linen,canvas,(paper?) micarta

[marekz]

I have not used micarta at all. I was thinking what the differences are between them -if any..Is one preferable over the other - in say a heavily used knife in the elements/ does one have a better grip. How much does pure personal preference come into play? If i wanted a knife handle made of micarta to go hunting on a rainy day-which one would you suggest.--thanks marekz:jerkit:

 

[argel55]

I would recommend canvas micarta left a little rough. Paper to me looks good when you first work it but scratches easily and shows it faster. Linen looks good all the time but can be a little slick after polishing.

 

[BChou-E29]

Both canvas and linen micarta are grippy when wet and will serve well in adverse weather conditions. Paper, somewhat less however it will still be highly resistant to moisture. If the knife is going to be used in wet conditions like an outdoors knife I'd recommend canvas micarta. Also if you are looking for a very positive grip, do not buff or otherwise polish linen or paper micarta. They will get pretty slick. I don't believe it is possible to polish canvas micarta to a high sheen though.