G10 vs Titanium Scales

[EdgeDownunder]

Apologies if this discussion has been covered on another post, but was hoping to get some advice on this topic

I’m currently looking at a folder which has G10 only scale on show side (no reinforcing steel/metal liner), and titanium only on the lock side, with a blade which has blade stops that butt up against both scales when open.

My question is, does anyone have any concerns or experience with folders with this configuration, with regards to only G10 on one side? Is this considered strong/tough enough in its own, or would you expect the G10 not to be a strong enough material on its own with a blade stop against it?

Any other folders I have with similar configuration (G10 or carbon fibre), also have a reinforcing steel or titanium liner on the same side, I’ve never had one with only G10 or only carbon fibre and blade stops

Any advice here would be appreciated

 

[ron finkbeiner jr]

Just not a fan of metal scales, G10 is okay but I prefer micarta overall.

 

[jux t]

A bunch of the well regarded, tough Cold Steel folders use just G10, no liners. Definitely strong enough and no liners to corrode.

 

[EdgeDownunder]

Just not a fan of metal scales, G10 is okay but I prefer micarta overall.

Are there qualities that make micarta a better medium than G10? I have few micarta handle knives, most are G10 (some carbon fibre), and had understood (perhaps incorrectly), that it was a higher end material, less susceptible to water, fire, damage, just thought it was stronger. I don’t know too much about micarta

 

[EdgeDownunder]

A bunch of the well regarded, tough Cold Steel folders use just G10, no liners. Definitely strong enough and no liners to corrode.

That’s a fair point. I do have quite a few CS folders actually, and trust them over most (if not all) of my other folders for strength/reliabilty, definitely agree they’re tough

 

[jux t]

Are there qualities that make micarta a better medium than G10? I have few micarta handle knives, most are G10 (some carbon fibre), and had understood (perhaps incorrectly), that it was a higher end material, less susceptible to water, fire, damage, just thought it was stronger. I don’t know too much about micarta

Not Ron, but you’re correct that G10 has the slight edge over micarta type handles in those cases. Subjectively, micarta can have a better feel in hand, depending mostly on the type and finish.

 

[EdgeDownunder]

Not Ron, but you’re correct that G10 has the slight edge over micarta type handles in those cases. Subjectively, micarta can have a better feel in hand, depending mostly on the type and finish.

Ah ok, I get that. Micarta does seem to have a “softer” feel to it on the few I have. Just wasn’t sure on its durability. Those are not knives I use, so has never been tested by me in that regard

 

[Kryme]

Hey mate,

That digresses from topic but brings up another subject of interest for me. I have quite a few folders with bearings all with smooth action, but notice this seems to be used on what I would say are “lighter” folders (understand this is a bit subjective). Seems heavier built folders (at least the ones I’ve come across), tend to use PB washers in my experience. Do you think PB washers is the stronger setup perhaps, why generally used more on overbuilt/heavier folders?

Bearings vs washers is an age old battle

Larger folders don't benefit as much from bearings in terms of action because of the heavier blade providing more rotational force. It's also assumed that a larger blade will see more "rougher" use and washers make more sense in that use case. They provide a better seal and suffer far less from debris. Also with side to side pressure bearings can dig into the washers/scales and even the blade itself, even with normal use grooves will form over time.

That being said bearings are a lot better now than what they used to be when they were first introduced, you'll see them on a lot of "hard use" folders these days too. Microtech Socom Elite for example is a tried and tested work horse of a knife and it's running on bearings too. Latest versions are using multi-row mearings that spread out the pressure more evenly and the thickness of the blade allows them to inlay the bearings deep enough so dust can't easily get in there.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, any knife from a reputable maker will serve you well and for a long time provided you keep it clean and use it as intended. It's mostly personal preference these days, people these days put a lot of value into action as well as materials and build quality, so bearings became really popular as they allow manufacturers to get a decent action with a lot less effort .

 

[shinyedges]

Tero tuff has a soft feel similar to micarta but is stronger than g10. I like all 3 of them, g10, micarta and tero tuff.

 

[J. Doyle]

Hey mate,

That digresses from topic but brings up another subject of interest for me. I have quite a few folders with bearings all with smooth action, but notice this seems to be used on what I would say are “lighter” folders (understand this is a bit subjective). Seems heavier built folders (at least the ones I’ve come across), tend to use PB washers in my experience. Do you think PB washers is the stronger setup perhaps, why generally used more on overbuilt/heavier folders?

There's a lot of differing opinions on this but I personally think washers are more maintenance free and probably have better longevity in the big picture.

I think bearings are used for quick/easy solutions so makers don't have to spend a ton of time tuning the action.

I think bearings are probably faster all things considered.

Washers can be tuned ultra smooth and fast and it provides a silkiness you can feel. A well tuned bearing knife will open lightning fast and drop shut and you won't feel a thing.

 

[J. Doyle]

Are there qualities that make micarta a better medium than G10? I have few micarta handle knives, most are G10 (some carbon fibre), and had understood (perhaps incorrectly), that it was a higher end material, less susceptible to water, fire, damage, just thought it was stronger. I don’t know too much about micarta

G-10 is superior to micarta in every objective way.

Looks/feel preferences are subjective so then it's your choice.

 

[ron finkbeiner jr]

Are there qualities that make micarta a better medium than G10? I have few micarta handle knives, most are G10 (some carbon fibre), and had understood (perhaps incorrectly), that it was a higher end material, less susceptible to water, fire, damage, just thought it was stronger. I don’t know too much about micarta

The micarta has a "warmer" feel to it.

