How well do G10 grips hold up to daily wear over years/decades of use?

D

discopig

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May 15, 2013
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I really like my G10 knives, but I've been wondering, is it a durable material long term? I have a Benchmade 32 and a few spydercos with G10 that I carry with me almost daily. They go in and out of pocket multiple times a day and get used regularly. How does G10 wear over years/decades? Is it something very durable?
 
I would bet extremely well. If wood handled knives can last decades Im sure G10 can last just as long.
 
My more-carried Spydies are smoother than they came, for sure (I'm talking Para, Mil, Caly--that sort of grippy G10). On the other hand, I have a Benchmade 710, which comes with a slicker G10, that's been carried more than those, and I can't tell a difference between that one and a safequeen of the same model. From that I take it that the surface grippiness can change, but it's not like the whole handle will degrade over time (chipped or worn down edges, nothing like that)
 
I agree with what Kreole wrote. G-10 is enormously strong and durable, but will wear smooth gradually over time.
 
I carried a Cold Steel American Lawman for (for me) a long time. Maybe 18 months or two years. I didn't carry it every single say, but probably 4 out of 5. My work at the time took me to some really nasty dirty places and I used the heck out of the knife. I carried it in the chest pocket of my bibs. Anyway, the super grippy Cold Steel G10 was pretty smooth at the end. So it will wear with use, I think eventually you'll have a nice polished handle.
As far as toughness, yeah that stuff is super impact resistant. I've literally hammered on it, used it as a hammer, opened bottles etc. So no problems there.
 
I have a pretty old Benchmade Emerson Spec War CQC7 that came to me looking like it was an EDC for quite a while. The handles are pretty damn smooth, but the knife was amazingly well taken care of. Tons of grime built up on the pivot proving the age, but the blade coating is barely worn, edges were still close to factory, and the pocket clip looks almost new. G10 definitely wears over time.
 
I have a Benchmade Stryker that's about 15 years old which I think is G10. It wasn't edc'd that whole time but has definitely seen it's share of hard use as a camping, fishing, general utility knife. The handles look old, but not worn or degraded.
 
I've got a Benchmade mini AFCK I got 23 years ago and have carried a lot over the years. Really not much wear on the scales.....One of my favorite knives.
 
G-10 is nearly indestructible and wears very slowly. Like anything it will mark or scratch with enough force but the effect will be minimal. It's great around the campfire in winter because it won't burn or melt--it will char but not burn--even when you don't realize your pocket has been steaming for 30 minutes. It won't transfer heat either...practically brand you like some of the slab folders will. G-10 of a minimal thickness will pretty much allow the dismissal of steel liners in the average size folder, it's that strong. IMO it has better texturing potential than even micarta.

With G-10 the only things you have to choose are the color and exact texture on it. Some grind it grippier than others, some put a design into it, some even offer it smooth. Overall I prefer Emerson's G-10 scales. I think they do it best.
 
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I have heavily used knives made 20 years ago and the G10 shows no signs of any real damage. The texturing becomes most worn under the clip, near the choil area, and around the edges.
 
Here's how it wears
used vs new

minix2.jpg
 
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