Materials for handle, custom knives

[HouseBuilder328]

I’m trying to get a better understanding of material but could not find this particular material for handles - Westinghouse or antique Westinghouse? What is that?

Seems like a creme/yellow material that looks beautiful and people say it’s expensive? Can anyone clarify what this material is, strengths and weaknesses? David Mosier seems to use it a lot.

How about ivory mircata? I know mircata but ivory mircata looks different.

 

[Russ Andrews]

"Micarta" is a Westinghouse trade name. The crème/yellowish material you're referring to is "ivory" paper based micarta.
The resins darken with time. Many makers like it for it's color and tendency to darken (like ivory), and it's rarity, since it
hasn't been made for quite some time......you can occasionally find scales or blocks for sale, but as you noted....it's expensive.....
too expensive....IMO...

 

[Rhinoknives1]

"Micarta" is a Westinghouse trade name. The crème/yellowish material you're referring to is "ivory" paper based micarta.
The resins darken with time. Many makers like it for it's color and tendency to darken (like ivory), and it's rarity, since it
hasn't been made for quite some time......you can occasionally find scales or blocks for sale, but as you noted....it's expensive.....
too expensive....IMO...

IMHO it was/is a superior Micarta and that’s the reason it’s still talked about and can command a higher price from a Customer that knows. Itcame in a butterscotch , Ivory, I found Blue with to white layers that became visible when you Sculpted the handle and a few other color combos .. it was made for Pool cues as well. Remember that grinding any Micarta releases Formaldehyde.. use grease belts so heat is keep as low as possible along with wear a proper Respirator, it will embalm your Brain over time!... I stopped using any of it about 15 plus years ago! I need to keep the few brain cell I have..

 

[biker bo]

When I heard Westinghouse was going to stop making the ivory mircata I ordered all I could afford from K&G. I still have a little over 20 sets of scales in back corner of a cabinet.
I used to work this stuff with no dust mask....... Young and dumb.