aluminium

why issit that most serious knifes such as microtechs, masters of defense knives always have aircraft grade aluminium?? why not g10 or zytel? is aluminium that good?? if it is...in what sense??
 
e_utopia

e_utopia

Joined
Feb 7, 2000
Messages
3,221
Aluminum is different. It is about the same strength as G10 (although Aluminum is slightly stronger). Zytel is much lower than either. Some don't like Aluminum because it is softer than G10, so it scratches easier, and the scratches show up more because the Aluminum is anodized, which is like paint on the surface, whereas teh G10 is solid-colored, so scratches don't show as much. Personally, having handled both, I prefer G10, but that isn't going to stop me from buying Benchmade's new 940 when it hits the market, so obviously I don't like G10 so much more than Aluminum that I wouldn't buy an Aluminum-handled knife.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
That's a very good question I personallylike G-10 better than Al or Zytel. I believe they think it cheapens the LOOK of the knife.
 
I just got a Sentinel (AL handle) and I find it grippier than my G-10 AFCK!!!! Not just a little either.

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"Come What May..."
 
Aluminum is light, that's why it's being compared to G10 and Zytel. Aluminum may be softer than G10 but it sure doens't chip like it (may dent however).
 
Aluminum scratches easier the G-10 and feels cold. Still some nice knives are made from it. It gives a knife a more mechanical feel. I prefir G-10 which I think is lighter weight. Not sure which is stronger.

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Roger Blake
 
Sometime ago i remember reading in a knife catalog which said that G-10 was indestructible...it went on to say that G-10 was originally manufactured for computers...not sure for what...i have a few knives such as the benchmade mini spike and the masters of defense ladyhawk..all of which came in aluminium handles...somehow i would have prefered that they came in G-10 instead...is there any way i could convert them?? could someone please advise me..? thanks..
 
From a manufacturing standpoint Al might remain more expensive since it usually needs to be hard or soft anodized (an extra manufacturing step). G-10 pretty much comes like it is and may only require some simple bead blasting (an extra step but cheaper). Some companies that started out using Al might have switched to G-10 partially for that reason. Companies that still use Al may require the moulding and machining versatility as well as the "tap" strength of Al over G-10.
 
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