How thick of G10 or Micarta

[mediamst]

I am almost done with a few neck knife / Smaller fixed blade knives. Was wondering what thickness G10 or Micarta you all order for something like this?

Thanks!

 

[parbajtor]

depends on the thickness of the blade stock and the profile of the knife. Neck knives usually have a flat profile and thin(ner) handles. I can't see you needing thicker than 8mm (normally) and even then I'd expect to doing some kind of contouring to the handle.

 

[SBuzek]

Usually 1/4" or 3/16"
Stan

 

[mediamst]

Good point. I am using 1/8 inch thick 1080 Steel. I belive 1/4 inch G10 should do the trick for that thickness.

Thanks!

 

[DCL Knives]

I'd say 1/4 is a little thick for a neck knife. I'm sure Stan knows better then me, but I use 1/8 on my little/neckers with good results. 3/16 works well too. 1/4 Would be ok, but I think it might make the handles seem really blocky, especially if your a new maker (like me) it really depends on the design!

 

[SBuzek]

The reason I like to use 1/4" is to really get a good contour up through the middle,a good rounded handle that is maybe 1/16-3/32 on the edge and 3/16 through the middle and show a lot of the layering of the G10 or micarta.

Stan

 

[Remyrw]

I'm with Stan. I tend toward thin and flat sided to a great extent on my knives, but if you're going to want any real contouring start with thicker than you need and remove anything that isn't your desired shape. You can never add material and it's not like the thicker stuffs that much more than the thin in the grand scheme of things.

Whenever a customer wants significant shaping, or I just feel like putting it on a knife I'm making on spec, I start with 1/4" even on the small stuff. It gives me room to make whatever eventual contour and layering effect I want. I can always shave it down as thin as desired everywhere else. When you start with 1/8" all you can really do is round the edges over, put in some slight angles and maybe a little extra taper for the index finger.

 

[SBuzek]

I'm with Stan. I tend toward thin and flat sided to a great extent on my knives, but if you're going to want any real contouring start with thicker than you need and remove anything that isn't your desired shape. You can never add material and it's not like the thicker stuffs that much more than the thin in the grand scheme of things.

Whenever a customer wants significant shaping, or I just feel like putting it on a knife I'm making on spec, I start with 1/4" even on the small stuff. It gives me room to make whatever eventual contour and layering effect I want. I can always shave it down as thin as desired everywhere else. When you start with 1/8" all you can really do is round the edges over, put in some slight angles and maybe a little extra taper for the index finger.

Bingo!
Stan