Burgandy Micarta

TAH

TAH

Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
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What do you think of burgundy Micarta? I have the opportunity to buy a 1975 Billy Mace Imel, integral drop point hunter with burgundy Micarta scales. Thought it might be a nice change to the "black Micarta tactical look". I have heard and read that a lot of people like burgundy better than black, but I have always leaned towards black. I've never handled a knife in burgundy. I'm assuming it's pretty dark and would look good in a brown sheath. Any feedback would be appreciated and interesting.
 
I have made several knives with the burgandy, mostly on orders. But most of the people that have gotten them realy like the way it looks it polishes well and is just as tuff. So i would say it is a good thing.
 
Burgundy micarta is one of my favorites. Given the fact that this knife you are thinking of buying was made in 1975, the chances are that it is going to be pretty close to black by now anyway.
 
I have a little Lile F/B with burgandy micarta that I picked up from none other than Danbo. I would choose it over black any day. It is rather subdued and does go well with leather IMO.
 
I have to agree with you guys. My favorite of the Micarta's. No difference in performance, just looks a little better on a knife to me.
 
I have a Dozier folding hunter (the little 3" one) in burgundy micarta that really looks great. It's a real refreshing change from the usual black. It still maintains a dignified, low-key image with the same tough, indestructible function.
 
the micarta is not the most significant aspect of the knife in question
One it is an Imel-one of the great Guild knifemakers. Two it is integral. Very few makers do integral knives. The point of consideration unknown at this time is the price. That will be the determining factor.
 
$400 is the price. I am definitely aware of Imel's reputation and workmanship as I have owned one of his knives in the past. I also realize that a good integral is hard to come by. Even though $400 is a steal on this knife, custom knives are a dime a dozen. I just wanted to hear from other collectors their opinion of the burgundy color. By hearing some of your comments, it opens my eyes and helps me appreciate this handle material a little more. I'm trying to get out of this "black Micarta" mind set that has taken over the industry.
 
well, I must have missed the "dime a dozen" sale on custom knives. Darn!!

I think the black micarta "mindset" relates to many of the tactical knives currently in vogue and with them, G10, carbon firbre, etc seems to be much in vogue too. The color of the handle material reflects (or doesn't reflect) the possible intended usage of the knife.

For a basic hunter/user, either black or burgundy micarta has been long used since the '70's with the trend toward natural materials for the non-user of this genre.

If the intended purpose of the Imel is to make use of it as a hunting knife, either burgundy or black micarta are equally functional.

One very nice micarta both as a functional or as a decorative handle material is Rosewood micarta.

The image here is a good example

7102323.ptp
 
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