Am I the only one who disliked micarta?

[`br4dz-]

I've been seeing a lot of people wanting micarta over G10 or other materials lately, and I'm a bit stumped. I highly dislike how after a couple days carry, most types of micarta will darken by oils on your hand and/or show fading from very light wear. I also am not a huge fan of the cloth like feel on most types of micarta, doesn't feel like a material for a tool for me, but that's just me. Anyone else feel the same or similar? I'd much prefer G10 to micarta.

 

[ScooterG]

I belive so, yes

I really like my micarta blades but then again have nothing bad to say about G10. I like how micarta tends to “patina” with use.

 

[Yonose]

I’ll take micarta if it’s the only option, but g10 has that “forever” quality that discrimating tastes demand. But then again, I like stag and walnut on fixed blades, and Ti and frn on folders too. I thought it was weird to ask for it in a folder, unless it’s black paper, but others like it, so..

 

[SW-EDC]

In wet conditions, I'd prefer micarta.

 

[TheEdge01]

Micarta is one of my all time favorites, wood is probably my least favorite.

 

[MSchott]

If we are talking G10 vs Micarta, to me no matter how well G10 is done, it still feels plasticky vs the more natural feel of Micarta.

 

[McFeeli]

Micarta is best suited for fixed blades from what I've found. I actually really like the way it feels in hand, both polished and left rough. Yeah, it does tend to darken but if you wet it, it seems to come back when it dries, for me at least.

I wouldn't mind it on a select few folders, but I do prefer G10 on them for the most part(smooth G10 especially). Saying that, polished micarta would make for a really good G10 substitute.

 

[DocJD]

Micarta may not be ideal for every use . But one of my most sensually pleasing fondlers is my Micarta Street Beat from Spyderco .

 

[trevitrace]

I'd take micarta over g10 any day.

 

[19-3ben]

I definitely prefer the more natural look and feel of micarta.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Your description of micarta actually makes it sound really good tmto me as it seems to act like a natural material.

I don't have anything against micarta , but also have nothing against g10 which I loves on my knives that had it.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

I love the look of wood and wood on my hunting knives is easier clean up ... but Micarta gives better grip and does clean up with a little soap and water or barkeepers friend and a brush ...

G10 on folders works ok I still prefer Micarta or Wood or even Ti scales ... but I do not like G10 on fixed blades ... it looks good but I don't like the feel personally.

 

[Peter Hartwig]

I like micarta scales almost as much as I like stonewashed blades. Put the 2 together and I am very happy. Not to say I don't like other scale materials also, but micarta is my favorite for a user-specially on a Sebenza
So no, I am not with the OP on this

 

[The Zieg]

I've been seeing a lot of people wanting micarta over G10 or other materials lately, and I'm a bit stumped. I highly dislike how after a couple days carry, most types of micarta will darken by oils on your hand and/or show fading from very light wear. I also am not a huge fan of the cloth like feel on most types of micarta, doesn't feel like a material for a tool for me, but that's just me. Anyone else feel the same or similar? I'd much prefer G10 to micarta.

My Buck 110 with red micarta scales is handsome to look at but so slick I've dropped it a few times (closed, fortunately). I may get it rescaled with antler someday.

Zieg

 

[kniferelatedname]

I highly dislike how after a couple days carry, most types of micarta will darken by oils on your hand and/or show fading from very light wear.

I wonder if that is because the trend in knives seems to be linen or paper micarta. I can't imagine the stuff they used in the 50s for counter tops and such would discolor from oils.

 

[`br4dz-]

To everyone talking about grip, I'd prefer a well made ergonomic handle with finger choils and correct jimping than having my handle material be the reason the knife doesn't slip. I highly prefer stabilized wood and titanium handles, followed by smooth carbon fiber and then G10. Micarta is at the very bottom for me, other than cheaper feeling plastic.

 

[ATJ999]

Nope. Love Micarta!! I don't care if it darkens. I prefer the grippiness of Micarta when my hands are wet or sweaty. That is mostly just with fixed blades though. With folders I don't mind G10 at all. It seems a little more impervious, but it does lack the Micarta grip.
Wood handles are nice when they get older, to the point where the are grippy when wet. I live in the pacific NW, so wet weather is nearly an everyday thing, grip is important to me when using my blades. But, for folders, anything goes.
To me, the handle material is "the grip". Ergonomic handle is just extra contouring that enhances the grip of "the grip". And for me personally, jimping is usually done not so great and is only useful with gloves. I prefer no jimping. But, everyone is different.

 

[Juicytarget]

I'd Say G10 for folders and micarta for fixed blades, but that's me.

 

[Megalobyte]

I think micarta imparts a vintage look and feel and I think many find it appealing. In stark contrast to the perhaps stronger G10 which is a bit cold in comparison.

 

[BigKurtHaze]

Micarta countertops? Want!