 

[shinyedges]

A well tuned washer over bearings for me. The crk glassy buttery feeling is special. Bearings are nice, and I went through a phase with them, but I think I can say I am over the "fad" or cool phase of them.

Washers provide unparalleled lateral strength too, where as bearings can be crushed/broken or even dimple/indent the material it's riding on when heavy side loads are applied.

 

[The True North]

A well tuned washer over bearings for me. The crk glassy buttery feeling is special. Bearings are nice, and I went through a phase with them, but I think I can say I am over the "fad" or cool phase of them.

Washers provide unparalleled lateral strength too, where as bearings can be crushed/broken or even dimple/indent the material it's riding on when heavy side loads are applied.

Word.

 

[jjg6319]

I have both G-10 and titanium scales. I like both and don't feel that you give anything up having G10. The titanium scales can show some wear and the G-10 will not so much. I have some Hinderers, CRK and Spyderco with both.

 

[EdgeDownunder]

Bearings vs washers is an age old battle

Larger folders don't benefit as much from bearings in terms of action because of the heavier blade providing more rotational force. It's also assumed that a larger blade will see more "rougher" use and washers make more sense in that use case. They provide a better seal and suffer far less from debris. Also with side to side pressure bearings can dig into the washers/scales and even the blade itself, even with normal use grooves will form over time.

That being said bearings are a lot better now than what they used to be when they were first introduced, you'll see them on a lot of "hard use" folders these days too. Microtech Socom Elite for example is a tried and tested work horse of a knife and it's running on bearings too. Latest versions are using multi-row mearings that spread out the pressure more evenly and the thickness of the blade allows them to inlay the bearings deep enough so dust can't easily get in there.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, any knife from a reputable maker will serve you well and for a long time provided you keep it clean and use it as intended. It's mostly personal preference these days, people these days put a lot of value into action as well as materials and build quality, so bearings became really popular as they allow manufacturers to get a decent action with a lot less effort .

That’s an extremely informative and helpful response. Very much appreciated. To be honest our laws down here make it very difficult to make use of knives, so I use less than 5% of what I own, the rest are just for the pleasure of the tool I’ve loved since I was a kid. Whatever I use now has to be something I’m ready to lose, so I tend to use cheaper knives that aren’t always the best, cheaper CRKT Kit Carson types tend to be my go to for that reason, and they run on washers which have so far been pretty reliable, though have developed some blade play, and activities requiring something a little tougher like going bush, I prefer fixed blade to negate any weak points. Anything on bearings I keep safe at home, but I do like the action on my bearing folders. Having said that, many of my PB washer folders also have very smooth action, and somehow feel like they would be tougher, though would never want to test that theory. Back in the day when the laws weren’t as restrictive, I EDC’d an old Kershaw Field 1050 folder which served me well for many years for many tasks, but had to retire that as didn’t want to lose that, so now only take a CRKT everywhere, but it’s just not the same as working with something you fully trust and enjoy. I wish I could carry a ZT or something nicer but losing one is not an option. You guys are lucky you have more range you can access and use without consequence.

 

[EdgeDownunder]

There's a lot of differing opinions on this but I personally think washers are more maintenance free and probably have better longevity in the big picture.

I think bearings are used for quick/easy solutions so makers don't have to spend a ton of time tuning the action.

I think bearings are probably faster all things considered.

Washers can be tuned ultra smooth and fast and it provides a silkiness you can feel. A well tuned bearing knife will open lightning fast and drop shut and you won't feel a thing.

It’s certainly my experience that bearing seem faster, very enjoyable fidget folders for me generally speaking. Less so for the folders with washers, though still have very smooth action on many, but definitely not drop shut as you mention.

 

[EdgeDownunder]

I have both G-10 and titanium scales. I like both and don't feel that you give anything up having G10. The titanium scales can show some wear and the G-10 will not so much. I have some Hinderers, CRK and Spyderco with both.

I didn’t have any issues with G10 per say, just had some concerns with the blade stop (maybe I’m using the wrong term-feel free to correct me please) butting up directly to the G10 only scale. Blade stops like the Hinderer XM18 has, though I understand that has metal liners I thought - don’t have one so not sure, closest i have is ZT0562 which does have a steel liner on, well CF (not G10) scale side

 

[Maximumbob54]

The Cold Steel American Lawman laughs at knives with liners:

It does have PB washers though. If it had a better pocket clip it would get far more time in the pocket.

 

[EdgeDownunder]

A well tuned washer over bearings for me. The crk glassy buttery feeling is special. Bearings are nice, and I went through a phase with them, but I think I can say I am over the "fad" or cool phase of them.

Washers provide unparalleled lateral strength too, where as bearings can be crushed/broken or even dimple/indent the material it's riding on when heavy side loads are applied.

That does support my observation for folders I own. All those with heavy blades are on washers, I only have lighter blades running on bearings. I do enjoy fidgeting with those, though reluctant to use any over those with washers which seem more solid to me. May be unjust, as never really put any bearing folders to heavy tasks, and don’t intend to as more for enjoyment than use for me

 

[EdgeDownunder]

The Cold Steel American Lawman laughs at knives with liners:

It does have PB washers though. If it had a better pocket clip it would get far more time in the pocket.

That looks like a very nice use blade to me, very close to what I used to EDC. Not sure of cost down here, would have to be something I’m willing to lose if I want to use it.