g10 vs micarta

[Thalestin]

I was just wondering the difference between these two materials. I own several folders with g10 but none with micarta. My main concern is durability but other differences interest me as well. What do you prefer? The reason im asking is that im not sure what to pick on my busse which i will be ordering shortly.

Thanks in advance,

Thal

 

[knarfeng]

G10 is epoxy-glass fabric (fiberglass) laminate. The original use for G10 is circuit boards. The term "G10" comes from the name of the NEMA spec that controls circuit board materials. The "Gripiness" of G10 varies by maker because it is not defined by the term G10. Its mechanical properties can also vary because they are only vaguely defined by the term G10 that controls the stuff. The surface roughness (grippiness) varies by who makes the final laminate and the process they use to do that.

Micarta is resin reinforced with fabric or paper. The type of resin may vary and still be micarta. (I think the most common resins are phenolic and epoxy, or at least they used to be.) The term "micarta" is so generic that it's kind of hard to make comparisons with G10.

At the most general level, micarta may be more durable, G10 grippier. Even this statement is going out on a limb because there is so much variation in the two materials.

Because there can be so much variation in either of these materials from maker to maker, I would recommend that you find some way to handle examples of the materials Busse uses.

You might also ask for opinions from folks on the Busse Forum. They would have both handle materials and could give you specific comparisons.

 

[Emanuel]

Micarta--canvass, paper or linen reinforcement in a phenolic resin matrix system.

G-10--glass cloth reinforcement in an epoxy resin matrix system.

G-10 is more durable, canvass micarta more grippy. Other micartas are less grippy and less durable too.

Both G-10 and canvass micarta are extremely durable though, you won't break either of them as slabs on a fixed blade. Choose the one you like the feel of best.

Interesting to note: Bob Loveless called canvass micarta the best handle material in the world. Grippy, strong, etc.

Personally I use canvass micarta for handles on fixed blades, and G-10 for non-matallic knives and folder slabs.

 

[knarfeng]

Micarta--canvass, paper or linen reinforcement in a phenolic resin matrix system.

G-10--glass cloth reinforcement in an epoxy resin matrix system.

G-10 is more durable, canvass micarta more grippy. Other micartas are less grippy and less durable too.

Both G-10 and canvass micarta are extremely durable though, you won't break either of them as slabs on a fixed blade. Choose the one you like the feel of best.

Interesting to note: Bob Loveless called canvass micarta the best handle material in the world. Grippy, strong, etc.

Personally I use canvass micarta for handles on fixed blades, and G-10 for non-matallic knives and folder slabs.

Micarta is not always phenolic.

The grippiness of G10 varies with the processor. As does that of micarta.
Neither is really made to a standard when it comes to knife handles.

Agree with the rest.

 

[greens]

Either one are good for handle material. If I had my choice I'd go with G10. Micarta in bright colors tends to darken relatively fast, it also kind of feels damp when it comes to contact with water.