of adopting cheap materials and selling them as a “feature”. One prime example is Spyderco’s FRN; it’s marketed as “Hey, it’s lightweight!” Yeah, ok, it’s lightweight but cheesy as hell.

[@larshoneytoast722]

Lightweight is a feature tho and they're cheaper than the g10 counterparts so that's not a great example but I do agree they're trying to market ultem as premium when it's basically just another thermoplastic

[@XenFPV]

FRN is mechanically strong and durable and grippy, and can be dyed in any colour. It's a great choice of material for a knife handle. Not sure why it's "cheesy" just because it's not titanium or carbon fibre or something sexier and more exotic.

[@byoutifulmonster]

Ill check it out when it stops looking like piss.

[@maxlvledc]

Technically it comes in other colors.

[@MrLlama999]

They just released “smoke” grey.

[@Neal_Sporin]

Ultem has been used in guitar picks for over 20 years (Jim Dunlop Ultex)

[@mourningcrows]

I was wondering if it was the same thing. I recently discovered Ultex picks and they are now my favorite, but I don’t know that I would want my knife scales made of it.

[@fredzaphod9833]

There’s something nostalgic about it for some reason I can feel it on my teeth

[@probablywatches]

It reminds me of the grips on Deckards gun from Bladerunner

[@DanielByon]

Thanks for the honest opinion. Looks like urine color to me, so I’ll pass on Ultem things 😂

[@macthesmac]

It reminds me of my dad’s tools. I need a fidget with ultem in his memory

[@ModernSurvivalSense]

Ultem does not have the tensile strength of G10. It's not even close, actually. G10 is a superior material.

[@ELaster1]

As you mentioned the Chemists point of view... I'm on the search to replace PTFE in my 14 T magnet so I tried PEI - which I learnt about from the EDC community 😁 Unfortunately it gave too much background signal. I really liked its transparency, would make life easier for me.

[@jmp485]

We used a lot of polycarbonate in MRI and CT scan applications when I worked for GE Healthcare. Very nice when thin (multiple laminates of film), but falls off much above an eighth inch

[@SteelHex]

It looks like any white transparent polymer that turns yellow with time. Ultem just comes pre-yellowed. I can’t get over the “dirty old plastic” look, so it’s not for me.

[@alextaplin7354]

Once you get over the novelty of the "special " material it really just looks like very degraded plastic the colour of piss. Maybe if they made something like a bottle green/blue I'd me more inclined. Its also very overpriced due to the marketing alone.

[@sda4jesus1]

I do prefer the amber to the, ahem (as you call it), 'piss' yellow.

[@howyoudurrinhunneh]

I'm kinda new to it. After Olight came out with a knife using it I thought it looked dumb but now I like it a lot. Wish it was cheaper.

[@merlinmagi463]

I think you do an excellent job with your content.

[@dlabs-q3w]

Hey man had a quick question about ultem.does the transparent yellow fade because I am considering getting a knife with a clear yellow ultem handle but I worry that the sun will destroy it.

[@christopher_lp]

I only really like the material when used for guitar picks.

[@davidmarcos1692]

Same here. 😂

[@RGudmetalhead]

Ultex picks are more wear-resistant than some other picks, too bad that they come in shape I like only as a signature model that’s not common in stores. Actually, as a guitar player it’s kinda amusing to see how fellow knife nerds are getting obsessed with a material that guitarists were quite familiar with for decades. What’s next, scales made from 3-ply pick guard material? 😆

[@nathski22]

I vape and the only time before maybe six months ago that I’d seen it or heard of it was in vape tanks and mouthpieces. It’s quite cool looking but I’ve always thought it was quite cheap looking

[@GarrettsGear]

Ironically it reminds me of the old ashtrays from the 90s and stuff!

[@MichaelRossi__]

@@GarrettsGearmore like 70’s 😅

[@globofgreen]

I like it because it reminds me of the see-through plastic electronics phase in the 90s-2000s. 😂

[@ryanholloway5576]

Nice lil set up man

[@kokoymedina3441]

It's used screw drivers handle before

[@BeachJazzMusic]

It's a great material and looks really cool. They've been using it for guitar picks for years. It holds up really well with every day use. It actually can be made in a variety of colors. I have Dunlop Picks made out of Ultem in the amber shown here and also a translucent burgundy and black. It's super strong. Dunlop calls it Ultex but it's the same thing.

[@knifelyfe6565]

I have a Dunlop pick from EJ he gave me years ago.I wonder if it's Ultem?

[@BeachJazzMusic]

@@knifelyfe6565 not likely. If it’s red it’s made out of nylon. He uses the red Dunlop Jazz III. He’s been using it for years. In fact they make an EJ version.

[@knifelyfe6565]

@@BeachJazzMusic Thanks, I have a great pick collection.One of my favorites is from Albert King.He didn't play with a pick and gave me his antibiotics pill bottle filled at a pharmacy on Beale St in Memphis.

[@knifelyfe6565]

@@BeachJazzMusic Another Texan like EJ is Jimmie Vaughan.He cuts his picks out of hotel room cards.I have several of those and some of little brother Stevie too. AINT IT FUN BEING FROM TEXAS!

[@BeachJazzMusic]

@@knifelyfe6565 That’s awesome!

[@MeowTow]

There's an expensive lightweight gaming mouse brand called Finalmouse who uses Ultem in the bottom of the mouse so the wireless signal can get through.

[@unfi6798]

We love it mate.!

[@fancyhitchpin8675]

"It was invented in the '80s" makes sense cause it looks like some cheap clear plastic thing that's been faded in the sun since then.. I don't get it. Different strokes I guess.

