Micarta

D

DOC-CANADA

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Apr 14, 2006
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Can anybody tell me the differences between linen and canvas micarta, which they prefer, and why?

I didn't find much on Google.

Thanks,

Doc
 
as far as i can tell, linen is like sheet material, a finer cloth. canvas is...canvas.

from what i know, it really just boils down to the appearance...linen is smoother than canvas.

my only experience is with canvas micarta, so i can't help you with preference.
 
linen micarta is generally used on smoother shinier fancier knives, where canvas has a duller appearance and is grippier and used on working/tactical knives.
 
Linen can have somewhat more intricate patterns, somewhat smoother feel, and is a little more "luxurious". Canvas is a little more durable, can be a little more textured for slightly better grip, and is perhaps not quite as pretty.
 
The difference is pretty much in the texturing of the exposed surface. Linen will be smoother and canvas will be rougher. Don't forget there is also paper micarta.
 
I make micarta sometimes, it's basically cloth sandwiched together by figerglass resin. Linen micarta is linen cloth and canvas micarta is canvas cloth. I prefer linen, canvas micarta doesn't have as good a grain and has an ugly checkered surface. I doubt you'll be able to ruin either but canvas does have a very slightly better grip.
 
Yeah, like 3wolves, I've just read a bunch of posts from makers, making their own micarta with bondo and jeans among other things, pretty cool stuff, Check out the makers forum:thumbup:

On a side note ...I just bought some canvas micarta,(waiting for it to ship), and I bought it cuz it looked grainier/grippier, than I read how some knife makers, bought some, and commented how they'll never buy store bought micarta again, so I'm very curious also...
 
Both canvas and linen provide a good grip depending on how far they are finished. Canvas provides a slighty rougher texture. Linen looks better. Some makers/companies finish to a high gloss. I finish mine only to 80 grit. I found this results in a much better grip when your hands are wet.
Scott
 
The grippiness is more related to how smooth you take it IMO. Dan Koster sandblasts his mikarta. Grippy as hell regardless of whether its canvas or linen. Bark rivers are polished with a wheel. Both kinds are nice and shiney.
 
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