G-10 overhyped??? - some thoughts and questions

A

akula57

Joined
Jul 24, 1999
Messages
198
I just received an HSS 710 Benchmade with the ubiquitous G-10. I also own several aluminum 710s. To my surprise, the aluminum seems to have a much less slippery grip. I wonder how they would perform when wet - or when its very cold (high grade titanium would, of course, probably be better given its strength and relative immunity to temperature).

I prefer the G-10 on my AFCK's - I don't know if its different or, more likely, the AFCK has a better handle shape (as does the Emerson Commander IMHO).

Who makes the best G-10 anyway? I get the idea their are different qualities and finishes (I know there are many different grades of titanium - the Sebenza undoubtedly uses Grade 1 or 2 if I know Chris).

Warm Regards
 
I bought my dad a 710. I found the G10 on that knife to be different than most other G10. I like the G10 on my Spyderco Wegner, but the scales on the BM710 seemed more like plastic.
rolleyes.gif


Hopefully someone will have a good answer.

~Mitch

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My Hobby Page
 
I've only handled one G10 knife, the Al Mar SERE 2000 I got today. If there is a less slippery handle surface out there, let me know. It's textured to the point where it almost feels like a very fine sandpaper (not as unpleasant as it sounds.)
 
I like G-10 much more than zytel, carbon fiber, or micarta. Zytel feels too cheap. Carbon fiber looks too weird. Micarta feels too weird.

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Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
There are different grades of G10. Spyderco uses a higher grade than Benchmade. I believe weave 8 vs weave 6, something like that. As for Sebenza's titanium, it's 6AL4V, the same grade as all the other titanium being used in knives, excluding titanium blades.

-Johnny
 
G-10 overhyped? I dunno. One of many possible objectives of collecting high-end knives is to have ones made out of exotic materials. The strive for the ultimate, indestructible knife if you will.

For practicality, I would say "yes" G-10 is not necessary for light to moderate daily use unless you live on the North Pole and store your knife outside. Zytel is quite adequate. Heck, Zytel is the tough stuff I remember my BMX mag wheels being made of when I was a kid. Believe me, I punished that thing more than I could a knife handle.
Another advantage of Zytel is that you can get more form-fitting shapes in scales rather than flat slabs.

I believe marketing plays a role too. Current market trends suggests that knife companies go with exotic materials like G-10, micarta, and CF, to name a few. They can also charge a higher margin by selling it as a "higher end" knife.

 
I think it's just the particular finish/texture that Benchmade puts on the 710's G-10.
 
I agree with Chief. The SERE 2000's G-10 is very nice. I doubt this knife will feel slippery at all when wet. I like the G-10 on my Military, too.

Most of the time, I prefer micarta. I'm not much of a stag fan. Laminated wood is good too.

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~Greg Mete~
Kodiak Alaska
 
I used to like G-10, especially on my Spydercos, but now I'm sick of it--I'm tired of how it feels and looks. Currently I lean toward micarta, carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, etc.

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"I'm out there Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it!"--Kramer
 
My feeling is the G10 can be finished in 3 ways for 3 distinct looks AND feels!
Bead blasting gives it a flat look, reveals the weave patern AND provides excellent grip.
A buffed finish results in a very nice appearance and also shows off the weave patern. It also provides the least amount of grip.
I sometimes do a third finish on my G10 which involves going over the polished finish with fine ScotchBrite pads. This provides another look and improves the grip over the polished finish.
I find that the different colored (other than BLACK) and multi colored G10's make great looking handles when finished in any of the 3 finishes I mentioned above. Also, the addition of colored spacer materials especially with Black G10 adds a nice touch. Lastly using G10 for bolsters with different materials or other colored G10 for the handles is something that I'm just starting to experiment with.
I guess I'm still a fan of G10
smile.gif

Neil

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Knives IN STOCK!!!!

blackwoodknives.com
 
My hand smells funny after handling my BM 730. Is this a result of the G-10? Kinda a rubbery smell.
 
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