G10 or CF handles without liners

CPP

CPP

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I am curious about the durability of folding knives with a titanium handle with a framelock on one side and the other side entirely G10 or carbon fiber. This question assumes that the G10 or CF handle is not a scale mounted over a steel liner. A few knives I have in mind when asking this question are the Dpx HEAT, which I have and the G10 version of the Lionsteel TRE or its carbon fiber cousin. I am more concerned with either dropping the knife on a hard surface and having that handle crack or with regular usage causing the screws to wiggle and enlarge their holes through the G10 than catastrophic failure through hard use. While I have not had a problem with my HEAT which I carry and use regularly I am wondering about the effects of long term usage. Anyone have experience with this positive or negative?
 
I have a few linerless knives, and have never had a problem with them. I carry them often as I like the reduced weight.
My most used and oldest linerless is an Endura I bought when they first came out in the early 90's. I've dropped or tossed that knife on the rocks(while fishing) more times than I can remember. The blade has scratches on every part, and looks rough, but the handle still looks great.

CF, G10, FRN, and micarta is some tough stuff.
 
The Spyderco Military has G10 handles with very short partial stainless liners, and although I haven't really used it hard it feels like one of my sturdiest folders.
 
They hold up well to normal use. I have heard of breaks when paired with an assist or auto mechanism if the stop pin is seated directly into the g10 or cf. the ZT 0770cf comes to mind. I'm sure it was after a LOT of flipping though.
 
I have had linerless knives with composite sides like the 0452cf and 0454-204p. I have also had things like the 0777 and bodega field grade that were almost entirely composite. Either way i think the greatest testament to these types of builds are strider knives. They kinda proved over a decade ago that their isnt much to worry about. And given the warranties of most knives these days I wouldnt even sweat it. We could debate the coulds woulds and shoulds all day long. But I have yet to see a single failure in a knife due to the use of composites. We as knife nuts tend to debate all aspects of knives no matter how ridiculous. And I just feel that its pointless to debate potential problems if there hasnt been a single reason to suspect them other than speculation.
 
CPP, you just described the build of 3 out of 4 of my most favorite knives. Furthermore, I plan on getting one of those Lion Steel TRE's. One will be mine in the next 12 months!

But considering how much carbon fiber is being used now by BMW in their standard production cars and how much it is being used in Formula 1 Racing; I think proves it is more than strong enough for a knife handle. G-10 ain't no slouch either..


I honestly wear and use all of my knives. And quite honestly have dropped them all. Usually while flicking in the kitchen while drinking beer and "helping" my wife cook and drop them right on unforgiving ceramic tile. I have not dented, chipped or even scratched my carbon fiber. It really is amazing stuff.


But here is a pictures of a Strider SMF with a full G-10 side and back with no titanium back spacers. The two Marfione's have Ti back spacers with full carbon fiber sides on both sides.




Here's a shot of the bottoms of each knife. You can really see it's just G-10 or Carbon Fiber and Titanium. That's it..



I hope this helps! If you get one of the knives you've listed, make sure you come back here and post pics and your thoughts on it.
 
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