G-10 Versus Carbon Fiber

G

Greg H

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Sep 17, 2002
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I am about to invest in a Wegner Pro huner, which handle material is really better. Is the Carbon fiber worth the money.
Thanks in advance
Greg Harrison
 
It's up to you.

You can only tell us how much is the difference and we can tell you what would be our decision :D
 
G-10 is also my favorite general purpose handle material, micarta a close 2nd, and FRN for a work knife. I have a couple of CF folders, but I really prefer G-10. It's tough, grippy, and I like my knives with a little more bulk and weight than many people do.
 
I like the look of CF, especially the way the folks at Benchmade do it. They give it a matte or textured finish (depends on the model) which also highlights the interwoven pattern of the carbon fiber strands.

In terms of function, I'm happy with G10 or CF. G10 can be a bit more grippy, which makes it better for some folks. I've heard that Spyderco makes really grippy G10 slabs, although G10 on my Benchmade 975S and Spyderco Dodo seem to be similar in texture.
 
It's G10 for me.

Edit: sry bout the double, the internet was slow so i sent another in another window.
 
Usually, CF has a shiny look, and this scratches easily. It is comfortable, though and the adherence is OK to me. However, the "peel ply" CF Spyderco uses is grippy while good looking as well.
For a user, G-10 is more than enough, but CF has a special resonance for a knife snob (like me, for instance) ;)
 
Greg H said:
I am about to invest in a Wegner Pro huner, which handle material is really better. Is the Carbon fiber worth the money.
Thanks in advance
Greg Harrison
Click to expand...

CF lighter, G10 stronger. On Military weight difference between CF and G10 handle is only 1 g (111.4 g ws 112.4 g less then 1%).

Looks is same, polished G10 looks same as polished CF, however they usually do not polish G10.

I feel slight difference in thermo comfort, CF seems bit more thermoisolative.

So in general I will prefer G10 because it is stronger, but there is always collectible value in rare variants knives.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
G-10 is a very good all purpose scale material, it tends to have differing textures depending on who made the knife. For example, BM g-10 tends to feel hard and somewhat slick, while Al Mar's g-10 has an almost cloth-like feel to it. It really comes down to personal preference. Either material will probably stand up well, g-10 does have a rep for durability. Pick the one that feels best to you; from a practical/value standpoint the g-10 version would serve well (it would be my choice), and will save you quite a bit of $$$.
 
i think G-10 is better for use as it tends to be more grippy and more durable

CF is usually prettier though
 
Greg H said:
I am about to invest in a Wegner Pro huner, which handle material is really better. Is the Carbon fiber worth the money.
Thanks in advance
Greg Harrison
Click to expand...

I don't have any carbon fiber handled knives, but IMO it would not be worth the extra $ (that's one reason I do not have any.)

Carbon fiber provides a higher strength to weight ratio than glass fiber (G10). That is why we use carbon fiber composites to build aircaft components. But that increase in strength is oriented. It runs with the fibers (no surprise since that is what provides the strength.) But that does not do you a lot of good for a knife handle. You don't need that increase in properties because the stresses you apply are not in that direction. Carbon fiber also has a higher modulus (it's stiffer). That doesn't do you a lot of good either unless you have a folder that does not have liners. There are some but they are uncommon.

So if the properties are better, but those properties don't contribute to the performance you need, why pay for them?

Knarf
 
IIRC G-10 is a thermoset high pressure composite, that has a higher density than CF and is more resistant to cracking.

This big issue for me is most carbon fiber can peel away at the edges leaving Carbon Fibers to splinter into your hand.
 
In my personal experience, if you clip your knife to your pocket and it has the G10 scale, it will probably tear up your jeans quite quickly. I have not had a carbon fiber knife...yet, but from what i see it is smooth and won't destroy your jeans pockets.
For looks- carbon fiber
For grip- G10
 
CF usually is smooth as satin steel, so it slides into your pants nicely, but G-10 is generally textured aggressively, just like my SF U2 it eats denim for lunch.
 
I'd go with G10. CF is great for making strong light items, but for a knife handle I fail to see any benefits from CF. G10 comes in lots of colors and 3D which looks pretty nice.
g10_3d_gb_550.jpg
 
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