Opinion on handle materials

[Kalibr906]

My name is moving up the list so I better make sure I'm ready when John contacts me for final design approval. My current design is kephart blade with a Mud Turtle handle, blue liners with maple burl and all solid silver color pins. To me it sounds perfect but there is one other option I am still considering.

Besides JKs craftsmanship there were two things that really drew me to these knives. That was the beauty of O1 steel and the tan micarta he uses. So the question, and I'm pretty sure there is no wrong answer, is what are your opinions on handle materials.

The micarta looks great and it's extremely functional as well as durable. Wood is timeless and is arguably even more attractive. The wood is classic and I thought with a kephart design it really works well. I plan on using this knife and having it with me frequently. Should I have any concern about the maintaining the wood? Is the burl any more/less durable?

As I said earlier I'm sure either choice would result in an outstanding knife but I thought I'd ask some opinions before making my final decision.

 

[JK Knives]

I'm a huge fan of micarta, it doesn't have the beauty of wood, but is more durable and easier to maintain.

 

[1066vik]

burl is gorgeous.
if it's stabilized burl, it's plenty durable.
if it's not stabilized, then burl can be more prone to chipping/cracking under heavy use.

John - have you ever made handles with micarta cut "sideways"?
i.e. taking a thick piece and slabbing it against the grain instead of with the grain.

 

[zombieassassin]

Micarta fan here

 

[Kalibr906]

It was the Worker picture thread that really got me thinking about the micarta. It seems like that might be my best option for a true working knife.

 

[Wowbagger]

My standard answer : One of each.
Then you can decide which you prefer.

 

[mykel m]

I'm a huge fan of micarta, it doesn't have the beauty of wood, but is more durable and easier to maintain.

Yup, wood is pretty, but micarta is way tougher.

burl is gorgeous.
if it's stabilized burl, it's plenty durable.
if it's not stabilized, then burl can be more prone to chipping/cracking under heavy use.

John - have you ever made handles with micarta cut "sideways"?
i.e. taking a thick piece and slabbing it against the grain instead of with the grain.

I don't trust any burl not to crack at some point, including "stabilized".
I don't believe there is any way the resign can penetrate all the different densities of wood found in burls during the stabilization process.(even under a vacuum)
I had a FBF I had to send back to Andy because of cracking and it was stabilized.
All he did was fill the cracks with super glue and sand it smooth again.
I also had a Muscrat Man Muk that cracked and I did the super glue trick on it.
It works to fix cracks, but one shouldn't need to in the first place so I stay away from burls anymore.

You asked about cutting micarta against the grain. I had a Wohlwend with a brown micarta handle that was cut against the grain and it was beautiful IMO. It looked a lot like wood grain.
Wish I still had a picture of it.

It was the Worker picture thread that really got me thinking about the micarta. It seems like that might be my best option for a true working knife.

Yes sir, it's hard to beat micarta for durability.

 

[Kalibr906]

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts. It looks like micarta is the winner. You can't beat the toughness plus I enjoy the look so no reason not to go with it.

 

[YoungCurmudgeon]

Please allow me this indulgence of a different take on the conversation.

Micarta, G10, composite stocks on rifles, etc. are like fake boobs. Man made facsimiles of the "real deal". I get it, they are functional, can be created identical over and over, are good for hard use, and in the dark can feel really good in the hand.
But for me nothing is better than natural. There is beauty in the uniqueness of each one. Sure there can be flaws and imperfections and over time they can warp or change dimensions. But they have character and beauty and a feel that no synthetic can duplicate.

 

[rdrogers]

Please allow me this indulgence of a different take on the conversation.

Micarta, G10, composite stocks on rifles, etc. are like fake boobs. Man made facsimiles of the "real deal". I get it, they are functional, can be created identical over and over, are good for hard use, and in the dark can feel really good in the hand.
But for me nothing is better than natural. There is beauty in the uniqueness of each one. Sure there can be flaws and imperfections and over time they can warp or change dimensions. But they have character and beauty and a feel that no synthetic can duplicate.

LOL. Well said.
I don't mind micarta and such with stainless, but like to have natural materials with carbon blades.

 

[Sturubu]

Ha! YC, I like your perspective! I am one of those stubborn people that enjoy the aesthetics of wood, too. Flaws, irregularities, and damage are a part of the package when considering that each piece of natural material is 100% unique. However, I do also see the beauty in micarta as the same can be said; I can't think of any two micarta handles that are exactly alike, especially with the home made stuff.

 

[KYenglish]

I also prefer wood, but I do appreciate micarta, it's a hardy pretty material in its own way and durable. Wood takes more care relatively, but I just like the older style and look more.