Most attractive handle materials

[Ed45]

I realize this is taste specific but I noticed that many makers now offer a variety of scale materials. Thinking of FB's here primarily. Interested in what you all think is attractive while maintaining function. Thanks.

 

[psy-ops]

I love black G-10 on an FB particularly.
I also love OD paracord wrapped handle.

Sorry, they are not exotic hardwoods.

 

[Bumppo]

Antler in various finishes depending on the function the knife is designed for.

 

[Bob W]

My preference is wood. Traditional, functional, and attractive. Stacked leather and stag have also been used for hundreds of years as hunting knife handles.

Synthetics might be more functional, offering a higher level of durability and perhaps a better grip (thinking canvas micarta specifically). But the loss of aesthetics, military-wannabe connotations, and departure from hunting traditions are trade-offs.

In short, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' answer. Almost any material commonly used for knife making will be suitable for hunting tasks.

-Bob

 

[T.K.C.]

For FB's, I like natural materials as well; wood, stag, mammoth ivory. My main preference is for wood.

 

[jvan]

Imbuia root on Ivan Campos' HBS knives.

 

[sceva]

First choice thru fifth choice, In Order.

Stag, Stag, Ironwood, Other Woods, Micarta / G-10

 

[cutter17]

Ironwood and some of the figured maple woods. Stag, if it is sorta smooth, as I do not like the popcorn stag. The linen, and paper micarta's when polished.

 

[harm]

linen micarta [black,green,maroon],desert ironwood,lignum vitae,ivory,mammoth ivory,fossilised walrsus.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

I prefer Spydercos grippy G10 on folders, I like any grippy synthetic. On fixed blades though, I want wood. Exotic burls, like ironwood, amber etc. I want something that can take a beating too. I bought some ironwood scales at the Timonium knife show for my camp knife from Scott Gossman.