Black Canvas Micarta BLOCKS?

Shaw Blades

Shaw Blades

Joined
May 18, 2009
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1,831
Does anyone have a source for these or perhaps 2 to sell?

Alpha Knife Supply is out.

Thanks much.
 
Jantz, TKS, Sheffield, USA Knifemaker, Knifekits, Granger, MSC, McMaster-Carr, the local plastics supplier,etc.
 
I don't know... you may have to laminate some 1/4" or 3/8" sheets if you want it any thicker. I realize that's probably not your first choice...

I've been getting the G10 blocks from AKS for the rare occasions I make hidden tang stuff. I like it much better than micarta anyway.

I really don't know why so many people are still in love with canvas micarta... if it weren't for client requests I wouldn't even keep it on hand.
 
james terrio said:
I don't know... you may have to laminate some 1/4" or 3/8" sheets if you want it any thicker. I realize that's probably not your first choice...

I've been getting the G10 blocks from AKS for the rare occasions I make hidden tang stuff. I like it much better than micarta anyway.

I really don't know why so many people are still in love with canvas micarta... if it weren't for client requests I wouldn't even keep it on hand.
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Would you please elaborate on why that is? I use micarta with okay results and have yet to use g10, but am looking forward to trying it. What, specifically, makes it much better?
 
I try to get my micarta from reputable sources, yet I rarely come across a piece without finishing problems, usually slightly uneven spots that are difficult to sand smooth and match the rest of the piece. It sticks out like a sore thump to my eye.

Even the best linen/canvas micarta can absorb moisture and gunk, and be hard to clean. It's just the nature of the beast - you're dealing with exposed fibers and if they're not 100% saturated with the resins, they're gonna absorb stuff. (Same thing vulcanized fiber liners, another traditional handle material that I don't care for.)

Of course you can address that with surface finishes, but I see little point in using synthetic or mostly synthetic materials if I still have to deal with that. Might as well use natural/stabilized woods and have a much more handsome handle when you're done.

All those issues are greatly reduced with good quality G10 (there's crappy/cheap/imported G10 out there too, of course). Plus G10 is available in lots more colors, including very bright colors as well as the classic dark ones.
 
james terrio said:
I try to get my micarta from reputable sources, yet I rarely come across a piece without finishing problems, usually slightly uneven spots that are difficult to sand smooth and match the rest of the piece. It sticks out like a sore thump to my eye.

Even the best linen/canvas micarta can absorb moisture and gunk, and be hard to clean. It's just the nature of the beast - you're dealing with exposed fibers and if they're not 100% saturated with the resins, they're gonna absorb stuff. (Same thing vulcanized fiber liners, another traditional handle material that I don't care for.)

Of course you can address that with surface finishes, but I see little point in using synthetic or mostly synthetic materials if I still have to deal with that. Might as well use natural/stabilized woods and have a much more handsome handle when you're done.

All those issues are greatly reduced with good quality G10 (there's crappy/cheap/imported G10 out there too, of course). Plus G10 is available in lots more colors, including very bright colors as well as the classic dark ones.
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Thank you. I am looking forward to checking out g10.
 
In defense of micarta, I think it's more abrasion resistant than G10. At least it grinds much slower.
I like the canvas weave. One of my favorite materials ever is green canvas micarta.
Also, micarta, canvas in particular, is a classic handle material for handmade knives. Perhaps it is going the way of brass... classic but steadily less popular. At least the brown stuff is.
 
Salem Straub said:
Also, micarta, canvas in particular, is a classic handle material for handmade knives.
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That's certainly true! I still get a lot of requests for green and brown canvas micarta.

Let me put it this way... I use it when folks ask for it, and I don't fear warranteeing it. But it's not my personal first choice. :)

Sorry for the thread drift.
 
I suggest giving Chuck or Jessica a call. Even though they don't have any listed they may have some they can cut for you. I was talking with Jessica the other day and she said that they had a super crazy amount of G-10 & Micarta to cut up.
Of course this is assuming that you haven't already talked to them. Shefffield lists it but I don't know if they actually have it.
 
Hmmm, I though several of those carried it in 1.5X12X6" sheets? A quick search didn't bring any up, though. I guess it isn't popular for anything but slabs normally. Seems 1/8 through 1/2" is the standard stock on hand. McMaster-Carr seems to have the biggest selection of Garolite.

I took a look, and it seems all have stopped carrying the thicker stuff. Try this seller. He stocks all sorts of phenolic. See if he has what you want. here is a ebay link for him:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/060-Phenoli...538?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c75355162

I got the big sheet I use from the local salvage yard. It is used for making fixtures and jigs in industry. If you still can't find what you need, give Nathan the Machinist a shout. I am sure he knows who to order it from.
 
I do not have any canvas that size, but I do have some Black Paper I recently got from an old maker who was getting out.
The pieces I have are 1" thick that I could cut some blocks from. If you are interested email or pm me.
 
darrin sanders said:
I suggest giving Chuck or Jessica a call.
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While you're at it, ask them to put you on their email list. They send out updates and specials every week or two when they get new stuff in/ready.

I suspect that's just easier than updating the website every dang day.
 
I'd be interested to hear about how that suppier worked out. I find myself in the same position as you from time to time.
 
I have a block or two at home with no plans to use them. AKS was the source.

One is black. I will let you know when I get home, and remember. :D
 
I have a 1.5 x 1.75 x 10 roughly. I couldn't find my tape measure this evening so that's a rough guess. Would this one suit your needs?
 
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