Advantages / Disadvantages of Micarta Inserts?

T

Trio

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Aug 7, 2013
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For those that have both a plain Ti scaled Sebenza and the same with micata inserts: can you give me some insights of the advantages or disadvantages of micarta over the plain scales?

How much does it add to the overall thickness of the knife? I'm particularly interested in the small Seb.

Thanks,
Trio
 
I had a large micarta insingo. I like the micarta inlays a lot.

I read a lot of people express on these forums that they prefer the micarta on the small to give it a little more girth.

It's not noticeable in your pocket if you're wondering.

They are sweet looking. But it all depends if you want to spend the extra cash.
 
They add a really nice fuller feeling to the handle, but not too thick by any means. One personal preference of mine is i don't like the squiggly looking micarta, i like the straight grain ones, but it seems like most of them from the last couple years are squiggly. The micarta feels better when you are hard cutting like on cardboard too. My experience with micarta is only with a large though, never had it on a small, though I've had wood inlays on smalls.
 
It seems that most people prefer the micarta for their users. I personally like the plain slabs over the micarta. It's a look preference not one based on feel.
 
I own a small 21 Micarta and a small 21 Insingo Micarta. Here's the rub: I have never used either of them! I am not much help with how they feel while using, but I LOVE they way they look with the blasted slabs and silver hardware!
 
I really prefer the plain jane look, Im pretty sure the micarta helps somehow when it come to grip but to me the plain version is just good looking and I've never had any problems as far as the knife slipping out of my hand
advantages: better grip
disadvantages: can't really think of any, just the fact that it'll add to the thickness of the handles but not by much.
conclusion: as always it is a matter of personal preference
 
As mentioned the micarta inlays help fill out the handle a bit, I think micarta is also popular because it's much warmer in the hand than plain Ti handles are. It wears and ages much better than wood does and gives a standard uniform look on every knife, too. There is no differing natural grain or problematic anomalies like knots and cracks that you can see with wood. I'll also add that, IMO, canvas micarta is the best handle material there is so it is a good choice for an inlay, but I'm a plain Jane guy all the way. :)
 
i have a micarta large and love it. I will probably go for a plain next to mix things up. One thing I really like about the inlays is the unique design. There is a lot of thought put into those inlays and nothing looks quite like them. It also gives you another amazing fit and finish detail to marvel at. If you can afford the inlays, I'd say go for it. You won't regret it when you got the knife in hand
 
This is a good question.
Probably "it depends" is the best answer.
Micarta is a great handle material and I love it on my large Sebenza.
However I found I like the plain handle on the small Sebenza better.
It is a matter of personal preference.
Try to handle one of each before you buy.
There is also a slight difference between the classic and the 21.

I have not heard of any disadvantage of the micarta inlay yet. Maybe a CGG one looks more peaceful.
hope this helps
red mag
 
I haven't owned a micarta Sebenza, only large inlay Sebenzas. I will note though, that I have not seen in recent memory any used micarta inlay Large Classics for sale. Sure, you see used Large 21 micartas all the time, but never used Large Classic micartas... I'd like a Large Classic Micarta just to fill out my collection.

Anyhow, I'll also add that the only Sebenza I've bought new from a dealer and kept is a Large Insingo (plain) with double blue lugs. My only regret is that I didn't get micarta on it as it is my "outdoor" knife and micarta/inlay would be easier to handle wearing gloves. Sometimes I lose track of a plain Sebbie with heavy leather landscaping gloves, especially in the winter when I can't feel my fingers.
 
I've only had a large micarta but I loved it, much more so than the plains I've owned.

Now if we were talking about 25's I'd probably prefer plain.
 
I have a small 21, a large 21, an Umnumzaan and a 25. All of them (last two obviously) are plain. I love the pure design and every scratch that proves that they all are users.
The inlays Chris makes are beautiful. But the simplicity is what defines a CRK. At least for me.
My only choice for an inlay would be a Mnandi. But to be honest I would prefere if there was a plain one ;)
 
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