Micarta vs G10

I think it's more of a personal preference. My choice has always been G10 for folders and Micarta for fixed. No reason...just the way my collection has panned out.
 
I think it depends on the style of the knife. In terms of durability, I'd imagine damaging either would take a significant effort. To me it comes down to looks.
 
I'm almost positive that G10 is very slightly tougher and more stable than micarta, as it was made for having extremely heavy boat engines sit on top. Those engines just need a stable place that won't react with salt water or electricity. For an application like a knife handle, either is more than enough, and you really won't be let down by either choice.
 
G-10 is a bit more stable. Large changes in temperature, humidity and altitude (such as going from Seki, Japan to Golden, Colorado) can cause micarta to shrink or warp.
 
If I understand correctly Micarta is fabric (usually cotton) + resin, while G10 is glass fiber + resin. To me there's no question which one is better, although both are pretty tough material.
 
GerroldP said:
Hi,

What is considered better for knife handles Micarta or G10?

Thanks,

GP:D
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Either or both or neither.

Neither material has a superiority over the other as a material for knife handles.
 
I instinctively like G-10 for folders and Micarta for fixed blades too. G-10 probably performs slightly better, but micarta feels very nice in the hand.
 
Dr Heelhook said:
I instinctively like G-10 for folders and Micarta for fixed blades too. G-10 probably performs slightly better, but micarta feels very nice in the hand.
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Ditto that. Micarta feels more "friendly" in my hands than G-10, while G-10 feels more bombproof in EDC.
 
Micarta can have more texture, via the fabric itself. For example, canvas micarta has more texture than linen.
With G-10, at least what I have seen, it comes with some machined texture, or none at all.
Bark River uses a wax polish on lots of their knives, and the texture seems to be about the same. So, no difference in grip.
I've sanded a handle made of both, with 100 grit sandpaper. The G-10 sands away faster than the canvas micarta, on that Ontario handle. Other G-10 may be "tougher".
 
Like most people here, i like G10 for my Folders and Micarta for fixed blades.

hunting fixed blades are normally G10 or something similar. Micarta absorbs fluids which can lead to a smelly and disgusting knife after field dressing.
 
Burdan said:
Like most people here, i like G10 for my Folders and Micarta for fixed blades.

hunting fixed blades are normally G10 or something similar. Micarta absorbs fluids which can lead to a smelly and disgusting knife after field dressing.
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How does Micarta absorb fluids? They're both solid blocks of plastic to all extent. They're both made under pressure and then cured.

Micarta and G-10 were developed for aerospace and high tech. Your TV, computers and cellphones are made from it, they don't absorb fluids. The specs are for entire sheets (linear feet), I wouldn't worry about use as knife scales.
 
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