g-10 or micarta

Y

yort85014

Joined
Apr 27, 2009
Messages
123
I’m just starting to get educated on knives and was checking into getting a RC3 and was wondering about handle material choices. I haven’t seen too many of the Orange G10 models…..seems the micarta handles are more popular (at least in posted photos). I was just curious if there was a benefit to one over the other? Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks for the help.......
Cheers,
JT
 
I have 3 differnt scales Black linen Micarta ,G10,Canvas micarta
in order by grip factor 1. CM,LM,G10
I love my RC3 & RC4 with the Orange G10 scales but the Canvas Micarts has a good feel to it.... I just get all RC3 CM ,RC4 G10,RC6 BLM
DSCF0982.jpg
 
i prefer the g10 over the micarta. especially if you're going to be using it on things that are juicy (back off pervs! lol) like cutting meat or other types of food. the micarta will "soak up" the juice where as the g 10 will not. i also like the feel of it better then i do the micarta.
 
I'm a fan of orange G10 myself. It's just as tough as micarta in my experience, and you can see your knife when you put it down in the grass while gutting your deer. Don't have any experience with RAT's G10, but it's probably fine. I have several knives from a custom maker with Orange G10 and I like it a lot. The Micarta is made with a linen and resin, so the linen may have a bit more naturally rough or grippy finish than G10, depending on how the finish is done. The canvas micarta on the RC3-mil is probably a bit rougher yet.

Quite frankly, I've never had problems with my hands slipping much with any of these handle materials, nor have I cracked or broken linen micarta, canvas micarta, or G10 handles on any of my knives, and they do bounce off rocks and steel from time to time when fishing, working, hunting, etc.
 
I recently bought my RC-4 as some of you know. I love the orange G10, the finish and feel is awesome! I plan on getting a RC-3 with orange G10 as well.
 
The forum knife was selected to be orange G10, so if anything that should disprove the unpopular hypothesis. G10 is a tough, solid handle material that is impervious to most solvents like bug juice. It comes in bright colors to make it easy to see, something that isn't as nice aesthetically but infinitely handy on a using knife where you put it down and need to find it again. It is basically a plastic, looks and feels as such. If you hate plastic things, you might not care for it much.

Mircata is arguably tougher and has some tactile advantages. The loose linen threads in the handle soak up moisture and swell making the knife actually grippy'er when it is wet - something that really has to be experienced to believe! Personally I find the mircata handles more attractive but they don't provide the visual cue like the bright orange blades do.

If you are just getting into knives, I would recommend mircata. To me, it is a premium handle material for cutlery and is something you should experience. If you are buying the knife mainly for woods bumming and you tend to put your knife on the ground a lot, then orange G10 is a good way to go. You won't get any applause from your buddies on how cool you knife is with G10 - they'll just think you have a $20 knife, but they will probably be impressed with a mircata rat.
 
One of each you just can't own one RAT,so witch one frist? I am of no help to any one today.

RAT PACK #91
 
Thanks for the responses.....in reading through them, another question is raised. I was going to try it as an EDC horizontal carry on the back of my belt.....probably with a TekLok. If this is the case, should I be looking at a HEST instead because of the smaller size? The only worries I have is the printing, and that the handles might be too small for my large hands. It will double as a camping/hiking knife also, but primarily EDC. Any thoughts on this one?......for those of you familiar with the HEST and the RC3.
JT
 
yort85014 said:
Thanks for the responses.....in reading through them, another question is raised. I was going to try it as an EDC horizontal carry on the back of my belt.....probably with a TekLok. If this is the case, should I be looking at a HEST instead because of the smaller size? The only worries I have is the printing, and that the handles might be too small for my large hands. It will double as a camping/hiking knife also, but primarily EDC. Any thoughts on this one?......for those of you familiar with the HEST and the RC3.
JT
Click to expand...

I personaly like the Izula for a horizontal carry.
 
I have explored the Izula and can't seem to get a firm/effective grip on it.....handle length is a bit short.
 
yort85014 said:
I have explored the Izula and can't seem to get a firm/effective grip on it.....handle length is a bit short.
Click to expand...

Were you trying a wrapped or unwrapped Izula? I have read that after some people wrap their Izula it seems to fit their hand better and they can get an effective grip.
 
I prefer Micarta, but that is only personal preference. G10 is a great handle material as well. And, it is on the forum knife, so if anything, it is more popular.
 
I personally prefer G-10 over Micarta.

Interesting thing to note: G-10 is a type of Micarta, so some people know both only as Micarta. Of course, G-10 is fiberglass impregnated in resin, where Micarta can use paper, linen, canvas, etc.
 
I like the way micarta changes appearances depending on oil and moisture levels. At times my Desert tan RC-4 handle looks OD green because it's soaked up so much honing oil or sunscreen from my hands. Eventually it dries back out and resembles tan canvas. It's my first knife with micarta so I'm really enjoying it.
 
I prefer the micarta over the G10, I would get a RAT in orange g10 although i'm not a fan of the green blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top