Difference in Handles

Linen and Canvas Micarta, preform the same. Linen micarta's layers are composed of linen, and canvas micarta is made of canvas. Micarta is basically layers cloth (linen or canvas, but can be other natural fibers) with epoxy between the layers. Pressure is added to it, to make the epoxy penetrate the fibers. You can check out Ariel Salaveria's threads about homemade micarta. I think the only main difference is that one of them tends to make a pattern (from having the layers) when shaped.

G10 is similar to carbon fiber.

G10 is a better product for knife handles. It is non-pores, it will not absorb sweat and blood; unlike micarta. It is easier to repair. It can be made very grippy.

You will find micarta in more colors though. :cool:
 
thanks...good info. I thought that Micarta wouldn't absorb sweat blood as well?

got this off BRK&T about there Micarta handle
"...Once installed, the finished handle is totally impervious to heat, cold, dampness and even total immersion in water or oil. No maintenance is necessary even when exposed to animal blood in the field."
 
I dug this up for ya.

I think BRKT laquers or coats thier micarta with something. I have read in the Knife Makers section that some people coat their micarta scales with superglue, then sand, buff, and polish.
 
Hi All-

underaged! said:
Linen and Canvas Micarta, perform the same. Linen micarta's layers are composed of linen, and canvas micarta is made of canvas.
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Careful there, underaged! Linen micarta is considerably finer in texture than canvas micarta, so there are certainly performance differences. One only need heft a Busse to see what an all-business grip feels like crafted in canvas micarta. Oh how I wish they would make gun grips from that same material! How cool would a little Ruger SP-101 .357 Magnum be with black canvas micarta grips! Are you listening, Jerry? Yowza!


underaged! said:
G10 is a better product for knife handles. It is [nonporous], it will not absorb sweat and blood; unlike micarta.
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Choice between these materials is also a matter of taste. Some of my Benchmade folders are perfect with their G10 scales...I couldn't think of a better material. At the same time, I wouldn't want that same G10 on my big Busse Steel Heart because the canvas micarta does lend a little bit of "give" when using the substantial blade for chopping tasks.

Regards,

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Micarta can be considered porous as compared to G10 because of its makeup. Micarta is basically some material layered with epoxy and cured under pressure. Most common for micarta is paper, linen, and canvas. Notice how all of those materials are porous when left alone. Now when you buy a piece of micarta it is in slabs or blocks, and needs to be sanded to shape. Sanding removes some of the layers, and opens up some of the pores in the material making it up.

G10 on the other hand is fiberglass and epoxy. Fiberglass is well, glass, and isn't porous on its own. So even when it is sanded and opened up in the knife finishing process it remains that way. Of course these are relative terms. I doubt that either of these materials will abosorb gallons of water even if left to soak for a long period of time.

Ultimately which one is better is a matter of opinion. See which one feels better in your hand, and which one you like the looks of better. One big difference is that G10 can be finished really roughly for a textured grip, just take a look at Strider knives for an example of what I mean.
 
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