Greetings, Busse fans! I am considering ordering an ultra light Twin Gemini and I want a solid black color for the handle. I know the G10 comes in solid black, but what about the black canvas? Is the black canvas micarta that Busse uses solid black? I'm going to do the competition finish so I want the black to contrast with the blade. The reason I ask is that with some other brands, like TOPS knives, their "black canvas micarta" is not actually black, it's kind of dark gray. But I don't want dark gray, I want black. I fear I am slowly turning into a Busse fanatic. I have accumulated four Busse knives so far, including a Forsaken Gemini and a JackHammer 10 recently. Thanks to everyone in advance. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
Sounds like what you really want is black paper micarta for that solid, shiny black look... I don't believe Busse offers it. All my Busse black canvas handles are slightly grayish. You probably want to go with solid G-10 for contrast. I prefer paper and canvas micarta cause they're "grippier", but no one can argue with G-10 performance.
I have a TGULB in dc / Black g10. I will post a pic shortly. I would go with g10. Even the darkest Black micarta will not be as solid black as g10. I will send a comparison of black g/10 and micarta on a couple of TGLB.
“Black” canvas micarta isn’t ever truly BLACK because of the canvas fibers. It’s more grey, brown, or even greenish than black. if you want truly inky black go with black G10 or paper micarta.
The middle is micarta, other 2 g/10. IMO, with the awesome machining on these handles. The G-10 has excellent grip.
Indeed, black "paper" micarta must be what I was really looking for. But you're right, Busse doesn't offer it, so I'll have to get G10. Thanks!
Normally the micarta is slightly grey on my knives from busse. But this last batch on my mega rmd was very dark! Not sure if they changed their supplier or formula. But it’s def darker than my rodent solution was.
I think it might be worth mentioning that the black canvas will darken with age and use. Also, might want to check out the Busse sale thread. I just saw one with black g10/ comp finish configuration up for grabs. Chance to save a little and get it much faster. Good luck with the purchase!
Black linen Micarta is darn black, too, and both more interesting and stronger than paper, IMHO. That said, much like paper, it has not been seen here in ages. I would go with the G-10 unless you prefer the grip of Micarta, which as stated can be died dark black. Also, a good occasional soak in a high quality, thin mineral oil (Singer sewing machine oil is the best methinks) makes the canvas Micarta a pretty good, dark black.
Black Paper Micarta was the least durable of handle materials offered by Busse (non-CS offerings) and G10, by comparison, was the most durable. Canvas Micarta's appeal is that it gets a little "sticky" when wet.
No. If you wash it off it goes back to spankin’ new. That includes any oil your hands might put on it. Micarta does indeed darken with age, but it takes a pretty damn long time. If you darken it with oil it goes right back to new with a quick scrub. Try it for yourself. Soak a handle down with oil and let it sit as long as you want. Then wash it with dawn dish soap.
I did order the black G10 handle. Wanted that nice contrast with the competition finish blade steel. A bit pricier than the standard handle, but I felt like splurging. Beautiful photos here guys, and thanks again for the advice!
Looking forward to photos when you get it. I have the TGULB in DC with black canvas. It makes a nice contrast for that finish. But it isn't dark black. It ALMOST looks slightly bluish in certain light, at a glance. For pure black looks, though, g10 is the best compromise between blackness and durability. I'm surprised someone said g10 was the most durable. It has seemed to me that micarta resists damage from inadvertent impacts to it better than g10. Canvas (or linen) micarta is my favorite. It used to be g10. But then I used a few knives it hard work, and quickly decided micarta was the only grip material for me, except in folders. And if hunting/gutting/skinning.... I wouldn't dream of trying to use g10. You CAN use it.... but you'll work harder to not slip and cut yourself. At least IME.
