G-10 vs.FRN durability

[shangchi108]

Unfortunately, the G10 camp always seems to come back to the "quality feel" argument.

This argument is like debating which car will get you from point A to point B better, a Ferrari or a Toyota. They both work, but they both have very different feels which have nothing to do with whether they can get the job done.

So, buy what you like, what you can afford, and what feels good to you. They both work.

 

[Tactical Tanto]

G10 is overall better it's stronger, provides a better grip and is impervious to extreme temperatures. While FRN will melt significantly if exposed to extreme heat.

 

[arty]

I assumed that G-10 would have some of the attributes of Micarta, and should be stiffer and stronger than FRN. That was why I asked.
I know that carbon fiber is pretty durable - from experience.
I have had less experience with G10.
Each material could have strong and weak points - it is worth discussing, especially since the cost is higher for G-10 or Carbon Fiber.

 

[elkins45]

Has anyone done an objective test where they took samples of identical dimensions and subjected them to the same forces to see which one broke first? That's data that would be useful, since 'feel' is 100% a matter of perception.

 

[JNewell]

Read the article above - the G11 test scales actually more or less survived a hit from a 9x19. Hopefully, at least for me, that is irrelevant, although for many of our younger men and women it is not.

As for toughness, the battle rages on. Unfortunately, the G10 camp always seems to come back to the "quality feel" argument.

 

[goodeyesniper]

Or chip. I've seen G-10 handled Spydercos that looked like a dog gnawed on the perimeter of the scales from just that.

Both materials have their strengths and weaknesses. All things being equal, G-10 will be more rigid but, for that very reason, will crack more easily. As has been noted, FRN can be gouged. It can also deform if brutalized severely enough and will melt if subjected to open flame, a soldering iron, or other source of high heat. At extreme levels of abrasion FRN will abrade more easily. Sanding down an FRN handle is pretty easy. Yet in normal use the texture on Spyderco G-10 begins to wear smooth fairly quickly while the texture on FRN knives remains.

Paul

My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
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Kind of off topic. But does anyone know the most effective way to sand down the area of the Native's handle, for easier access to the thumbhole. Since the thumbhole is partially covered by the FRN?? I know I've heard people talking about doing this, but I'd hate to fudge up the handle on my first Spyderco knife, for emotional reasons

 

[Dr Heelhook]

G-10 is better because the quality is better, but FRN is better because the price is better.

 

[SIFU1A]

Whereas I think that G-10, especially when new, feels like a lump of concrete, while FRN is much more comfortable to handle. I wish it was used on a lot more knives than it is in the Spyderco lineup. Things like the recent Stretch FRN and the upcoming UKPK FRN versions make me happy.

its all very subjective, i like the way G10 feels vs FRN, it looks a lot better to me to boot, FRN looks "cheap" to me, and i dont mean to say FRN sucks or anyhting, it works great for knife handles, i just prefer G10, the last FRN knife i bought was my last matriarch, it was $69.99 @ NGK, so obviously its been a while lol.

 

[A.P.F.]

Heh, I just realized that the only Spydies that I have in FRN are some Natives, but I do like the designs, contours and textures that FRN can provide. I don't really feel that strength comparisons play much of a part in the choice between G-10 and FRN. If you are going to use sufficient force to cause a failure in either, you will likely shear the pivot pin first or break the lock or both. Make no mistake, these materials are that strong.

I like my Natives in FRN. In fact I passed on the CF Native, because I didn't think it would improve on the comfort or usability of the S30V, FRN version. I just can't imagine a better handle material for a Native than FRN. In that same vein, I can't imagine an improvement over a G-10 or CF Millie. In the end, it always comes down to user preference. For me, if the knife has been constructed with an intelligent use of materials, I am a happy camper.

 

[stoffi]

No offense, but I seriously doubt you could "feel" the difference between two otherwise identical knifes, one with smooth G-10 scales, the other with smooth FRN scales. Would be kind of like trying to "feel" the difference between smooth ivory and smooth bone.

Hahaha — are you kidding me?! Of course you can feel the difference! FRN feels like a fat slippery plastic whereas G10 and Micarta feel more dry. Yes, FRN can be molded into shapes which allow for a better grip, but that's not the point. It still has a fat plastic feeling.

 

[unit]

I love bladeforums! We will sit and read/discuss (for pages) which plastic-like material is better. It is wonderful to have a place like this.

I have little to add other than the perspective of a casual buyer/non-knife nut friend. I have accompanied several such people as they handled examples of FRN and other materials on knife handles for the first time. Every time they identified FRN as a cheap material that must be used for very cheap knives (i.e. less than 5 bucks). You and I know that this perception is misguided and that it is not a cheap material, and that these knives are not cheap, but it is an observation that seems material for this discussion.

I bring it up because, like it or not, a lot of people buy and carry knives with at least some thought to how it will be perceived by others.

Will I weigh in on which material is better? No, I have no idea what everyone else's preference should be. My preference is G-10, but FRN is fantastic stuff also.

 

[stoffi]

Well put unit. I too like G10 and FRN. Hey, I like Micarta and wood as well! I just think that FRN feels cheaper, although it isn't a cheap material.

 

[wongKI]

On a hard use knife I would prefer FRN. If dropped, it feels less likely to chip due to a combination of light weight and...err...chip resistance.

The models on which Spyderco uses FRN are best suited to it IMO. I can't imagine a FRN Mili for one. Neither did I like the look of the G10 DragonFly or Endura/Delica.

I'd like to see some FRN with full liners, though.

 

[tiguy7]

FRN is fiber reinforced nylon. Nylon is a thermoplastic that starts to soften above 200 degrees F. The fiber fill is usually chopped fiberglass which makes up about 30% of the volume. The fill adds rigidity and heat resistance to the FRN. G-10 is woven fiberglass cloth put down in layers and held together with plastic resin like epoxy. The percentage of glass in the G-10 is much higher and the fibers are much longer. G-10 is usually made in sheets and is reduced to the final size. FRN is usually injection molded in a die. That is why it is cheaper. There is much less hand work involved in its fabrication, although the upfront tooling costs are higher. The higher heat resistance of G-10 is probably a function of its higher glass content.

 

[SaMX]

FRN is only cheaper if the product of mass produced, because of the cost of the mold.
for that reason you only see FRN on mass produced knives, while more limited production knives tend to have G-10. I think that plays a role in the perception of G-10 as a higher quality material.
judging just on the physical properties of the material, I think it's almost a wash. FRN is tougher, and G-10 is more abrasion resistant and stiffer.

 

[SaMX]

Also the heat resistance of G-10 probably comes from the fact that epoxy is a thermo setting polymer, so you can pretty much heat it up as much as you want and it doesn't really melt. on the other hand nylon doesn't melt until around 350-500 degrees depending on the type, so unless you regularly bake your knives in the oven I doubt it will be a problem.