Micarta Madness

The Fort

The Fort

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Aug 11, 2012
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IMG_1664.JPG I've got to admit, I've had a few micarta handled traditional knives pass through my hands over the years. Lately though, I seem to be developing more of an appreciation for them. They're extremely durable, and develop a character all of their own. It seems that my denim micarta Northwoods Hawthorne Jack looks different every few days. Let's see what everyone else has, and what they think of them.
 
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These are the only micarta I currently have. I'm more of a wood &/or stag guy. I would compare micarta to smooth bone. After they're dyed, smooth bone seems to take on the characteristics of the dye used along with how it reacts with the bone. Micarta has the advantage of being tougher.image.jpeg
 
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The Ken Coats custom in the first pic has seen more pocket time than any of my other Micarta handled knives. I haven't noticed any changes in the Micarta but I'm pretty easy on my knives.
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Mike Alsdorf Equal End
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Case/Ruger Peanut. (Red G10)
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I think if any of my Micarta knives would take on signs of wear it would be the OD Green Canvas Micarta Calf Roper of which I don't have an individual pic. The Canvas Micarta seems like it would wear a little because of its slightly textured surface.
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I tend to prefer more natural handle materials but its hard to beat a good micarta handle they are tough and show some nice character.
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Arggg...I have never owned a micarta handled knife...now I am gonna have to find a pattern I like and try one...thanks for spending money I don't have...
 
I definitely noticed my micarta seems to absorb oils from my hand and becomes darker. It almost looks like it got wet and is holding the water. I especially noticed it on my natural micarta.

I like it on a traditional. When its on a traditional then it isn't just like "meh just another micarta handle" instead it is something special.

Then again I'm a fan of the whole traditional patterns with modern materials.
 
I have always been a fan of micarta, especially on my fixed blades, it is just a terrific, rugged handle material that pretty much takes on its own character after every use. However, I must say that it is a bit harder for me to reconcile its use on traditional folders. I've become rather partial to wood, horn, and bone as covers on my knives and so micarta usually doesn't get considered when I am looking at cover options on a knife I am anticipating.

But with that said, I think that it is the perfect cover choice for the Sodbuster style knives like the Bull Nose and its larger cousin. Nothing screams working knife and/or tool better than micarta. I am looking forward to seeing how the natural micarta does on the forum knife, perhaps my thoughts on it in regards to being used on most traditional patterns will change once I have it in hand.

In the meantime, here is an older pic of two of my Micarta clad knives.

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