G10 is the best material for knife scales.

[P.C.E.]

Grab a heavily used micarta handle is like grabbing a used underwear. New, OK, used, not so much.

Agreed.

On a folder with a clip the micarta looks different over a period of time, which doesn't take all that long and begins to get somewhat slick, needing cleaning periodically. I don't hate it but I'm also not crazy about it.

G10 on other hand tools I have holds up great, little to no mantinence required.

 

[Chronovore]

Grab a heavily used micarta handle is like grabbing a used underwear. New, OK, used, not so much.

Different types or finishes of micarta wear differently. In any case, you can clean it. The same 99% isopropanol I use on the blade works on the scales.

You can also oil it yourself instead of letting it passively absorb stuff over time. Some people get way into this, choosing specific oils or using their favorite beard oil. I generally don't do this. (I always oil G10 after cleaning with concentrated alcohol because otherwise it tends to go white and look horrible.)

There is one main exception: a certain type of Micarta that feels like rag-like to me. I'm not sure of the technical term (and Chinese naming conventions aren't necessarily accurate) but this Bestech Syntax uses it. It can start to feel especially gross if it goes from dry (no oil) to a very humid atmosphere and starts sucking moisture out of the air.

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[KVT]

My Micarta users definitely can get kinda gross. Especially during a branding / ranch visit. Blood, cows hit, dirt, mud who knows what else.

‘Stuff seems to clean up amazingly well though.