canvas/linen micarta

[b9wayne]

Is there a difference in toughness between Canvas and Linen Micarta? Which one is more durable?

Can anyone list some of the other differences between Canvas and Linen Micarta.

 

[HoB]

The differences are small. Mircarta is a fiber reinforced material. The fibers are woven material impregnated with resin (unlike FRN (fiber reinforced nylon) in which the fibers are stirred in and not woven or otherwise structured). There are different types of fibers used to reinforce the resin. In general, the tougher the fibers, the tougher the end product. There is Canvas, Linen or Paper Mircarta, referring to the reinforcement used. The difference in strength between Linen and Canvas is small, with an edge to Canvas (Sails were made of Canvas and not Linen, that is a hint) and so the Canvas Mircarta should be slightly tougher. Woven Canvas is also coarser than linen and the appearance of Canvas Mircarta is rougher, less well refined and not as polished, but it offers a bit more grip when wet. Paper Mircarta is even more shinier and looks "more elegant".

Your personal preference in appearance, texture and tactile appeal are probably far more important than the respective strengths. For a user I really like Canvas, because it gives a good grip. For a real looker with a fully polished handle I would probably prefer Linen or Paper Mircarta.

Hope that helps.

 

[M67Chucker]

Canvas the strongest = roughest look and feel

Linen is not as durable as canvas = much more refined look and feel

Paper is the weakest = smoothest option for a finished product

The reality is you are not going to break any of them. Unless you placing direct abuse to the slabs, buy the material that you like the most and have no worries.

 

[Pointed]

There's really no difference in toughness. The material providing the strength is the resin/plastic itself and not the underlying fabric, which was initially chosen for it's decreased electrical conductivity.

The practical difference in strength between canvas or linen is about the same as the difference in strength between a car with five coats of paint vs one with only one coat. There's a difference but for a knife handle application it's inconsequential, or really only aesthetic.

 

[Cobalt]

I remember years back someone doing a comparative hammer test on these materials but can't find it now. But what was said above is correct. Here is Jerry Busses take on it:

"Micarta was developed by Westinghouse earlier in the last century. It has a higher tensile strength than steel, it is impervious to changes in temperature and it will not swell, warp, or crack, even under adverse conditions, once it is on the knife.

There are three types of micarta and several grades of these three types. They all consist of layers of either paper, linen, or canvas. Paper is the most decorative of the three. I have seen paper micarta handles that are 20-30 years old that continue to look great and perform like the day the were made. Linen micarta is the middle grade when it comes to toughness and durability. I used linen exclusively throughout the 80's and very early 90's. It is very attractive when smoothed out and very strong. Canvas is the toughest of the three grades. It surpasses linen micarta by a large margin for strength and durability. Canvas also offers the best overall texture for slip resistance. It is probably the least attractive looking of the three grades unless you suffer from Busse Combat Nuclear Syndrome. In that case you can only find "beauty in the performance". Cosmetics be damned!

It would be difficult to go wrong with any of these three grades."

 

[b9wayne]

Great info, Cobalt. Thanks.

So do people mostly get Linen Micarta for the more elegant appearance? sounds to me like Canvas with its better slip resistance and more durability would be better functionally for fighting knives or utility knives that are used outdoors.

 

[Cobalt]

Great info, Cobalt. Thanks.

So do people mostly get Linen Micarta for the more elegant appearance? sounds to me like Canvas with its better slip resistance and more durability would be better functionally for fighting knives or utility knives that are used outdoors.

I love the look of black paper micarta. If you want jet black it is the only way to go.

but overall I like linen micarta best, and of course it is the most expensive.

In reality I have had all of them and have never had any crack or chip, though I have heard of some micartas chip, but who knows what the individual was doing.