K Series want/need: thinner grips

[lunde]

It is too early in the morning to know whether this is a need or a want, but having both a K9 and MK9, Elite 2003 versions for both, I really dig the MK9 grips in that they are thinner and less rubbery than those of the K9. The whole point of the Kahr line up of pistols is that they are compact, and "thin" clearly works into this equation somehow.

Please, Kahr, make MK-style grips for the K Series! It would bring a near-perfect carry pistol that much closer to perfection.

[Warhammer]

Some have successfully thinned the non-checker wood grips to achieve an overall thinner grip. Not very difficult if you have some basic DIY skills. Just make sure to wear a respirator while sanding and seal the grips well as Pau Ferro can be extremely allergenic.

[Shadokachr]

Some have successfully thinned the non-checker wood grips to achieve an overall thinner grip. Not very difficult if you have some basic DIY skills. Just make sure to wear a respirator while sanding and seal the grips well as Pau Ferro can be extremely allergenic.

I have a set of the wood grips on my K9 03 Elite ( pic on the photo thread ) and I can back up warhammer's statement on the allergic nature of Pau Ferro. It is classified as a toxic wood. I found out the hard way. After which I applied 10 coats of polyurethane to my grips.

[Warhammer]

I've cut and sanded Pau Ferro and never had a reaction, so apparently I'm not allergic to it. I hear, though, that REALLY nasty rashes are a common reaction to it, especially to the sanding dust.

[Shadokachr]

I've cut and sanded Pau Ferro and never had a reaction, so apparently I'm not allergic to it. I hear, though, that REALLY nasty rashes are a common reaction to it, especially to the sanding dust.

I had done it myself several times with no reaction. It started for me with a set of checked grips on my K9. I got rid of them and replaced them with smooth grips. Same problem. I thinned and re-contoured my smooth grips on a hot day and the dust was all over my arms and hands. It was like having poison ivy, but took longer to get rid of.
Pau Ferro, like most toxic woods, is a sensitizing agent. But I still use my thinned Pau Ferro grips on my K9 Elite for daily carry. I applied 10 coats of flat polyurethane to seal them. Best part is, the polyurethane really brings out the grain and colors of the Pau Ferro.

[G20-IWB24/7]

This is what the pair that I have on my K9 Elite '03 had done to them, and they feel and work great. They are about as thick as the rubber grips, but are smooth and do not snag clothing. I think if Kahr were to make aftermarket grips for the K-series that were the same as the hard rubber grips that come on the MK-series they would sell a TON of them.

[Vincent]

I have powerful but short fingered hands. A grip can almost not be too small for me. On my E9 I was tempted to grind down the hard rubber grips but never got around to it. The size and shape of the P9/CW9 is almost perfect.

[lunde]

I am glad that I am not alone in wanting slimmer grips for the MK9. I have my K9 and MK9 out in front of me, and the MK Series grips are noticeably thinner, very close to a P/PM Series frame.

The K Series grips feel like rubber, and the texturing reminds me of what Hogue uses, so it wouldn't surprise me if Kahr outsources the grips to Hogue.

The MK Series grips feel more like polymer.

I am glad that others agree that if Kahr Arms were to make MK-like grips for the K Series, they would sell a lot of them.

I like and appreciate wood grips, and have them on several pistols, but I have no desire to put wood on my K9 and MK9, especially the MK9.

[Warhammer]

...The K Series grips feel like rubber, and the texturing reminds me of what Hogue uses, so it wouldn't surprise me if Kahr outsources the grips to Hogue...

And you would be right! Hogue makes Kahr's rubber and wood grips. That's one of the things I like about Kahr; Wolff springs, Hogue grips... recognize the best and use them, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. On the other hand, don't outsource what you can do better yourself, like Kahr mags.