[@JPBTheLegend]

I have not picked up anything Ultem. It looks kind of interesting. I may get something just to see how it is in person.

[@KOAnonymously]

I want the civivi Propugnator but it’s kinda expensive for what it is and it’s D2.. Everything these days is kinda overpriced. But it’s what everybody voted.

[@kodioverholzer6281]

I know it can't be other colors but I wish I love the opaqueness i just hate yellow

[@rodrigoruiz976]

Could you recommend me a “beach” knife? Something I can take to the sea and easily wash it afterwards without disassembling it.

[@branchrickey9123]

Spyderco Salt series

[@rodrigoruiz976]

@@branchrickey9123 that’s a good option, but two main issues for me: 1. Very expensive; 2. The handle is too rough (I can’t touch it - G10 is hard enough already for me, I prefer metal or something like ultem).

[@maxlvledc]

1000%, get a salt 2 in H2 from spyderco (full serrated) or dragonfly H2 fully serrated. If you want something UK legal UK penknife salt

[@maxlvledc]

Ahhh, problem is..they only get more expensive from there.. $80 is basically the floor...or you can find a fixed blade.

[@rodrigoruiz976]

@@maxlvledc if it’s a fixed blade I can conceal carry without a T-shirt, that works too. I just can’t touch the rough material of spiderco salt series.

[@JediKnife]

How does it hold up to scratches?

[@maxlvledc]

Hmm, I would say not well

[@derekneumann]

I ride bikes a lot. I have a 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper with a full carbon fiber frame. It's bad-ass. I wonder what the cost/weight/stiffness/ease of manufacturing would be if somebody tried to make a MTB frame out of Ultem? hmmmm?

[@mikelarry88888]

Interesting to know whats available out there 👍

[@richardchen103]

I’m only interested in it to hold pills; does it actually protects light sensitive medication from light?

[@maxlvledc]

Hmm, not sure.

[@erikl6988]

Reminds of Atomic Purple back in the 90s

[@Jethrospect]

Vape community had this ultem craze long time ago. Didn't really like it that much.

[@analogmatrix1442]

Finally my gear won’t turn to ash when I am trekking the fiery bowels of hell.

[@lesslighter]

I honestly don't care even if my eyeglass frame from owndays has advertised that their "air" lineup is made with dyed ultem fancy sure its very tensile but thats just that its still a material... would people want knife scales made with celluloid? who knows

[@lamb7283]

Great video.

[@megacab]

I don't like the way it looks, but it seems to be all the rage right now.

[@scrick7112]

Not much more to say. What about the price point????

[@maxlvledc]

I'd say not worth. But specifics? Prices vary depending on where u buy them. I think atm it's cheaper on civivi.com with the black Friday sales going on.

[@chickenfoot713]

Ultem is cool it’s been used in the Vape market for years for its durability and usually isn’t expensive. Some people don’t like it bc it reminds them of the color of peepee 😮

[@SoundStream101]

I totally agree, it's been around for awhile in the vape industry..I've been vaping since 2012 and I had a few custom devices and drip tips ect. 👍

[@MouseCIick]

i like the amber look. reminds me of Jurassic Park. yellow just looks like pee

[@algblenny267]

You failed to mention how brittle it is

[@maxlvledc]

I mean sure...but not from conventional use. Drop it off a ladder and yea, it will have issues.

[@algblenny267]

@@maxlvledcor just….drop it. No need to exaggerate by adding a ladder into this. So yes conventional use.

[@maxlvledc]

@algblenny267 I've dropped it from normal height onto concrete with no issues..so who knows for sure. It's definitely not a guarantee that it breaks.

[@algblenny267]

@@maxlvledc silly argument. You know it’s more brittle than conventional materials. Tons of reports out there. A bunch of people have broken their Ultem scales simply by tightening screws.

[@sda4jesus1]

So when are logo etched ultem challenge coins going to hit the MaxLVLEDC merch store?

[@maxlvledc]

That would be awesome!

[@focusonthefocus]

I’ll pass.

[@MkGreene]

I like the look of it. Guess I'm weird like that.

[@ljaysperspective1775]

If you splurge on every trend, just because it's a trend and not because you can actually use the gear, you're just spending money foolishly, deplete your bank account? vs have a drawer full of Shiney knives and stuff? 😮

[@joshcarter-com]

Is there something wrong with splurging on every trend? I’m failing to see the problem. 😎

[@ljaysperspective1775]

@joshcarter-com @joshcarter-com Don't get me wrong, I've done it. What I have found to be the problem is that it never ends? I don't have a void that I need to fill, although it may appear that way. In addition, I unfortunately have other toys to buy as well. Every other day, there's a new RC Cralwer, drift car or helicopter? It's the same thing, just a different menu. I have a house full of toys, and I can only use 1 at a time.

[@s30vguy8]

Pretty soon they will start making scales from old BIC lighters and getting more for them calling them customs.🙁

[@chadscott9138]

Harvest Gold EDC. From 1976 to 2023.

[@niceguyb1]

these are growing on me

[@kellywelch3]

I don't care. I think ultem is ugly on a knife. Most other knife handle material is more practical.

[@GMTD11]

I don’t buy new knife around 8 year. And don’t think do it in close future. I don’t care about this fancy material.

[@Zero_8347]

Waiting for Spyderco to make a Police 5 in Magnacut and Ultem

[@elizabeththompson4424]

I read some reviews... cracks easily!!! overrated!

[@kentuckymonkeys]

Gotta ultem bugout

[@ben9and1-3rd]

👍🍻

[@parrisheverettep]

No, I shouldn't care, and i don't

[@pressrolls]

absolutely HIDEOUS

[@IVAN_ENT]

Looks poopoo