Advice on RC-4 handles

L

lsutigers

Joined
Jan 23, 2010
Messages
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I am looking at a RC-4 to carry while camping. I am asking for any opinions on the pros/cons of micarta vs g-10 handles. My EDC folder has g-10 handles which I like, but I do not have any experience with micarta. Thanks in advance for any and all opinions.
 
Thanks for the link, it got me started on some reading. I wish there was a RAT (ESEE) retailer near me so I could actually feel the difference between the two. I have never seen a 'search' feature on this website or am I just blind?
 
I would choose the Black micarta over the Desert tan just because the Tan seemed to get dark from handling so quickly. Not really a big deal but it just made me feel like it was dirtier than it really was for food prep. At least with the black you won't notice it.

As far as ESEE cutlery goes I'd choose Black micarta, G-10, Tan micarta in that order.
 
well with ESEE knives your options are limited. Black blade models come with the linen micarta, desert tan blades, RC5's and RC3 MIL come with canvas micarta. The only G10 variation is the OD blade with blaze orange G10.
 
Isutigers, us mere mortal registered members can't access search features. you have to activate a paid account or use the search feature in the wilderness forums. I hear its plenty worthwhile paying for membership. :)

I do like the black micarta scales. it can be very grippy but also absorbs liquid. This isn't bad; it'll dry out fine. I can't say for sure but i think you could work micarta easier than G-10, if you wanted to customise the grip.
 
G-10 is better, micarta is worse.

I love my orange G-10 RC-4, it goes with me everywhere in the woods. I have had a few of the Ontario RAT's wit Micarta, and it just feels like crappy pourus G-10. The G-10 is just as grippy when wet and always feels nice!
 
Tell you what, after receiving this new RC-3 MIL with canvas micarta, I'm hooked. It feels great.
 
I've handled both micarta and g10. I prefer g10. I like the blaze orange. I think it looks nice and can spot it in the woods!
 
I started out with a linen micarta RC-3 and have recently purchased an RC-3 MIL (canvas micarta) and RC-4 in G10. So I'll share my initial opinion regarding the feel of the materials. When I first got the RC-3 the handle felt nice although it was less textured than I expected. The other comments about the scales darkening with use from oils from the skin (and blade lubricant), dirt, etc is also what I experienced. Once you hit them with some soap and water and they dry out they do bounce back closer to the original color. Which makes me think that not much is actually penetrating the material. BTW the RC-3 was my first experience with a micarta handled knife. The canvas micarta on the RC3-MIL is a lot different than the linen on RC-3. Its more textured and it just feels nicer to me. It has almost a suede feel to it but since its still new we'll see how long that lasts.

As far as the G10 handle goes, I really wanted the orange/OD but was reluctant because I had read that the G10 can get slick when wet. I have one other knife with a G10 handle and I really like the texture and feel of it, so I decided to get the G10 RC-4 and I like it just fine. The texture and grip of the G10 seems good even when wet so no problem there for me so far. I like all three but If I had to rate them today I would say G10, Canvas (RC3-MIL) and Linen (RC-3). The RC-3MIL and RC-4 are new so only time will tell on how gracefully they age but the way there built I don't think I be wearing them out any time soon.
 
g10 feels better in hand but micarta is more grippy.
the curves of ESEE knives really lock in your hand, honestly I dont see the need for high grip
materials. my favs go g10, canvas, linen
 
Personally, I think it is a matter of preference on color. They feel slightly different in the hand, but not enough to overrule color. :)
 
I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and opinions. I have decide on the orange g-10, but as my luck would have it, no one has them in stock. Well, I should clarify that statement - All the online retailers I would consider buying from, due to their price, do not have one in stock. I really wanted to purchase one this week b/c of a camping trip this coming Sat-Mon (got to escape some of the Mardi Gras chaos, lol). I will purchase one as soon as these back orders are filled. Are these knives always back ordered or has there been a rush to buy them lately?
 
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