G10/micarta lighter alternative?

[idaho]

Hi.

Is there any syntetic material that will be lighter than g10/micarta, and it will have similar strenght/resilence?

It should be machined, not molded, off course

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Silly answer but have you tried paper micarta? It is very light compared to G10 or canvas micarta.

Carbon Fiber also...

 

[Grayzer86]

I would say paper is a bit lighter maybe but if you want a significant weight savings your best option is probably carbon fiber or a Kevlar laminate. Both will be considerably more expensive that micarta or G10

 

[idaho]

I would say paper is a bit lighter maybe but if you want a significant weight savings your best option is probably carbon fiber or a Kevlar laminate. Both will be considerably more expensive that micarta or G10

Kevlar is much lighter then G10?


I was thinking radical, like, nylon, or other polyamide, but they are quite slick...
Anyone made a handle from a nylon block?

 

[ChristoDart]

I'm not sure on the weight but there is that material out there called TeroTuf. I've tried to research it but haven't had a ton of luck.

 

[james terrio]

Paracord wraps are very lightweight.

Handles are pretty small. Unless there are extreme cases with which I'm not familiar, the weight difference between two identical handles made of various micartas, G10, bone, carbon fiber etc will be measured in a couple/few grams... usually not enough to have a major impact on balance or overall weight. Different woods can vary even more, but again we're not talking several ounces. I suspect that in most cases you would feel a greater difference in knives between using three 5/16" bolts, and two 1/4" bolts, than between types of micarta or even G10 vs. carbon fiber.

I don't have actual weight measurements in front of me, but neoprene is pretty light, if you also happen to like a soft/slightly cushy and very "grippy" handle. It's not pretty, but it makes for a very comfortable handle.

Honestly, I just don't worry about handle material weight very much. I find it a lot more effective to work on the steel to deal with weight/balance (by tapering the tang, skeletonizing it, etc) and choose handle material based on durability and appearance.

 

[sc_bane]

Try a search gere on forums for ShadeTree Composites. They do great work with many materials. Or google them. Or use this link. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...detree-Laminates-For-Sale?highlight=shadetree
I've never ordered anything from Dylan Combs or his dad, but they have many satisfied customers here.

 

[Fiddleback]

Yes! Burlap micarta from Shadetree is VERY light compared to g10 or micarta. In addition it is very grippy when wet. And lastly, on knives that I have gotten back for the cleanup and sharpen service, it has held up very well, and is not prone to shrinking. Shadetree uses a very good clear EPOXY! It is not a polyester resin. Its the best.

 

[idaho]

JT - you are off course right. When comparing density of composites and steel, it came to mind that steel is what matters.

I was misleaded by comparing BKT and RAT/Esee knives. First are nylon hadled, second - micarta handled. And RATS/Esee allways seemed to weight a ton in handle. i've never thought that it was more because of tang cutouts than handle material itself.