Knife handle materials

[UffDa]

Like many knife knuts (kutlery kooks?) I have spent many hours obsessing over what
material should be used for my next knife handle. Anyway, I was cutting up some beef for stew yesterday and it occured to me that the knife I was using had a wood handle and has been in constant use for over 35 years.
The handle, while not is perfect condition, is still quite servicable and would probably last another 35 years.

This knife is washed with hot soapy water and often left to dry by itself. I would say that the environment in which it's used is as tough as any outdoors. I have known many old time meat cutters who used knives with wood handles for years with no problems. Again, these knives are used daily.

What I'm getting at is that all these new synthetic materials are great, but are they really that much better then good quality wood? I've even seen wood handled knives that have been used on commercial fishing boats that are still in good shape after many years of service. it would be hard to think of a tougher environment then that.

 

[Columbo]

I wouldn't claim that any organic product is as stable and durable as Delrin and the other synthetics. And many places now outlaw wood products for food preparation due to the possibility of contamination. But, don't tell that to all those old cutting boards, kitchen knives and Buck 110's out there. Although wood can swell and crack under very severe conditions, it doesn't melt. And you just can't easily refinish Delrin with some sandpaper and a can of Minwax. Yep, I'll vote for a nice piece of coco bola over Delrin and friends almost every time. And for marine use, how about teakwood?

Dave

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Were things ever really as good as they used to be?

 

[UffDa]

Dave is right. Natural wood will never be as stable as the better synthetics, but I have a few of the newer knives with "plastic" handles and they just don't feel right. Infact they get slippery when wet. The only exception is a couple of Cold Steel kitchen knives with Kraton handles.

Regarding wooden cutting boards... There was a study at U.C. Davis that showed wood to be a better material for cutting boards then synthetics. It seems that wood may dry out the little buggers and kill them and plastic may harbor bacteria in the small cuts and chips. If you are interested in checking it out go to.... www.heathcentral.com and search...cutting boards

 

[David1967]

Did you try new Spyderco kitchen knives? Excellent handles and even better steel.

Regarding the wood handle materials: Is there a web site where I could see different woods?

Thanks.

David

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DIVERTI NESCIO

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My Photopoint pictures

 

[Knife Outlet]

I agree with the group that synthetic handle materials are more stable and durable. Some of them are also lighter. Nevertheless, I always have and probably always will prefer natural handle materials. My two favorite tacticals (a Spyderco and an Elishewitz) have jigged bone and pearl handles respectively. To me they are far more attractive than Zytel, Kraton and G-10. Guess I'm just old fashioned - or maybe just old. Take care.

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Fred
Knife Outlet
http://www.knifeoutlet.com