Handle material, G10 or Micarta

M

mollett89

Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
184
Hey guys,
Second guessing one of my orders a bit and thought I would see what your thoughts were. I ordered the mean street ergo battle grade with black blade and red and black g10. This knife will be replacing my current edc (izula 2 with micarta) and I'm concerned I won't like the g10. I don't have any blades with g10 and at the time thought I wanted to try it out but don't want to ruin my chance at the mean street with micarta if it would better suit a user edc.
Basically my long winded question is
Would you get g10 or canvas micarta for your EDC blade and why ?

Thanks in advance
Luke



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I have a few of both, and I feel with g10 grip isn't an issue with a well designed handle that gives your fingers some "catch points". I also prefer the look of g10 (especially busse's g10). Given the choice I'll take g10 every time especially if a deal is involved. My esee 6 and ratmandu are both canvas and no complaints, bought what was available, but during o2w anything I order will have orange/black g10.

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I like them both but I find micarta to be a tad mor comfortable for a user... but its not a big enough difference to avoid G10..I have an use both:D
I find Micarta to feel like wood..and G10 almost feels like ceramic.. to me.
 
And just a follow up I read of people saying micarta handles aren't good for hunting/food related work because of what can be absorbed into the handle vs g10 which isn't absorptive, personally that's the last thing I'd ever worry about and I use micarta handled knives for both extensively. I just like g10 for looks and possibly toughness.

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I like them both but prefer G10 on my users. Lately with the G10 only being $10 I have bought it on most all of them.
For me it's the grip of G10 it seems the groves cut into the G10 stay pronounced more with heavy use than micrata, giving a nice grip.
More times than not I end up having to hit the slabs when processing wood and have chipped micarta, this has not happened with G10.
Good luck on your choice.
 
I've had both.

G10 on 4 or 5 edc sized knives. I've had as many in micarta.

I order micarta more often.

I like the feel.

But, in a knife that may see blood, mess, or fish, I think the G10 is less prone to absorption of odors and stains.

I don't think you will have any issues with g10.
 
to me the "feel" is so close that just the sexiness g10 adds, an that thought you have every time you unsheath "Damn this knife is bad ass"... is worth the g10
 
I like micarta my self, got few G10 also, another thing i noticed G10 is Heavier, i have 2 otherwise Identical HG55s, and i can easily tell that G10 is heavier.
 
I think it is really up to personal preference. I prefer G10 but my buddy prefers micarta. Minor differences but get what you like.
 
G10 on knives less than about 9 inches long, and Micarta for choppers-G10 is definitely prettier and heavier, Micarta on choppers because it is easier on the hands-Tiger Hide on anything-Get what suites your eye-otherwise you will always second guess yourself -My advice would be stick with your original choice of Red and Black G10!!!
 
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I think both are great handle materials, and you will be happy with either one. I prefer micarta. It has a little bit softer feel to it, and is a little warmer to the touch in cold weather. Also, micarta will absorb blood, oils, etc., but only the top layer of canvas. It is very easy to clean up with hot water and dish soap.
 
G10 has a hardness to it, compared to canvas micarta. Also, it never changes color like canvas when wet. The contrasting colors of the layered G10 also looks better or worse to some people.
 
As mentioned, you just have to try it.

For me, it's canvas on all my users. I have used a few smaller blades with g10 and liked it pretty well.

I have been branching out and ordering more g10 but only on the smaller knives.
 
For a small knife, doesn't matter much. For a chopper size knife, micarta all the way. G10 is too slick for me on a big knife,,,
 
Well I have 4 types
1. G10
2. Hand Shaped G10
3. Canvas Micarta
4. Hand Shaped Canvas Micarta

They're all awesome --- if I had to choose just one (which I never would) --- I'd pick Hand Shaped Canvas Micarta. It feels amazing and it looks great too.

You really can't go wrong with any selection. On some models -- the contouring/dimples/ridges/texture are a little rough for the standard Canvas Micarta (FFBM -- as an example).
 
I like slick on larger knifes. Gives less blisters when chopping. Of course that only works if the handle shape itself is sufficient for enough retention and it usually is.
 
Whoa ! I didn't expect all these great replies !
Thank you all for taking the time out of your day to help me out. After reading the replies I think I will stick with the g10 and see how I like it. Worst case I can always trade it for one with canvas haha !
Thanks again !
Luke


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On a blade that size I truly think the difference is, for the most part, cosmetic. On that alone G10 wins (in my book). The decision is less simple when you get to bigger blades and the often significant additional cost of G10 over canvas starts to make you think more about it. I personally love G10 on ANY blade. But canvas micarta is such a close second the difference is mostly academic.

Andy
 
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