Micarta vs G-10

M

milani74

Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
1,237
Hi all. A few months ago I used my RC-3mil to fillet some bass. The blade itself worked wonderfully; slicing very close to the bone and giving a very nice fillet of meat. After a few months though, I have noticed it still has that "fishy" smell. I have washed it and soaked it, but it still has a slight smell to it.
My question is this. Is it because the micarta absorb the liquid? If so, is there a way to prevent/minimize this? Also do the G-10 handles absorb in the same manner that the micarta seems too?
 
In my own experience I have found that G10 is very resistant to most chemicals. It doesn't seem to absorb them and washes off clean usually with just water (other than animal guts). Unless I am mistaken, micarta has fibers and would probably soak up liquids at a small amount, including, as in your case, smelly liquids.
 
Yes, Micarta does have canvas or linen cloth fibers in it and depending on the resin/fiber ratio, it could be more prone to holding oders.
 
I really like G-10 as a handle material. I only have it on folders so far and I could see it being a great handle material on fixed blades as well.
 
dont mean to hijack the thread but. the micarta on my rc5 seems to always be..leaking this oily substance all the time. i just got it a few days ago, havent done anything weird with it, just chopped through some wood. this normal/happen to anyone else?
 
G10 is made with fiberglass cloth and Micarta is made with Canvas or Linen or Paper. Micarta will readily absorb fluids where G10 will not. Although the Paper Micarta is less absorbant is tends to be slick.
 
I wonder if there is some way to treat the micarta so it is less likely to absorb odors and fluids like the way leather handles are treated with a chemical of some sort to "seal" them.
 
taurn said:
oily substance? leaking? THAT IS WEIRD! Definitely post a pic.
Click to expand...
ill try and snap a pic with the good camera when i can but. i duno if its something that can be captured in photo. its just like..seems as though the handle is always slightly damp and after touching it its almost like..you just ran your hand through greasy hair:confused: haha
 
I like the variety and feel of Micarta better. G-10 is also nice though. I plan on using Micarta for the first time on the next knife I make.
 
From an amateur knife making point of view Micarta has a better grippy feel to it when sanded, textured g-10 is great too but cant do it yourself easily. Micarta is also lighter than g-10 so it's easier to get the balance right. That being said there's nothing wrong with g-10, it's still pretty great and dosnt absorb oil and dirt.
 
Did you wipe the RC5 handle with TUFF CLOTH? OR another type of "Protectant" to make it feel greasy?

My RC5 handle is very dry.
 
If you soak it in soapy water, the water should permeate into the handles and then dry. Diluting the oil.
 
Also try soaking in "OxyClean" .. mix it with water and soak the handles.

I tried to "Edit" my post above..but it didnt take.

Oxyclean takes the smell out of a lot of stuff, and cleans stuff really well. Even Greasy / oily stuff.

I have cleaned my "Boresnakes", and Gun Cleaning Mats... to my Golf Towels and even hats.. that should have been retired. Try Oxyclean... its worth a shot.

Random
 
Will do, thanks for the tip. The smell is ever so faint, but I do notice it. I dont mind my blades looking used, but fish can smell bad something fierce.
 
lemon dishwashing liquid worked for me, same problem with the fishy smell. the lemon smell fades pretty quickly
 
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