G10 vs canvas micarta

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
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All of the knives I've bought had canvas micarta on them and I really like it but was thinking about getting an outdoors knife with orange G10. The only experience I've had with G10 is a Spyderco military that's textured. How is G10 compared to micarta when from a custom maker(no texture)? I've heard that they can be slippery in comparison when wet.
 
Shotgun said:
All of the knives I've bought had canvas micarta on them and I really like it but was thinking about getting an outdoors knife with orange G10. The only experience I've had with G10 is a Spyderco military that's textured. How is G10 compared to micarta when from a custom maker(no texture)? I've heard that they can be slippery in comparison when wet.
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I think they can be a bit slippery. Bead blasting will give them an awesome texture if you can get the maker to offer that or have it done yourself. I think it can be done for as little as $20, just tape off the portion you don't want affected.
 
I used to have an ESEE 3 with orange G10. The panels felt fairly smooth but were very grippy, even when wet.
I prefer G10 because it's stronger and not as absorbent. Oil and other liquids don't discolor G10 handles the way they do Micarta.
 
here is a Siegle with Orange G-10 and a whole lot of others with Black G-10

I like G-10 better than any other hard use knife handle as it is much less likely to cause blisters(on my hand)

YMMV

ORANGE3.jpg

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I prefer Micarta because it's lighter in weight and changes appearance with use, cleaning, etc. That said, I have no problem with G-10 either as the colors seem more vivid.
 
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I have a lot of G10 handled knives but they all seem to be BRKT's. They are all pretty slippery. Micarta from custom makers vary from pretty smooth but not slippery (JK Knives) to lots of texture (Koster). I have noticed that G10 knives seem to be heavier for a similar size knife if that is important.
 
I personally hate G10. I have yet to handle a fixed blade with G10 scales that didn't feel 'slick' in my hand. I would go so far as to say that wet canvas micarta has more grip than dry G10, at least in my experience. Obviously most don't feel as extreme about it as I do.
 
hoopster said:
I prefer Micarta because it's lighter and changes appearance with use, cleaning, etc. That said, I have no problem with G-10 either as the colors seem more vivid.
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+1

I like both, but to me Micarta is more comfortable, and you can tell when a knife has been loved ;)
 
Micarta=
Tough
Aesthetically rustic with use
Grip can be maintained even with less texturing

G10=
Tougher
Aesthetically vivid, color maintained
Textured grip is unsurpassed IMO (ie. Busse Combat, Zero Tolerance)
 
I like the feel of micarta, but a G10 with a good pattern can offer a solid grip as well. I also prefer the colors on G10. Especially if it is a two color mix like red and black. Or the tequila sunrise from Busse.
I read that G10 is more robust, but I have never seen broken/split micarta handles yet..
I also think that G10 is a bit heavier.. not sure if this is just my imagination or true and if it is relevant for you. I personally love my ESEE3 with the micarta handles as this knife is super light to carry.
Handle both and take what suits you more. If you don't like the feel of G10 and want to make your knife more visible in case you drop it, put an orange or yellow lanyard on the choil, might do the trick.
 
My favorite is canvas micarta. If I had to pick a favorite color it would be turquiose/black. It has a excellent grip no matter what is on it, cleans up with mild detergent and gains character with use.
Scott
 
I have made knives with both G10 and Micarta and have to agree that micarta is a much grippier handle material. However, I have also noticed that if I dont sand the G10 any finer than 120 it gives a good traction in hand. This does come with the lack of a vibrant finish.
 
I like canvas micarta a bit better as I feel it has a better texture to it but I don't think there's anything wrong with g10. I have a Knatchet and Kephart from JK Handmade Knives both with orange g10 and even when wet I have a secure grip on them on them both. You shouldn't have a problem with g10 even if it's not textured.
 
I may have to look into bead blasting, my G10 handled knife isn't overly slippery, but I could take it slightly grippier :)
 
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