Was wondering how these 2 compare as far as durability & other properties for knife handles. Are they pretty similar? Is G-10 Buck's version of micarta?Seems like either one would be a good choice for a 110 or 112. Anyone know if Buck has any plans to do this? (hint, hint)
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G-10 versus micarta
- Thread starter Mick57
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I'm not sure what exactly G-10 is, but I have one of the original 112's with the black micarta and have recently purchased a 110 with black micarta. The new 110 micarta is much smoother that that on the old 112. Perhaps they've simply modernized the recipe! 
Mike Kerins said:I'm not sure what exactly G-10 is, but I have one of the original 112's with the black micarta and have recently purchased a 110 with black micarta. The new 110 micarta is much smoother that that on the old 112. Perhaps they've simply modernized the recipe!
From what I understand, G-10 is a very durable man made material, much like micarta. Don't know how they compare against 1 another, but I'm guessing they're pretty similar. Always wondered why Buck doesn't offer the G-10 or micarta in their Custom shop 110's. Seems like either 1 would be a popular option for the handles.
How old is your 112 with micarta? Didn't know Buck made them that way at 1 time. Would love to find 1 of those, as I do actually prefer the 112. (not by much though)
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G-10/FR-4 Epoxy
G-10/FR-4 is a thermosetting industrial laminate consisting of a continuous filament glass cloth material with an epoxy resin binder. This product, first introduced in the 1950's, has characteristics of high strength, excellent electrical properties and chemical resistance. These properties are maintained not only at room temperature but also under humid or moist conditions.
Today what is called G-10 is actually FR-4, the flame retardant version of G-10. The material FR-4 can usually be used where G-10 is specified, however G-10 should not be used where FR-4 is specified.
Both G-10 and FR-4 are rated at 285 degree F continuous operating temperature. Because they are thermosets, no melting will occur with these grades, however charring will be observed after extended periods above the temperature rating. FR-4 has a flammability rating of 94 V-0.
With these outstanding characteristics, it is easy to understand why G-10/FR-4 is such a versatile material and is used in a wide variety of applications.
Properties
High dielectric strength
Radiation resistant
High tensile strength
Low cold flow or creep
Chemically resistant
High flexural strength
Dimensional stability
Low moisture absorption
Low dissipation factor
High impact strength
Cryogenic serviceability
Applications
Electrical equipment Solder Frames
Aerospace conditions Test fixtures
Rocket cases Medical diagnostic
Antenna insulators Circuit board holders
Test boards Terminal boards
End plates Underwater conditions
Cryogenic insulation
-From www.polymerplastics.com
G-10/FR-4 is a thermosetting industrial laminate consisting of a continuous filament glass cloth material with an epoxy resin binder. This product, first introduced in the 1950's, has characteristics of high strength, excellent electrical properties and chemical resistance. These properties are maintained not only at room temperature but also under humid or moist conditions.
Today what is called G-10 is actually FR-4, the flame retardant version of G-10. The material FR-4 can usually be used where G-10 is specified, however G-10 should not be used where FR-4 is specified.
Both G-10 and FR-4 are rated at 285 degree F continuous operating temperature. Because they are thermosets, no melting will occur with these grades, however charring will be observed after extended periods above the temperature rating. FR-4 has a flammability rating of 94 V-0.
With these outstanding characteristics, it is easy to understand why G-10/FR-4 is such a versatile material and is used in a wide variety of applications.
Properties
High dielectric strength
Radiation resistant
High tensile strength
Low cold flow or creep
Chemically resistant
High flexural strength
Dimensional stability
Low moisture absorption
Low dissipation factor
High impact strength
Cryogenic serviceability
Applications
Electrical equipment Solder Frames
Aerospace conditions Test fixtures
Rocket cases Medical diagnostic
Antenna insulators Circuit board holders
Test boards Terminal boards
End plates Underwater conditions
Cryogenic insulation
-From www.polymerplastics.com
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- Jul 31, 2003
- Messages
- 305
I think G10 is a kind of Mycarta (Phenolics), but not sure.
G10 seems more durable and it is available textured so easier in some knife production.
