G10 vs Micarta

[Idaho Jarhead]

I agree, awesome tutorial. Two thumbs way up to Mikel!! I am going to attempt making my own scales as soon as I figure out how to get a day off!

I don't mean to fan any flames here, but looking at the micarta tutorial, it looks quite similar to the same process that we used to use to make our own skateboard decks when I was a kid. Which leads me to ask: what's the difference between micarta and fiberglass? The only difference I see is the cloth backing that is used. So then, is micarta just fiberglass?

 

[Newb]

I posted a long-winded explanation of Micarta and Garolite on another thread, perhaps it'll link from here, haven't tried linking on this forum yet...

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199171&page=2

I've got a Kershaw Leek G10, but the handle material wasn't really an interest to me. Love the S30V stainless.

 

[Idaho Jarhead]

G-10 can be thought of as a high grade of the more generic micarta, it has very specific characteristics of strength, thermal and electrical insulation, resistance to chemicals, and stability. Micarta as commonly used could refer to many compositions and grades of laminate.

So according to Newb, then, G-10 is of a higher quality than Micarta.

 

[JTR357]

I prefer linen micarta to G10.It just looks & feels better to me.Above all though,I like natural materials used in knife handles.Not too crazy about stag though.

 

[Mikel_24]

Bumping this up for Mikel's link to his Work-In-Progress. :thumbup:
This is one of the best tutorial/pictorials you will see that incorporates imaginative problem solving.

Wish he was my neighbor, I'd be over there all the time learning and borrowing tools...

Great work and thanks for sharing it.

Thanks a lot for the bump ADD. I also wish I had some neighbors with similar interest so we could share knowledge and tools while working on our proyects!

Mikel

 

[Newb]

So according to Newb, then, G-10 is of a higher quality than Micarta.

Most likely. Micarta as we're using it is the generic term for this type of laminate, while G-10 is a very specific and high-grade laminate. G-10 is overkill for an application where a good quality wood does the job, probably any micarta will do a fine job. There are stronger versions of micarta than G-10, like G-11, G-10/FR4, and G-30. I'm sure there are others, and it's possible those could be in use as knife handles and simply called "micarta".

And yeah I know, there's no such thing as overkill for an enthusiast! I work around industrial solvents, and it's nice to know my knife will be unscathed by chemicals that will dissolve my hands.