Micarta Insingo vs Plain?

J

jleephoto

Joined
Apr 8, 2007
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I've got a few Lrg and sm 21s but the one that finds its way into my pocket the most over the years is a small plain Insingo. I like the way the plain scales show honest wear. But, it seems the Micarta versions have a bit of a cult following around here and I can't help but think I might be missing something. I've never owned an inlay of any type. For those that have both, how much difference does the Micarta make? Enough difference to own both? My next knife will likely either be that or an Inkosi but I worry that an Inkosi may be too small and the fiddle factor to great compared to my Sm Insingo. Any insight appreciated.
 
Micarta is grippy, easy to keep hold of in use. Plus, it just has a "Use me!" look about it. I think you should try one.
 
I must have a small micarta. Time to sell a few lesser knives. Dammit, why did I ever start buying these things? :-)
 
Unlike other inlays, micarta inlays are blasted on both sides. It's the only inlay CRK will re blast. The extra thickness of the micarta enhances the feel of the knife in hand. Like LW said, it screams "I'm a user"
So, yeah you need to experience one, you won't be disappointed at all.
 
For me, the micarta made a world of difference. Had I not tried that option, I likely would have sold my large insingo & never looked back. (If I hadn't sold it, I would have boxed it up & put it on a shelf). Since you like the plain handles, it might not be a big deal to you...but I'd be surprised if you reported back that you were displeased. (Luckily, it is a minimum risk purchase - somebody is usually looking for one on the Exchange)
 
+1 on everything said here so far.

I prefer plain scales as well, but I have a Large Micarta Insingo that I use almost as much as my Zaan.

If you like your CRK's, you really need at least one with Micarta. You'll be glad you did.:thumbup:
 
I have a large classic plane and a large micarta insingo. I really like them both, not sure if I prefer one over the other.
I just recently aquire a 25 with micarta inlays. It is the second one I have owned and I absolutely love the knife. I prefer the micarta over the plane with the 25.
Now the inkosi, that's a great little knife. I can highly recommend getting one. I have been carrying mine with the large micarta insingo since I got it. They make a great pair. Best of both world.
 
If you will USE your knife:
Micarta by a mile. The little extra grip makes a big difference.

Now for a light, thin, pretty knife I go with my Carbon Fiber Sebenza.
 
Before I got my Inkosi, I was kinda wishing my small micarta Insingo was a PJ and that I'd never gotten a PJ small clip point. I just like the thinness and look of a PJ small especially after it starts to wear.

Now that I've got an Inkosi, I like the small micarta even more. They just give me a great variety of EDC carry between those two knives. Two totally different looks and feels in the hand.
 
Having never handled a micarta CRK, and only seen them online, I have to say that the inlays look almost like black leather to me. It's a nice look.
 
Knave said:
Having never handled a micarta CRK, and only seen them online, I have to say that the inlays look almost like black leather to me. It's a nice look.
Click to expand...

Agreed. The more you use the micarta, the darker it gets. Beautiful stuff.
 
While I like the looks of both plain Ti and Micarta inlays I ended up going for the Micarta ( both small and large insingo ) due to a little bit of added grip and thickness which translates to comfort in hand.

Like others have mentioned the oil soaked Micarta adds its own bit of character along with complemented snail trials. :D
 
For my hands, size L gloves, #10 to be more accurate, I can't grip a small nicely without inlay. The extra width makes a big difference to me particularly as it adds width to help even out the difference between the clip and the scale beside it. I have a small 21 micarta. It will wear around the edges of the scale the same as a PJ. As I get older, and winter is here my knuckles hurt more so I'm going to sell my small 21 when it comes back from the spa. Then I will be going Micarta, either 25 or large 21 but I have not decided yet. I like micarta enough to do that. One thing to keep in mind, when it's clean, it is much more grey. Not black.
 
Just an update. I now have both small Micarta and PJ Insingos and not sure I want to sell either one. I keep alternating trying to decide which I like better. The PJ was my first love and is still has a little stiffer action than the user Micarta I picked up. It has some tiny scratches on the blade from my wife wiping with a scotch pad so I'd rather keep than take a big hit on resell. The Micarta is easier to grip and pull from the pocket without lanyard. So I like them both for different reasons. I do think I'm going to send the Micarta in for a spa treatment and see it new washers has an affects me appreciation. I may just keep them both at least until I decide I have to have a different knife.


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jleephoto said:
Just an update. I now have both small Micarta and PJ Insingos and not sure I want to sell either one. I keep alternating trying to decide which I like better. The PJ was my first love and is still has a little stiffer action than the user Micarta I picked up. It has some tiny scratches on the blade from my wife wiping with a scotch pad so I'd rather keep than take a big hit on resell. The Micarta is easier to grip and pull from the pocket without lanyard. So I like them both for different reasons. I do think I'm going to send the Micarta in for a spa treatment and see it new washers has an affects me appreciation. I may just keep them both at least until I decide I have to have a different knife.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
This is an old thread but had to throw in my $.02. I have two large Inkosis; a plain insingo and a red micarra drop point. Can’t say I prefer one over the other. I’m thrilled every day that I have both.
 
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