Handle material question: G10 or Micarta

[Sundsvall]

I am going to get a chopping knife rehandled. Have a choice of G10 or Micarta.

Which one absorbs shock best?

 

[x39]

Unless you're planning on beating on the handle with a sledge hammer, I'd go with the material you find most attractive. If you do plan on beating on it with a sledge hammer, I'd go with the G-10.

 

[Sundsvall]

Actually, my question is incomplete. I don't plan on hitting the handle.

Between G10 and Micarta, which one absorbs more shock transmited from blade impact?

 

[leroys_45]

I don't think you're going to see a big difference between the two. Though it may not be 100% correct technically, in a basic sense the only difference between them is the filler; G-10 is fiberglass impregnated epoxy and micarta is paper, linen or canvas impregnated epoxy. Either way you look at it, it's still mainly epoxy which won't cushion much at all.

What will make a difference is the shape of the handle, especially the back. I think a good example to follow would be the Becker knives - a nice big and broad surface to spread out the impact forces.

Given the choice, I might take beadblasted G-10 for a little extra grip, but that might abrade you a bit too much if you do a lot of chopping. Canvas micarta might be the best compromise for this application.

 

[x39]

Originally posted by Sundsvall
.

Between G10 and Micarta, which one absorbs more shock transmited from blade impact?

I agree with leroys_45. I don't think there would be any noticeable difference between the two.

 

[fishbulb]

They are both quite hard, and I doubt that they would absorb much shock at all. I would say go with either one you wish to fill out the handle and give it a cord or leather wrap to increase comfort.

 

[Andrew Lynch]

You guys are right; neither will offer any real shock absorbtion. However, from my experience shock is affected more from the design of the blade than by handle material.

I would definitely go with micarta. Unlike G10, it can be grippy without being abrasive. Micarta is just great stuff!!