Micarta?

T

TEXASTACTICAL

Joined
Dec 23, 2002
Messages
93
I recently purchased a knife that has linen micarta handles. They are constantly lightening and darkening with moisture content. Is this normal? What is your opinion on this handle material?
 
Huh, can't say I've noticed that before with mine. Then again I've never had it really wet either. My only knife with Micarta handles is my dozier (pictured left) and I love it. I've handled a number of other knives in Micarta and I'm really fond of it as a handle material. Never cared much for G10, but the smoothness of Micarta, and the textured look....I just like the stuff!!!
 
i know what u mean about the darkness fluctuating with moisture/hand contact.. that's normal, even with black micarta. i've never had a problem with micarta handles, they're pretty much impervious to weather & moisture. I think it's the best of both worlds - the grain look of wood with the durability & wear resistance of a polymer.. micarta gets 2 thumbs up.. way up!
 
I really like Micarta, great material.
The lightness of FRN/Zytel, the smoothness of SS and most of the toughness of G10, plus it's extremly elegant.

Not noticed any colour changes, although all but one of my micarta handles is "black", so it may not be showing up well.
 
yes, I noticed the same thing on a camillus cqb with beadblasted olive green linen/paper micarta handles. It must mean that the top layer is not completely waterproof, as it takes awhile to "dry" or change back into the lighter shade.

what say the busse knife owners?
 
Micarta darkens with either moisture (temporarily) or oil (from skin contact or applied). It is completely unaffected by both. To return the micarta to like new appearence, simply scrub it with dish soap and hot water.
 
Ususally the color change happens with bead blasted Micarta. Doesn't really happen to any noticable degree with a high polished handle.

I use Renaissance Wax on my Micarta handles. Works great, evens out the color and protects it as well. WD-40 really makes Micarta look nice too.

P.S. It stinks to high heaven! It's the formaldihide, whew, ventialtion is the key.

Click here to see my handmade knives...
 
The handle on my 556 d2 mini grip which is made out of noryl has a real funky smell to it. It came with the funky smell.... I think the smell maybe be a plastic type smell, i could be wrong though. :D
 
What exactly are you asking?
I generally oil the handles so they get dark and don't go back.
Okay, they might go back a little, but not to their original color.
 
Originally posted by spyken
yes, I noticed the same thing on a camillus cqb with beadblasted olive green linen/paper micarta handles. It must mean that the top layer is not completely waterproof, as it takes awhile to "dry" or change back into the lighter shade.

what say the busse knife owners?
Click to expand...

I have a Steel Heart that gets used constantly and the micarta has darkened with use and time. It's gotten a little smoother also which has improved it's feel considerably. Even when I clean the scales they no longer return to the light gray color they were when they were new. I compare it to my unused Steel Heart and the used one is always darker.
I kind of like that worn in look and feel.
Top row second from right. (edited for smaller picture)

ehandlestagger.jpg
 
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