Para wrapped or micarta handle?

Gunner · Oct 18, 1999

Hey all I am considering buying a Livesay NRGS with either a para handle or micarta handle. Which is more comfy? Please help me out. Thanks.

not2sharp · Oct 18, 1999

Go with the micarta handle. The cord wraps are the simplest and least comfortable of all handle treatments.

Chiro75 · Oct 18, 1999

I disagree. A nicely wrapped cord handle is much more comfortable than a poorly made micarta handle. Look at <a href = "http://www.ilhawaii.net/~knives">Ross Aki's website</a> for some pics of nice cord-wrapped handles. Also see <a href = "http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/aki.html">my review</a> of one of Ross' cord-wrapped machetes. Incredibly comfy!
That said, the cord wrap that Ross uses is a lot different from Newt's. Part of me says that is the knife will be seeing a lot of use, to go with Micarta, which probably will be more comfy on a knife of that size. On the other hand, the cord wrap can be removed if you need the knife to be reconditioned by Newt, which is a nice thing, too. I think if the money wasn't an option I'd go with Micarta on that knife, but I wanted to make a point that some cord-wrapped handles are incredible!

------------------
My Custom Kydex Sheath page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/knifehome.html
Palmer College of Chiropractic
On Two Wheels
agocs_s@dd.palmer.edu
Madpoet (Mel Sorg, Jr.) Tribute page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/madpoet/main.html

Ben E Hana · Oct 18, 1999

The micarta is pretty nice on the nrgs- thin
but comfy.If you plan on using it for utility and getting it messy go for the micarta.I use mine everyday to cut up fruit and veggies for my office iguana.The cord wrap would get too messy.I also have the cord wrap model and it is well done and comfortable.You better get both.
troy

James Mattis · Oct 18, 1999

Paracord wrap for a non slip combat sort of grip that you'll never get the blood out of without replacing it, God forbid.

Micarta for a utilitarian knife handle that you can clean up when it gets dirty - ideal for cutting up edible stuff.

------------------
- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001

jacko · Oct 19, 1999

I would definitely go with the para wrap, James is right! It's my choice also.

------------------
"ALWAYS WATCH YOUR SIX"

[This message has been edited by jacko (edited 19 October 1999).]

Snickersnee · Oct 19, 1999

I don't know, paracord gets awfuly gross awfuly quick...

Well, if you use it anyway.

not2sharp · Oct 20, 1999

Chiro,

Nice knife review (pound pup and all).

IMHO Micarta is still the material to beat. But, I'll accept that you can build a good working cord wrap handle with plenty of eye appeal. After all, most traditional Japanese swords and knives did use some form of wraped handle. The limitations, at least on the examples I have picked up are:

1) The cord is more likely to work itself loose (than other handle materials). You need to be prepared to deal with this.
2) Depending on the type of cord used the feel at least to my hands can be either slippery (usually with paracord), or abrasive (with a rough braded cord)
3) The cord tends to absorb or pick up foreign materials. You need to make sure that the tang is well protected under the cord or it will rust.
4) You are limited with respect to the handle width by the width of the Tang and the diameter of the cord. Some of these knives have very small hilts.
5) Most cords have a very low melting point, so watch were you stand. I remember one fellow camper who decided set up a folding beach chair and take a nap just a little too close to our camp fire (canoe camping what else?) Over the course of the next hour we watch in amazement as the chair straps slowly streched and gently deposited our clueless napper on the ground. (we still give him $hit, wish we had it on video

)

Just my $0.02

Hansen · Oct 20, 1999

Micarta is better, for sure.

Lynn Grififth Knives · Oct 20, 1999

I would personally take the micarta.

------------------
Lynn GriffithMy website
GriffithKN@aol.com

JoHnYKwSt · Oct 20, 1999

Paracord wrapped handles--I can't think of a worse handle material. I guess it's pretty good if you wash your hands before using your knife every time. Other than that, it gets very dirty (perfect bacterial habitat), it holds moisture--rusting the handle, it may be more comfy, but is it really more secure?

Micarta on the other hand is a great handle material.

------------------
Johnny
[]xxxxxxx]=============>

DC · Oct 20, 1999

Micarta..
Can be good looking, is tough, can be quite comfy, is durable.

Para-cord...can be good looking, can be comfy, is not tough, is not durable...you'll spend lots of time replacing it throughout knifelife.

Go with the micarta

Marcus · Oct 20, 1999

I like the feel of a good paracord wrap but they do have a lot of disadvantages. They do tend to be a little thin in cross section. I have a Crisswell custom that has para cord wrapped "Strider fashion" over G10 slabs that`s very comfy. I suppose a similar approach would work on most anything. Overall though I tend to favor linen or canvas micarta. Para cord just gets "icky" too fast. This became really apparent when preparing some food with my Crisswell in the field where I couldn`t wash my hands all the time. So if you`re gonna really use it I`d go with the micarta. Marcus