Let's have a little knife scale discussion

A

AshesFall

Joined
Jul 16, 2019
Messages
159
As we all know we have a lot of good knife handle materials to choose from out there in the knife world, but some are obviously better then others depending on the individual using it.

I personally like Micarta and G10 slabs the most, better grip makes for a much better knife imo. I like wood grips because they're pretty, but that's the only reason and I don't like bone (too slippery), ABS or FRN all that much even though they are pretty tough materials.

So with that said, which knife handle materials do you like the most and which do you dislike the most?
 
Like- Titanium,G-10,Carbon Fibre,Wood.
Not so much-Micarta,FRN,Aluminum.
 
I like stag.
I prefer jigged bone on slip joints purchased for using.
On Fixed blades, micarta and G-10 are materials that I like and have knives with them on them. For a heavy user, I would choose micarta. But I seldom use a fixed blade heavily that the handle material matters.
The only handle material I generally won't buy a knife with it is acrylic such as used with slip joints.
It's all a matter of the price and what I might use a knife for. But ultimately, I have to like the knife visually first before I go any further toward buying.
 
Like : Micarta, CF, Ironwood. Almost every knife I have has one or two of those.

Dislike/Not a fan : Full metal (whatever metal), FRN, g10 (although I won a couple with g10)

I'm cool with other woods and bone/ivory/tooth, I just don't have anything with those materials.
 
Stag horn. :D



Really, my only dislikes are aluminum and cheap plastic.
Titanium, G-10, Micarta, wood, and yes, even stag is all good. ;)

I do have a couple of knives with aluminum scales where the overall knife made it acceptable.
 
i prefer Micarta or G10. I have a ZT0562cf that I’d like to replace the cf scale with Micarta. I know the cf is strong, I’m just not crazy on the appearance. I may eventually sell it a buy a 0562ti.
 
My current favorite is Micarta, both because of how it feels in the grip but also because it just has a certain charm that I dig. If I'm being completely honest, and this is for no good reason because it is a solid choice, but I've started to feel a little bored with G10 lately, though I don't mind it and even like it when it is done in an interesting pattern. As others have mentioned, I like the look of wood. Metal is fine too. I prefer titanium but I don't mind aluminum if it is on a knife for which I'm mostly going for the color of anodizing on. As for plastic (by whatever name), it's OK on LW Spydercos and others like the Salt series where it fits the use of the knife, but there is a reason why so many popular plastic knives have options for replacement scales, and I understand why.
 
Micarta and G10 top the list.

FRN type handles aren't as nice feeling but are highly functional.

I don't mind wood.

Metal handles aren't my favorite these days. They look cool but otherwise are my least favorite.
 
stabman said:
....I do have a couple of knives with aluminum scales where the overall knife made it acceptable.
Click to expand...
Feel the same way and seldom consider a knife with a metal handle. I did buy and use a Benchmade Mini Presidio II which has a textured aluminum handle. It is a knife I like quite a bit actually. Bought it a a big knife store.... asked to see it as it caught my attention.... metal handles... downer; But it felt great in my hand and bought it that day. Don't make many exceptions with metal handles.

I have a stainless Endura (handles) and would not buy another. That was purchased when I first started messing with Spyderco knives.... namely, the Native, Delica, and Endura.
As far as cheap plastic goes.... Only on Vic SAKs! They serve me so well that I make exceptions with them. I don't think Spyderco FRN handles feel cheap.
Mora's..... BORING
Rubber like materials.... don't care for it. Have a couple SOG fixed blades with handles like this.... won't do that again. I would rather pay more and get a handle that I like and is still functional.
 
Last edited:
My latest EDC folder is a Buck--with a yellow rubber handle. My first fear was that the folder would feel like a Schwinn bicycle hand grip. I was wrong, the grip is firm yet solid in the hand. It's just a homely shade of Newman's Own Mustard.
 
Users: G10 and micarta, plastic on occasion. The Para 3 LW, as someone mentioned, is a good example. Do like some nice wood on a fixed blade.

Collectors: Wood and bone, some stag

Dislike: Most all metal material, some look good, just not for me
 
Anything that isn't cold and slippery, like my soul. Preference for micarta. Easy to wash off dirt, blood, sweat, dripped snot, when crusty.
 
Natural materials for me, whether it's for looking at or for real world use: Desert ironwood, curly birch, antler, stacked leather, stacked birch bark, olive, and rosewoood all work very well for me.

Zieg
 
id like to see more shredded carbon fiber with the copper or gold scattered in it.
 
Micarta, G10, FRN, CF, wood-in that order for folders.

Fixed blades- Micarta, G10, leather, wood. It just depends upon the knife.

I avoid metal except for Alox SAKs. Would make an exception if I found the right knife. Like an Insingo.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top