Bi-directional FRN or G-10? What do you prefer and why?

Heavy duty blade g10. Something more edc friendly frn. Leaning more to frn overall v.good grip and weight and I prefer smaller blades anyway
 
I honestly don't agree that the G10 "looks" better, or that it's better because the FRN is "too plastic". It seems to me that FRN is a more rugged material than G-10 as far as flexibility and impact resistance. You don't see FRN on more high-end knives because it is optimized for injection molding on a large scale. It wouldn't be economically feasible to do small runs of different handle shapes due to the cost of dies/molds and processing equipment.

Additionally, the FRN could be molded to have a tight, grippy pattern like the G10 scales have, but It would be much harder to make more complex patterns like the bi-directional Spyderco volcano grip in G10.
 
I like G-10 over FRN, but both are relative to their price points. I like the idea you can get higher end steel with FRN, so you can try new things without breaking the bank.
 
FRN hands down. It's lighter, does tear up my pockets, and its cheaper to make for handles so the knives it comes on are cheaper.
 
G10 for me. I despise FRN. :D Okay, maybe despise is too strong a word, but I really don't care for it. As others have said, it looks and feels cheap...like a $1.99 gas station knife. I totally get that it is very durable and functional and that this impression I have of it is biased...but I can't help it & frankly I don't care. I don't like FRN! :D The only FRN knife I have that I can say it doesn't bother me on is my Ladybug Salt Hawkbill. On such a small format I can live with it...but if it came in G10 I'd have bought that instead.
 
Well, you're only seeing FRN folders on slipjoints and backlocks. Those have enclosed 'backs' by design, which seem to feel better in to my hand than open backs. Then again, they also have more rounded corners than the G10 models I've toyed with, for the most part. The few that aren't truly slad-sided seem to feel good, like the Southard, and PPT, even though they are largely open-back construction.
 
^^ I agree, FRN being more rounded is a big advantage. The handle refinements in G10 are limited by added machining, not so with FRN. G10 looks better and feels better at first, but I appreciate FRN in use.
 
ShepardCC said:
For me it's g10 every time. Plastic make the knife look and feel cheaper to me. I like g10 because I can do all different patterns on any different knife. I like the broader color choices as well as having multiple colors and solid colors. Plus I can add g10 liners to give it a little kick in the looks department. Plus from my experience g10 can take a lot of abuse.

;)
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The green liner looks really cool.

On pure work knife, I like the volcano FRN, if the knife falls and hits a hard surface, no big deal. The texture locks it into the hand while wearing gloves or without. For a higher end knife, G10 or CF is an excellent choice. Provided that the texture is adequate. I know some people protest the high traction G10, but it tends to smooth out over time. The black G10 on the Manix2 Sprint, CTS-BD30P would do well on other models like the Para2 and Military.
 
hank_rearden said:
neither. both scratch your fingers during clipped pocket carry and are hard to draw during clipped waistband carry. i prefer smooth titanium.
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Titanium, like all metals, gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's nice, but I still prefer good old black G-10. Don't like frn at all, never have. Will not buy frn knives. Not even tempted.

I am planning on buying a Ti Millie soon though. Got to have one. ;-)
 
I prefer G10 for its looks and the way knives with G10 are much smoother to operate. If you need to save a little money and you don't care how fast the knife deploys then FRN is OK.
 
I prefer G-10 because Bi-Directional FRN causes abrasion to my hip when I carry the knife in my waistband. It also doesn't trap dirt and grime as easily.
 
I prefer the FRN, mainly because it slides in and out of my pocket easier and doesn't wear down my pants. Yes, G10 provides better grip, but really FRN is fine for the cutting tasks I encounter on a daily basis. Although titanium scales are best in my book.
 
G-10 is made up of layers fiberglass cloth held together by a cured plastic resin. Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon is an injection molded plastic with about 30% chopped fiberglass fill. The G-10 should be stronger because of the higher percentage of fiberglass which is also longer stranded and laid up in woven criss cross pattern. My only problem with layered handles is that if you drop them on a hard surface at the correct angle, they will split (delaminate). FRN has better impact resistance, but I think I like G-10 better.
 
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