Micarta vs G10

[O2!]

Looking for thoughts on which handle material transmits more cold, micarta or G10?

 

[Dav1]

I've never really taken much notice but I'd hazard a guess Micarta will feel "warmer" than G10 in cold weather/temperatures if that's what you are looking for?

 

[other memory]

They’re both fine. Don’t split hairs.

 

[HexY3co]

Looking for thoughts on which handle material transmits more cold, micarta or G10?

Which Micarta? There are several variants that use the name Micarta. Canvas, linen, burlap, popcorn, pine cone etc, g10 is just a variation as well as carbon fiber. Probably the looser the material fibers the warmer it will be.

 

[Hackenslash]

Micarta and G10 have very similar Specific Heat values. I think any difference between the two might be more due to surface texture than material.

 

[Hammer67]

I generally prefer micarta. It tends to be grippier in my experience, and seems a bit lighter.

 

[Gil P.]

I think if you're worried about your knife handle getting cold, buy a knife with a hidden tang.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

I prefer Micarta in all temperatures. It feels better to me.

 

[Enzo’s Woodshop]

For a dedicated sub-zero weather knife I’d recommend a Curly Birch handle with a hidden or rat tail tang. Curly birch really feels warm in cold weather.

 

[Dav1]

For a dedicated sub-zero weather knife I’d recommend a Curly Birch handle with a hidden or rat tail tang. Curly birch really feels warm in cold weather.

Yeah I think through hundreds of years of practical experience the Scandanavian countries/Finland would have got it right!

 

[Enzo’s Woodshop]

Yeah I think through hundreds of years of practical experience the Scandanavian countries/Finland would have got it right!

Yeah, I used to think it was a myth until I started taking some Finnish puukkos on my winter camping trips and felt the difference. Very noticeable.

That being said, I never have had any actual problem with micarta, G10, or any other handle material I’ve used in cold weather. Some are perhaps less comfortable than others (such as the Leatherman steel handle) but still no real problem for me.

 

[BillZee]

Well......I'll put my two cents in.....
G10 is OK, but I really like a metal handle.
I just would prefer that more makers would put some texture on the metal handles of some of the styles.

 

[POCEH KOCEB]

As the other members said - they are very close. I tend to prefer some of the Micarta types because they give me better grip.
I had very good experience with this guy, the scale are great and provide very secure grip, I loved the laminate originals but these are not so slippery:

I also had a cracked G10 scale from dropping the knife on the tiles, didn't have the same experience with Micarta bit this is very subjective I think.

IMO: Both are good for scales.

 

[00max00]

Contoured/3D machined G10.

 

[elde66]

Not a fan of the upkeep on micarta scales. Show soil quickly and easily. I’ll vote G10 FWIW.
(Which transmits more cold? Really?)

 

[Twindog]

They're pretty close. Both are resin based: Micarta with linen or canvas or paper; and G10 with glass. Because of the resin base, I suspect both react to cold pretty much the same and neither would be a problem.

My Rukus handle has both G10 and Micarta. I don't notice a difference.

G10 is definitely stronger and doesn't stain as much. Given a choice, that's what I would pick.

 

[Chronovore]

Micarta is a diverse material, from linen to burlap, and can be finished in various ways. It can be polished smooth or bead-blasted fuzzy. It can resemble ivory or your grandma's couch.

The question here is like comparing a grain of sand to a beach.

 

[DocJD]

G10 is definitely stronger and doesn't stain as much. Given a choice, that's what I would pick.

Agree 100% .

Never noticed much difference in heat /cold transfer .

However : Some micarta I have do seem to just feel really nice ...so smooth !