Micarta? or G10?

TinyDog

TinyDog

Joined
Feb 28, 2015
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1,153
All,

I know that both of these materials are excellent for scales. However, for a fixed blade knife if one missed several times, more beat on the scale inadvertently, Would there really be a clear winner? Something I just might do and I do not know enough about the strengths and weaknesses of each... Any help would be appreciated. TD
 
The only thing G10 is a "clear winner" in is resistance to chemicals and corrosion.

Micarta can get slick after awhile as it absorbs oils from your hand. But it can be easily remedied.

Mostly, it's a personal preference. Mine is G10.
 
It's a bit easier to destroy micarta than G10, but the actual difference is probably academic to most people. They're both more than tough enough for a knife that will see hard use and even abuse... including inadvertently beating on them with a baton or even a hammer (not that I ever recommend pounding on a knife with a hammer except when you're really bored and just want to see what happens I mean umm... performing serious materials testing). They'll both sustain some damage if you wail on them hard enough, but neither is likely to just split or shatter, unless it's a really thin section.
 
Unless you're doing some pretty extreme stuff, I don't think the differences will matter very much. Micarta does tend to be available in far fewer colors, and they tend to be more natural tones. That said, I find the grain of Micarta to be much more attractive than G10. Also, it can discolor with age, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on your view.
 
Awesome Guys!

I had a sneaking suspicion that this was the case But could not confirm based on my own usage. I have never had any experience with either but when I purchased the G10 in Green to match my BK39 original scales, the first thing that came across to my senses was " wow this material is heavy" Which by the way was the direction I prefer! Still not complete but getting closer.

I do not think I will be too crazy, beating on a fixed blade but often wondered why there is a price $ difference....

Thanks for your expertise! TD
 
G-10 is my preferred man-made material on a fixed blade and folder. I have both. Acrylic is my least favorite as it looks delicate like if I drop the knife, it will probably chip or break.
 
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