G-10 versus Micarta

[dante]

Which one is thougher? Better Traction/grip? Better insulation from cold etc...?

I'm planning on Black Magnums and there are G-10 also available.

Any input on this?

 

[Solstice]

Black Canvas Mag Micarta....there is NO substitute!

Seriously (and yes I was being serious!) I just so way perfer the feel and thought of micarta. G10 just doesn't do it for me anymore....

 

[randucci]

I prefer the looks and the feel of canvas or paper micarta over G10.

 

[TurnerIII]

Snake Skin - all the way !!

 

[moonwilson]

The only real difference between G10 and Micarta is the substance it is laminated with. Both are woven materials, impregnated with phenolic resin.

G10 is laminated sheets of spun glass (fiberglass) Canvas micarta is laminated sheets of canvas, linen is linen, paper is paper (all cellulose)

I don't think there is much difference between G10 and linen micarta. G10 may be a little stronger, micarta may be a little more impact resistant. G10 may be a better electrical insulator, micarta may retain heat a bit more. I think the biggest difference is the texture and how they are finished.

 

[BootmasterGeneral]

is there any pics of the G-10 handles available, link?

thanks.

 

[dante]

The only real difference between G10 and Micarta is the substance it is laminated with. Both are woven materials, impregnated with phenolic resin.

G10 is laminated sheets of spun glass (fiberglass) Canvas micarta is laminated sheets of canvas, linen is linen, paper is paper (all cellulose)

I don't think there is much difference between G10 and linen micarta. G10 may be a little stronger, micarta may be a little more impact resistant. G10 may be a better electrical insulator, micarta may retain heat a bit more. I think the biggest difference is the texture and how they are finished.

Cool info... paper! I though it was a description of the texture, never would have imagined it was actual canvas, linen or paper.

 

[moonwilson]

Yeah. Paper micarta is actually made from paper. You don't have to worry about it getting wet or anything though. The phenolic resin makes it more or less impervious to moisture. Paper micarta is not as strong as say, linen or canvas because the cellulose fibers are broken up and short by comparison. There is less resistance to chipping or cracking, but you can get paper micarta very smooth and polished, almost like bone.

 

[greens]

Both are great material for knife handles, if I had my pick I would go with G10 because It doesn't absorb water while Micarta does, mainly the surface layer of linen canvas or paper and it will also dry quickly. It's not like you will get it all soaked wet but it will absorb very, very minimal amount of liquids and body oils (that's why it changes color). I don't think you have to worry about it unless you use your knife for diving or something like that.

 

[KnifeAddictAK]

Also, *ducks behind the couch for protection* if you do a search in the busse forums here (It may take a single key word or a few), I think there was a couple threads, long and full of technical info and opinions done. Now, don't see this as a "USE THE SEARCH BUTTON" post but as a "You can also check some old threads to help with this thread" post.

 

[KnifeAddictAK]

Also, *ducks behind the couch for protection* if you do a search in the busse forums here (It may take a single key word or a few), I think there was a couple threads, long and full of technical info and opinions done. Now, don't see this as a "USE THE SEARCH BUTTON" post but as a "You can also check some old threads to help with this thread" post.

Here you go... Hope this helps:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=390697&highlight=G-10
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371375&highlight=G-10
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361383&highlight=G-10

 

[razorsdescent]

I asked this a long tiem ago. G-20 is much stronger than micarta. I favor it over micarta. But micarta is still tough stuff. Micarta also feels alot better.

Youll have to decide for yourself wether the extra durability is worth the lack of comfort.

 

[ejskle]

..........

 

[dante]

Is the G-10 not secure enough?, I know that canvas (have them on all my Busses) offers SUPER traction but I have Benchmades Emersons Mad Dogs etc.. and other knives with G-10 and offers great retention. Is the Busse G-10 smooth polished like the Bucks 119 black handles or rough like emerson or benchmade?

 

[KnifeAddictAK]

I asked this a long time ago. G-10 is much stronger than micarta.

I had a buddy take a hammer to his canvas micarta and couldn't break it Some tough stuff either way you go.

 

[JCaswell]

I've made a lot of knives with both materails. I prefer Micarta over G-10. It's very tough and just feels better to me. I think it looks better too.

 

[on_the_edge]

I believe paper micarta looks the best, especially in the long run, due to fiber length, but from a practical point of view, I think you need either a VERY discriminating eye to tell the difference or a side by side comparison in front of you to actually see much difference. As for micarta absorbing anything, I question that statement. Someone did a test on here or KF where they submerged micarta in everything from acetone to gasoline for several hours and absolutely nothing was absorbed. You might say miniscule amounts were absorbed, but I think that theory was dispelled when he tried to light the micarta on fire and could not get it to burn at all. At least that is what I recall.

 

[rbmcmjr]

Polished G10 can look very nice indeed. I have a couple knives with it and I find it very attractive. That said, black paper micarta is my cosmetic first choice. Green canvas is my utilitarian first choice.

This is red and black G10 on a couple of Dervish knives I have. I like how even though it is monochromatic, it has visual depth and texture:

This is black and tan G10 on a Razel. This shows how you can get interesting patterns due to the alternating color layers, similar to linen micarta:

 

[J85909266]

I like G-10 more, although, I don't know how Busse does theirs.

 

[Cobalt]

Canvas micarta is the toughest by a long shot.
Linen Micarta is next and then paper micarta.

As for G10, I think it fits somewhere between paper and linen micarta in strength. Canvas micarta is still way tougher. I have heard of pelple snapping G10, but have never heard of anyone break canvas micarta.