Ordering TGLB, Handle Question...

KLJTech

KLJTech

Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
1,180
This will be my first Busse and I really like the deep, even color of the Black Paper Micarta. I've never owned a knife with this type of handle material and wondered if there is a reason why I would be better off with another choice in black?

Does the Tanker Gray look gray in person? If so, I'd think the Tanker Gray with a Black handle would look sharp (no pun intended)...as would several other combinations actually.
 
I find the paper smooth compared to the canvas. Depending on the texturing of the handle and your personal preferences this may not be an issue for you at all
 
Black Canvas Micarta will be tougher than Black Paper Micarta, while Black G-10 is even tougher than Black Canvas Micarta. The only downside to G-10 is that it is more dense and does add some weight over micarta handles, which also tends to change the balance of the knife towards being more handle heavy.

Honesly, I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the choices in materials but some are better suited to certain applications then others. Micarta will absord fluids in the outer layers of the handle, which can be a problem if it freezes or is loaded with bacteria to get you sick. G-10 doesn't really absord fluids so it has the advantage there, but it also tends to feel more synthetic/plasticy than micarta.

All in all, I tend to choose Black Canvas Micarta as default when I have the choice. For certain blades/applications though I also like Black Paper and Black G-10, so I'm not sure if this really helps.
 
Aside from the old school Snake Skin and Green Linen which I love, Black Canvas has become my favorite. I have a lot of G10, Black Paper, and Micarta Busse's, and I find the Micarta the most comfortable.
 
Does the Black Canvas look pretty much as deep black as the paper Micarta? See, I'm only going by pics I see online...maybe in person they both look very black in which case I want to go with the one that is more rugged yet doesn't affect the intended weight balance of the knife. I have a ton of G10 on folders and zero Micarta...so that's how I'd like to go with my first Busse.

I appreciate the information...any advice is extremely welcome.
Thank you.
 
Even though black canvas micarta appears more grey than black paper, with use, oil, or with RIT dye...it will darken.
 
I should have said, "unless" G10 is the way to go...once again, I don't own any Micarta...no experience with it at all. Just thought the black paper looked very nice.
 
Black Canvas Micarta is made using a phenolic resin and canvas material as a substrate. The canvas material makes it appear lighter and the canvas material is visible within the phenolic resin. Black Paper Micarta is made the same way, but using actual paper as a substrate material instead of canvas.

Black Paper Micarta is not as strong as Canvas Micarta, and it will chip if it takes a heavy enough blow. If you want looks, then Black Paper is probably for you. But if you want durability in a user, then I would go for Canvas Micarta.
 
Canvas it is then...is Canvas Micarta fairly similar to G10 in terms of strength in this application?
 
Which material is this handle scale made of?...or is it difficult to tell from this pic?
It's from their website as your picking out your choices. If that's their G-10 it looks pretty sweet as well.

Busse Team Gemini Light Brigade.jpg
 
Black canvas micarta would be my preference. It really shows its beauty when its damp/sweaty/oily from use. Busse's black canvas is kind of a chameleon and I love that. BRKT's micarta for example doesn't change as much. You cannot go wrong with G-10 either, btw. But most of my busse's are black canvas.
 
That picture looks like tanker grey and black paper to me. Definitely not black canvas.
 
The black canvas looks more dark green, the black paper and g10 are both true black.

Here is my tanker grey with black g10
IMG_0132_zpsca858093.jpg


and here is a black canvas tanker grey original team gemini that I sold.
DSC01403_zpsb1b88b38.jpg


and here they are together
DSC05680_zpsb7116037.jpg


I like both canvas and g10, the g10 is easier to clean blood off though. Canvas can absorb it and is a bit harder to wash it out of. They are both very tough.
 
I REALLY like the black G10 and the Tanker Gray...that's the combo I was shooting for with the Tanker Gray and black paper but if G10 is going to hold up better then I'll do the G10.

I didn't think that I had any Micarta but I have a couple old Justin Gingrich Ranger knives (RD9 and RD7) and both of those have black Micarta...forgot about those...I'm looking for a deeper/truer black than the black ones that came on those.
 
yep the black g10 is some tougher than paper micarta so thats what I would go with if thats the color you want. Not that I have ever had a actual problem with any micarta breaking unless I had done something stupid to it, mainly thined out some 1911 grips to much once. Other than that its real tough stuff all the way around.
 
Hey guys, thanks SO much for the advice and the pics, it was a huge help and I really appreciate it.
 
I really like the Tanker with Black G-10 combo, they compliment each other perfectly for a tough looking knife :thumbup:
 
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