Micarta

[Tristan_Bantam]

I have a few questions about micarta. First of all, can anyone tell me what it is? I know it's some form of synthetic material, but that's all. What is its properties? Is it strong, easy to work with, resistant to heat, etc.? Lastly, where (online) can I buy micarta? Should I consider different forms (round or square bars, etc.)?

Hope you can help.

 

[Mike Hull]

Micarta is a phenolic resin material, made up, depending on type, of either layers of canvas like material, linen, or paper pulp. All this is heated and compressed at the same time to the size of the finished sheet, block or whatever.
You can buy Micarta from any knifemakers supply store, or there is a place or two specializing in Micarta only.

It would kind of depend on the sizes you need as to where you will find it.

It is highly toxic when ground, giving off phenol, and formaldehyde gasses. These same substances can also absorb through the skin if you leave the dust on you long enough.

You will need a respirator with cartridges good for organic vapors, AND formaldehyde.

 

[Mike Hull]

I guess I didn't really answer your question.
Yes Micarta is strong. It is easy to work, and is resistant to most chemicals that I know of.
It will withstand heat up to a point, but I'm not sure what it is.

http://www.oehha.ca.gov/air/chronic_rels/pdf/108952.pdf

http://216.218.203.171/index.html

http://www.knifeandgun.com/

http://www.kovalknives.com/

http://www.sheffieldsupply.com/

Any of these places should have Micarta.

 

[etp777]

As an aside, it also is a good electrical insulator. This is what Westinghouse ooriginally invented micarta for.