Linen Mycartas etc. are also a great handle materials.
Here is some more technical stuff
http://www.ainplastics.com/public/division/project/html/AINphenolics.html
Josh
G10 seems more durable and it is available textured so easier in some knife production.
Linen Mycartas etc. are also a great handle materials.
Here is some more technical stuff
http://www.ainplastics.com/public/division/project/html/AINphenolics.html
Josh
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- Sep 23, 1999
- Messages
- 3,831
I have used both in knives I have made.
For most folks, G-10 and Micarta will "work" the same. Both are very durable, and are similar materials. Micarta is a laminate of layers of cloth, paper, wood, or other substance mixed with phenolic resins. Build up the laminate, add heat and pressure, and voila! The finer the base material (paper vs. canvas), the finer the finish.
G-10 is a glass/epoxy mix. Fibreglass is built up mixed with epoxy. If you look at the stats, G-10 is a stronger material. I believe it is for sure a fair bit higher in tensile strength, but not sure if it is stronger in other areas (seems to me it is).
As a maker, I believe that micarta is a more beautiful material to work with. The different base materials and colors availalbe allow much greater freedom in playign with colors and finishes. I made a Deba (thick single side ground Japanese fish cutting knife) and used black paper micarta as "bolsters" and then used white paper micarta as scales. Looked great! I have also made a santoku with a black bolster piece but with natural canvas micarta (honey/brownish color) as the scales (all of these knives were stick tangs). The transition from smoth paper to rougher canvas (this is the look, not the feel) was great!
That said, I recall a post from Mick Strider saying that Micarta can absorb some chemicals that G-10 doesn't (or at least to a lesser degree) which makes g-10 overall a better material for some folks, such as some military personnel.
I find that g-10 is harder to work. It will dull tools faster for sure. Both produce nasty dust - g-10 dust is even worse.
Hope that helps!
For most folks, G-10 and Micarta will "work" the same. Both are very durable, and are similar materials. Micarta is a laminate of layers of cloth, paper, wood, or other substance mixed with phenolic resins. Build up the laminate, add heat and pressure, and voila! The finer the base material (paper vs. canvas), the finer the finish.
G-10 is a glass/epoxy mix. Fibreglass is built up mixed with epoxy. If you look at the stats, G-10 is a stronger material. I believe it is for sure a fair bit higher in tensile strength, but not sure if it is stronger in other areas (seems to me it is).
As a maker, I believe that micarta is a more beautiful material to work with. The different base materials and colors availalbe allow much greater freedom in playign with colors and finishes. I made a Deba (thick single side ground Japanese fish cutting knife) and used black paper micarta as "bolsters" and then used white paper micarta as scales. Looked great! I have also made a santoku with a black bolster piece but with natural canvas micarta (honey/brownish color) as the scales (all of these knives were stick tangs). The transition from smoth paper to rougher canvas (this is the look, not the feel) was great!
That said, I recall a post from Mick Strider saying that Micarta can absorb some chemicals that G-10 doesn't (or at least to a lesser degree) which makes g-10 overall a better material for some folks, such as some military personnel.
I find that g-10 is harder to work. It will dull tools faster for sure. Both produce nasty dust - g-10 dust is even worse.
Hope that helps!
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- Jul 31, 2003
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- 305
Its expensive, but for a custom it may be okay on cost.
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- 2,386
Mick57 said:From what I understand, G-10 is a very durable man made material, much like micarta. Don't know how they compare against 1 another, but I'm guessing they're pretty similar. Always wondered why Buck doesn't offer the G-10 or micarta in their Custom shop 110's. Seems like either 1 would be a popular option for the handles.
How old is your 112 with micarta? Didn't know Buck made them that way at 1 time. Would love to find 1 of those, as I do actually prefer the 112. (not by much though)
I bought my 112 with balck micarta in 1973 and discovered through this forum that the 112's were only offered with black micarta for the first two years they were made (1972 & 1973). I used the knife daily for police work for eight years. The knife is still in near perfect condition with the exception of an impression of the holster snap on the micarta from all those years of tussling around (fights, etc) while on duty. Now it's used around the house for odds and ends.