paper or plastic?

[dogboye]

Oops... I mean paper or linen? Micarta, that is.

I mean, which is better, from a user's standpoint, not the maker? Although, if any knife makers want to chime in and mention which is better from the standpoint of working linen or paper micarta, I would love to hear that as well.

My question is from the perspective of a guy that is just starting to play around with ... Oh, I dunno, customizing?... fixed blades that I own. And the choice is between paper or linen micartas. Or G10, for that matter, I suppose. But, for now, thinking strictly micarta.

Thanks a lot for any info.

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"Absolute safety is for those who don't have the balls to live in the real world."

[This message has been edited by rockspyder (edited 01-25-2000).]

 

[Lynn Grififth Knives]

I like linen Micarta best out of the three. G10 is nice, but I would not recommend it for a first try. If you use paper based micarta, be very careful about heat. It will burn really easy when you work with it. Good luck, and feel free to e-mail me if I can help.

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Lynn Griffith-Knifemaker

BG-42 is now an option

griffithknives.com
GriffithKN@aol.com
Griffith Knives Forum

 

[Roger Gregory]

My limited experience on this is that I once owned a letter opener with paper micarta scales. Very nice but too smooth. I don't know whether a rougher surface can be left with the right grit.
The linen stuff I have experimented with, also putting a pair of scales on a fixed blade I have. I achieved a decent rough surface for a tactical knfe, doesn't feel like the knife would slip from my hand the way the polished paper micarta would.
Ready to be flamed by the micarta experts!

[This message has been edited by Roger Gregory (edited 01-24-2000).]

 

[Dr.Lathe]

I agree with Lynn and Roger.
I only like the paper Micarta in white! It produces a finish the doesn't trap dirt as easily as linen. For using knives, I prefer the Linen Micartas. They have a nice patern and provide plenty of grip. I dont like canvas Micarta on anything other than large combat style knives. To me, the large weave patern only looks good on large knives!
On all the G10 handled knives I make, I finish them with green scotchbrite. This reveals the patern, looks nicely finished and provides decent grip. I have never liked polished G10.

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[dogboye]

Thanks guys!

That is exactly the kind of information that I was looking for. Also, good info, Dr. Lathe, on the paper micarta finishing so it won't trap dirt as much.

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"Absolute safety is for those who don't have the balls to live in the real world."