Favorite handle materials?

Kwon Kwang

Kwon Kwang

Joined
Jul 7, 2013
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Hi everyone,

What are your favorite handle materials for folders and fixed blades, and why?

My favorite handle material for folders is, without a doubt, G10. I like that it doesn't transfer extreme temperatures to your hand, it can be shaped to provide awesome grip, it's weather resistant, it's very strong, and it's lightweight. You don't even need liners if the knife's lock doesn't rely on them. Also, it achieves all this without feeling cheap.

My favorite fixed blade handle material is kraton. I love that it's "sticky" and shock absorbing, providing a great nonslip grip, along with all of the things I like about G10.
 
In order:

1) Black textured G10

2) Milled/textured CF (I like the look of unpolished better than polished)

3) Non-linen Micarta's (linen absorbs too much, example BM Rukus)
 
I really like the look, sturdy feel, and exoticness of titanium handled folders. The only one I have is a Spyderco Techno though.

I recently made 2 fixed blades, one using Micarta, the other TeroTuf. I REALLY like the look and feel of the TeroTuf. Not to mention how easy it was to work with, unlike Micarta.
 
Folder: Sambar. Looks and feels great and ages beautifully.
Fixed: Tie: Sambar/stacked leather. Same reasons.
 
First and foremost, stabilized wood, or any wood for that matter
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Bone/ horn is probably next

And for synthetics, Resiprene C is at the top for me
 
Absolutely, wood is my favorite. So much variety with different species, and so much individuality between pieces even from the same tree. The grains are like fingerprints - no two are the exact same.

I like other natural materials too. Bone, stag, stacked leather. Mother of Pearl is nice, but not suitable for every knife. Abalone is visually stunning, but more tasteful when done in small pieces or inlays.
 
Zytel followed by G10. Lightweight, strong, when done right is grippy. Whats not to like, besides the zytels cheap feel which I don't mind as it's functional.
 
Carbon fiber, Kirinite, horn. That about does it for me. Non-textured G10 is ok too. I can take or leave Ti depending on the knife.
 
Textured G10 for folders without a doubt. I like it so much that I scratch my head when I see people carrying smooth Ti sided folders.

For fixed blades I really like Osage Orange. If it's a large chopper though, nothing beats Res-C.
 
Canvas Micarta on fixed blades and larger folders, 3D milled G10 on medium folders. I would like to get some TeroTuf to try out. I've heard a lot of good things about it.
 
Peel-Ply Carbon Fiber for folders and Sambar Stag for fixed, and traditional folders.
 
In order:
For folders-
Wood and titanium
Carbon fiber
G10/micarta

Fixed blades-
Micarta
Wood
Stag
 
I do love me some Titanium. And have nothing against CF.
I thought I really liked wood on FB's and sought out G10 on folders, but each time I buy/make/change I seem to go Micarta.
So I guess that's my favorite for use.
It offers great grip, doesn't get slippery when wet, provides the benefits of both natural and synthetic materials without the drawbacks, is easy to shape or modify, looks good, offers texture without fatigue or pants-shredding, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Fixed blades:


EDC:


Mostly, it depends on the knife.
 
Last edited:
Canvas micarta, linen micarta, and G-10. Barbwire micarta is very cool but I can't find it anymore.
 
Micarta for folders(I haven't had any experience with CF) followed by G10 if textured comfortably, micarta or wood for fixed blades.
 
For folder it will be texture G-10, ram horn and 6AL-4V.

Burlap micarta, horse stall mat, Tero tuf and wood for fixed blade.
 
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