Alternative guard material?

[WalterDavis]

I'm getting ready to make a few hidden-tang knives, and I'm wondering about the possibilty of using some non-metallic materials as guards. Micarta, Carbon Fiber, G10, something of that sort. I'd love to hear any benefits/drawbacks of doing such, and if you've got pics, that would be great, too:thumbup: I'm mostly cosidering it due to weight, but I also have some friends in Alaska that would like a few knives and I'm considering the lack of exposed metal as a benefit, too.

 

[J. Doyle]

I've done quite a few with black paper micarta guards and also buffalo horn.

Sometimes, I like the looks of a black guard on certain handles. I don't think there's anything wrong with it at all.:thumbup:

 

[cheekser]

I have used micarta in the past when handling stick-tang scandi blades. Red linen makes for a nice bold bit of color. I guess the only caution from my limited experience is go slow with your mortise, as in slower and more deliberately than even with metal, since the micarta or G10 material removes so much more quickly.

Here is one example that I did for personal use some years ago.

 

[JasonSCarter]

antler, acryllic pearl, MOP, wood, plastic would all be a good choices but of course for strength you cant beat a metal

Jason

 

[Phil Dwyer]

Here's a cool one Ray Richard did using fossil walrus bone with oosik, http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5912116&postcount=1.