Carbon fiber or G-10?

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BryanH

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Nov 25, 2001
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Can someone tell me the difference between carbon fiber and G-10. Carbon fiber seems to cost more, but I don't really know why or anything.

BryanH
 
There was a post a little ways back stating that carbon fiber is tougher than G-10. Can even wear out drill bits.
 
I remember reading about the manufactring process of carbon fiber somewhere, and it was extremely complex. From what I remeber a fine thread is woven of carbon fibers(these first have to be produced, but I forgot how), these are then made into a fabric of sorts, and this is layered with epoxy. The resulting product is very tough as mentioned by mschwoeb.

G-10 is basically fiberglass layered with epoxy. This is a much simpler process then carbon fiber. G-10 is also easier to work with.

Lastly carbon fiber has a more "dressy" appearance than G-10. Although both are very tough materials, carbon fiber deffenitely has an edge when it comes to appearance, but can't be given a rough textured surface like G-10.

Erik
 
G10 is glass-reinforced epoxy while most carbon fiber composites are carbon fibeer-reinforced epoxy materials. Graphite fibers are a lot more expensive than glass fibers, as they are based on pyrolized polyacrilonitrile or coal-tar pitch (cheaper) and must be processed at high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment.

The carbon fibers are significantly lighter than glass fibers, so they are often used in applications where weight is a major factor, such as aerospace structures and racing car components. Carbon is harder than glass, so the materials will wear out tools more quickly. However, glass fibers are tougher than carbon fibers (higher strain-to-failure) and so make tougher materials when used as reinforcements for epoxies.

Esthetics vary, but I like the look of woven carbon fibers a lot; not everyone would agree with me. So you have a choice. Carbon fiber scales are a lighter and harder, while G10 is tougher and cheaper. Looks are what appeals to you. You make the trade-offs.
 
CF, while sronger, is also "prettier" & takes a nice lustre when polished- you get a nice layered look from the plys. One downside, it's fairly slick when polished. This is, IMHO a downside in a serious user. G10 as a knife handle material is (IMHO again) the superior of the two (not even talking about Micartas, stag, etc).
As encountered as a knife handle (textured), it provides superior grip characteristics. The extra relative strength of CF is pretty much a moot point. If you're ever in a situation where you actually *need* the extra strength of CF, a knife isn't going to help you anyway.
Note: Neither should be worked without a good resparator & good ventilation- it's hell on the lungs.
 
Hey, thanks for all your help, guys. I was asking because I really want one of those Wilson Tactical/Darrel Ralph Ti folders, and was wondering whether to get the carbon fiber or G-10 inlays, and I think I'll go with G-10. Thanks a lot!

BryanH
 
I like them both. I like the looks of carbon more but it's nasty stuff to work. You need a respirator when you're working with either one. Both will eat up your saw blades and drills with G10 being a little less abrasive. I have'nt performed the "hammer test" on either but I would venture to say that G10 would come out on top. IMHO.

Steve
 
Blade is correct. The higher cost for carbon fiber has mostly to do with the much higher manufacturing costs (high temperature AND vacuum). Carbon fiber is very common in racing circles. If you walk into a motorcycle shop and look at new sports bikes, you'll probably be able to see some real or fake carbon fiber bits. Carbon fiber has a very glossy hi-tech look to it, which is fine on a racing exhaust. But for knives, I prefer the slightly rougher look of G10/Micarta.

miguel
 
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