is there a "preferred" handle material for fixed blade knife?

S

scriverdog

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Jan 10, 2009
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this may be a newbie question but since I'm a newbie to blades and the forum, I hope you'll indulge me.

I'd like to determine which handle material offers the better performance for a fixed blade working knife (not a safe queen).

which material offers superior grip and long term durability without sacrificing comfort?

I notice a number of highly regarded knives come with micarta handles? what is this material and is it a good option or just a manufacturer's way of keeping price down?
 
Excellent question, and if you don't mind my piggy-backing, I'm also curious if handles such as Santoprene on the BM's, which have a rubbery feel, risk cracking and crumbling upon aging...thanks!
 
Depending on your "style", G-10, micarta, or a hardwood will give years of service.

I have some with them all.

G-10 is tough as nails, so is micarta. Neither one is cheap nor a way for a maker to cut corners.
 
I don't think it's possible to say that there's any one "best" handle material. I've also owned and used just about everything out there (micarta, G10, aluminum - yes, aluminum, carbon fiber, stainless steel, synthetic rubbers); each has its plusses and minuses, and all can be quite satisfactory.

The only thing that's not all that practical is stag. But oh, it sure does look pretty. . . .
 
Wood, Micarta, thermoplastic, Kraton, stacked leather all have their fans. For a serious hunting knife, I prefer Kraton. Nothing in my experience works better under really adverse conditions (wet, cold, bloody, covered with fat, etc.). For looks I like stacked leather or wood; for sheer durability, Micarta is great.
 
Sambar stag looks great and feels good in the hand, but if you`re rough on the knife (you don`t want to drop stag on a hard surface), one of the materials already mentioned might be a better choice. (OTOH, I have a stag handled Puma that`s still nice after 30 years). Stacked leather (as on older Ka-Bars & Randalls) is just about indestructable, too.
 
alot of it is down to personal choise. one person may prefer the feel and look of one kind of material, annother person may hate it.

for hard-use knives I prefer plastics to wood or stag/bone, mainly because I find it more grippy, and they tend to be cheaper.

the only problem with stacked leather (which may be a problem with some other natural materials) is that it can rot in some conditions.
 
I prefer wood for look and feel. Desert ironwood, cocobolo, blackwood, well most of the rosewoods are my favorites. Wood makes every piece unique and interesting.

For synthetics I like micarta and G10.
 
Everyone has their own favorites but mine is Micarta of one variety or another.
 
Micarta is definately preffered due to its rock hard durability. You'll find G-10 is much more common and makes a close second.
I love the feel of stacked leather but, as said by someone previosly, it rots in certain conditions. Continuous soaking in water and drying (over a long period of time) leads to washer seperation and degredation I find.

Micarta is made from a composition of linen/paper fabric. Here's a wiki link for more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micarta
 
Not trying to hijack the thread, but for those of you who know about canvas micarta, can a knife with layered g-10 be re-scaled with canvas micarta without any issues.

A Benchmade 730 by the way. I only have experience with g-10 and carbon fiber. So far I like g-10's durability.
 
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