Fixed blade multi-material handles

David Mary

David Mary

pass the mustard - after you cut it
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Hi folks, I have a quick question: what style do you like best when it comes to knife handles that use two different colours and/or materials for the scale. For example, a black g10 bolster and a bocotte wood scale, or a green micarta bolster and layered G10 scale, etc.

Do you prefer same material for both, same color and different materials, does the front bolster have to be the grippier material than the rear part of the scales or vice versa, does it have to be the darker color, or the lighter color, etc.

What about liners and/or spacers? Same questions for those, and anything you can think to say about these types handles I may not have thought to ask.

Just trying to get a feel for people's general preferences. Thanks, and that's it for my break, back to work with me!
 
Are you referring to a knife style that actually has a bolster, or a non-bolstered (faux bolster) knife?
My tastes are simple...
If the former, I tend to prefer something like black g10 or carbon fiber (if choosing non metallic materials). If the latter - thinking Busse-kin "g-rex", and similar, scales - I strongly dislike the style.
 
Not the classic style with brass bolsters and such, so faux, I guess.
 
Generally.......all my knives are straight G10, Nylon, FRN or metal.
Don't really like macarta.
I prefer one material handle and metal handles are my favorite.
 
I like this:
DSC00063-X4.jpg

DSC00064-X4.jpg
 
Ironbut said:
I like this...
Click to expand...

I think regular materials are fine. I'm happy with plain ol' wood or a contoured slab of micarta. If multiple materials are to be used, I like them in layers in plane with the blade (such as above). I also like a tastefully done laminate. Some people look down upon laminates due to their historical use in cheap knives from the likes of Frost, Chipaway, etc.. I agree that brightly colored Pakka wood can be garish. However, I've seen some really nice laminates with different wood tones or dyed birch in grays and greens.

For instance, I rather like number 1038 in the Webbwood special order selection:
https://webbwood.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=8
 
I think it will be difficult to find consensus on what color/material for the bolster or handle, ask me tomorrow I probably would change my mind again. Personally, if the knife is expensive, I'd prefer material that is less fragile and more drop proof. And carbon fiber is always a no to me.
 
evilgreg said:
I may be in the minority, but I like a good funky multi-material handle. Two of my favorite fixed blades fit that bill:

CPnrxRy.jpg


ZmSqQPP.jpg
Click to expand...
Palli knives (iceland) specializes in fixed blade knives (puukos as well as kitchen knives) with multi material handles. Every knife is unique. I'm surprised I don't see more of that in the US?
 
Multi materials in the handle is a make or break.
Most important is that they match; sometimes they clash.
I swear I've seem some knives that could be called 'clash of the exotics.'
Don't get me wrong, I like contrast, but sometimes contrast is just...ugly.
To each his own though, my ugly is someone else's jewel.
I like liners/spacers to pop against the the handle material. I want to see it there. If it's too subdued, why bother?

Greg Saxman just did this for me:

DSC_3074.jpg

Red liners and micarta FTW! I sourced the micarta from two different places.
G10 for me a deal breaker. Too much like plastic.
Micarta bolster, wood handle is cool too. Again, as long as it matches. The problem there is wood swells and shrinks so you must go stabilized.
I think two materials work well with the finger grip.
Sometimes the bolster is too long; distracting to my eye and throwing off the visual balance of the whole knife.
Sometimes the bolster is too busy; too many components that have no reason to be there other than they exist. No symmetry and too busy.
A knife is a simple composition that some over complicate.

Mock it up and let yer eyeballs say yay or nay.
 
I prefer my handle materials to be one material (G10 or micarta). The exception is a metal bolster and pommel like on a Buck 119.
s-l300.jpg


I have no problems with different colored liners or spacers tho. It is a nice way to add a little splash of color. It also thickens up the handle too. I have a big hand, I like a thick handle.

One thing you forgot to ask. Pins. I like 2 or maybe 3 pins in the center of the handle. I like mosiac or colored pins but not hollow pins. I also prefer a lanyard hole of some kind too.

I don't like when pins are pushed away from the center of a handle. Here is a good example.
cold-steel-pendleton-custom-classic-60sph-thumb.jpg


Most of what has been posted in this thread so far are admittedly not my style.
 
Chronovore said:
I think regular materials are fine. I'm happy with plain ol' wood or a contoured slab of micarta. If multiple materials are to be used, I like them in layers in plane with the blade (such as above). I also like a tastefully done laminate. Some people look down upon laminates due to their historical use in cheap knives from the likes of Frost, Chipaway, etc.. I agree that brightly colored Pakka wood can be garish. However, I've seen some really nice laminates with different wood tones or dyed birch in grays and greens.

For instance, I rather like number 1038 in the Webbwood special order selection:
https://webbwood.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=8
Click to expand...

I was scrolling quickly and the first one that made me jump back up was ... 1038, imagine that! And I also love 1055, 1056, 1065, 1084 (lol), and 1077...

Phil Indablanc said:
Since I ordered this custom Robert Erickson knife and picked out every material and detail, I kinda like it.
RwC7ave.jpg
loocCmV.jpg
dQu2bNs.jpg
Click to expand...

That is BAM! And that Saxman you posted jideta jideta , magnifique!

gazz98 said:
I like 2 or maybe 3 pins in the center of the handle. I like mosiac or colored pins but not hollow pins. I also prefer a lanyard hole of some kind too.

I don't like when pins are pushed away from the center of a handle.
Click to expand...

I agree very much, though I don't mind hollow tubes for pins.
 
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