Is Canvas Micarta waterproof?

Yes, it's waterproof. Micarta is a substrate -- which can be paper, canvas, or other materials -- completely impregnated with a phenolic resin. It doesn't matter what the substrate is; the resin is waterproof.
 
Water proof, gas proof, oil proof, etc. A fellow forumite did a test a few years back and it resists quite a bit. He would soak his knives in oil/water/gas for a week no problem. As good as micarta is (my favorite), G10 is even better at not absorbing things.
 
There is a MILSPEC for CE-grade phenolic laminate (canvas Micarta). If memory serves correctly, it allow for only a 0.01% weight gain after a 24 hour soak in water. Basically no water retention at all. But keep in mind that not all phenolic resin laminates are created equal. There is a lot of cheap junk out there that is not up to this level of performance. Caveat emptor.

TedP
 
Would the GEC Bullnose canvas Micarta fall under good quality and waterproof or more on the cheaper side?
 
I've had black linen micarta swell and pop loose of the tang, even though it was epoxied and bolted down.

It's very rare though, and a total fluke.

If you're really worried, go G10.
 
phillipsted said:
There is a MILSPEC for CE-grade phenolic laminate (canvas Micarta). If memory serves correctly, it allow for only a 0.01% weight gain after a 24 hour soak in water. Basically no water retention at all. But keep in mind that not all phenolic resin laminates are created equal. There is a lot of cheap junk out there that is not up to this level of performance. Caveat emptor.

TedP
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This is true. Micarta is made under a LOT of heat and pressure. If shortcuts are taken, who knows what the result will be?

As a trivia point, formica is an acronym for "formerly micarta".
 
So then why does Micarta shrink and expand in hot/humid vs cold/dry climates? Sal Glesser stated that knives made offshore that when shipped to Colorado would show shrinkage on the scales/covers? csisland, hope you are doing ok, don't forget to breath. You're taking this too seriously.
 
RevDevil said:
So then why does Micarta shrink and expand in hot/humid vs cold/dry climates? Sal Glesser stated that knives made offshore that when shipped to Colorado would show shrinkage on the scales/covers? csisland, hope you are doing ok, don't forget to breath. You're taking this too seriously.
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The only problems that I've ever seen are the original bushcraft with stabilized wood. I live in Colorado, and have never seen any expansion or contraction of micarta. I've had lots of wood, horn, and bone split though. That's one of the reasons that I love it and dislike natural materials.
 
sodak said:
The only problems that I've ever seen are the original bushcraft with stabilized wood. I live in Colorado, and have never seen any expansion or contraction of micarta. I've had lots of wood, horn, and bone split though. That's one of the reasons that I love it and dislike natural materials.
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Interesting, could have been that Model, or the Temperance 2 earlier models.
 
RevDevil said:
Interesting, could have been that Model, or the Temperance 2 earlier models.
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Sal's problems were with some of the original Goddard collaboration models, if I recall. Keep in mind that these were unlined plain linen micarta scales - and they did move a tiny amount. These knives also had pinned pivots, so there was no adjustment when the scales warped even a tiny amount.

If you use good quality micarta/phenolic on a fixed blade or lined folder, you should be OK. A quick test I always perform is the "thumbnail test". If I can made an indentation in the micarta with my thumbnail, I pass it by. The antique Westinghouse Micarta is solid, dense, and really hard. Some of the newer canvas phenolics are almost squishy soft. No thanks.

...And Sodak, I don't know about Formica being an acronym. But the formica material is made from a melamine resin laminate, not phenolic resin...

TedP
 
Formica was formulated as a replacement for the mineral mica, and as such is named after that usage (replacement "for mica").

http://www.formica.com/en/us/about/our-history

Both Formica and Micarta were developed at Westinghouse in the early 1900s. The developer of Formica left Westinghouse and the two products were in direct competition at the time.
 
My Survive!knives canvas micarta seems ok and I find that when wet it has a good gripping surface , not slippery at all.
 
phillipsted said:
...And Sodak, I don't know about Formica being an acronym. But the formica material is made from a melamine resin laminate, not phenolic resin...

TedP
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jc57 said:
Formica was formulated as a replacement for the mineral mica, and as such is named after that usage (replacement "for mica").

http://www.formica.com/en/us/about/our-history

Both Formica and Micarta were developed at Westinghouse in the early 1900s. The developer of Formica left Westinghouse and the two products were in direct competition at the time.
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AUGH! Another urban legend bites the dust!!!!!! I hate it when I buy into those!!!!! :D

Thanks for the correction!
 
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