My EDC fixed blade has an M390 blade with canvas micarta handles permanently attached. I don't care how it looks, it gets carried and used daily just North of the Everglades. To say that it gets sweated on would be an understatement. I wash it weekly. Fresh out of the sink (hot water with Dawn) it looks greyish and clean. After a day in my waistband it looks dark and feels oily to the touch. I was reading about Micarta and found several posts on bladeforums, as well as recommendations from knife manufacturers, where users were urged to coat micarta handles with mineral oil. Several mentioned that without proper care the micarta would "dry out".
I've been using Micarta handles for 20 years and have never deliberately oiled them. None have fallen apart or degraded or suffered any other negative consequences. It is my understanding that the exposed fibers are just the very surface of the cloth substrate and that the rest is encased in epoxy that is pretty much everything-proof.
I believe that keeping my knife handles clean kills bacteria that grows in the body oils absorbed by the fibers on the surface of the micarta. I cook and cut my dinner with this knife.
Am I missing something here?
I've been using Micarta handles for 20 years and have never deliberately oiled them. None have fallen apart or degraded or suffered any other negative consequences. It is my understanding that the exposed fibers are just the very surface of the cloth substrate and that the rest is encased in epoxy that is pretty much everything-proof.
I believe that keeping my knife handles clean kills bacteria that grows in the body oils absorbed by the fibers on the surface of the micarta. I cook and cut my dinner with this knife.
Am I missing something here?
