Difference between linen and canvas micarta?

[pinkfloyd101]

I was wondering what the difference is between the two and if there are advantages for one over the other?

 

[knarfeng]

"micarta" consists of layers of cloth impregnated with resin.
The resin can be any of a number of resins. The grades of micarta used for knife handles are usually based on epoxy or phenolic resin.

As far as knife handle strength or resistance to liquids, there is no difference between linen and canvas.

As far as surface roughness or texture, I believe there is as much room for variation between makers finishing processes as there is between the reinforcements used.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

canvas: thickest fibers, tends to be the coursest as well.

linen: much smaller fibers, but still visible. typically much smoother surface.

paper: fibers often barely visible, looks very similar to g10. smoothest surface.

 

[Phillip Dobson]

The look is definitely different. There are even coarser fabrics like burlap, and finer ones like paper. When finished to a fine polish, the feel is similar. Coarse fabrics rough up better, though.

I've even used micarta made from layers of both canvas and cotton linen. It makes for interesting patterns of thick and thin layers.

It's rarely done, but it's possible to polish the heck out of even the coarsest fabric micartas.

This micarta was made from blue burlap:

 

[cj65]

I was wondering what the difference is between the two and if there are advantages for one over the other?

Now THAT, is a great question for General Knife Discussion. I wish I would have asked that. Thanks Frank and Mori, for educating CJ65!

 

[MORIMOTOM]

mr. dobson, those are absolutely beautiful!!!!!

 

[Phillip Dobson]

mr. dobson, those are absolutely beautiful!!!!!

Thanks. Some day I will get around to making more.

That micarta is kinda cool stuff. Todd Combs put it together for me. He added some blue glow powder so it glows in the dark or a blacklight. Not really a useful thing, but it's fun to show off.

 

[Vicarious Reality]

LOL glowing micarta. I want some.

 

[bigbre]

I am surprised that more people haven't done that sort of thing...I feel like you could suspend alot of things in the micatra resin...

You could get knives that match your sparkly fishing boats!...no offense to sparkely fishing boat owners but isn't the idea to be sneaking up on the fish?

-alex