Quality Folders with Micarta Handles

M

MatthewSB

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The majority of mid to high quality folding knives use G10 for handle material.

Who makes folders, with similar features (one hand opening, locks open, durable) and equal in quality to Spyderco/Benchmade/Emerson/ZT/etc., using micarta for a handle material?

I noticed that Boker Plus has several folders out now using green canvas micarta, and they look great, but I'm not sure of the quality as most are made in China. Country of origin isn't an automatic deal breaker for me. I prefer knives made in the US, Europe, or Japan, but I've been pleasantly surprised by Spyderco's Taiwanese knives lately.
 
It will cost you a bit more, but I'd reco a Chris Reeve Sebenza (small or large size) with micarta.
Normal "user" price here on the Exchange would be ~ $375 large, or $340 for a small. Grip and blade-lengths specs can easily be found on the Chris Reeve web-site.
"User" means some "snail-trails" which can be sand-blasted to new by Chris Reeve factory (Customer Service). For a $15 mailing fee, at the same time, they also will sharpen the blade and lube and adjust your knife for LIFE.
Nothing smoother than a Sebbie, IMO, of course.
Sonnydaze
Pics show a model 21 Sebenza large tanto blade, although several other blade-styles are available...with micarta or other materials.
http://s246.photobucket.com/user/Sonnytoo/library/CRK lge 21 Sebenza tanto
 
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I'm interested in this too. The Chris Reeve uses micarta as trim. Any knives that use micarta more extensively?
 
I really wish more companies would use it.
I much prefer it over G10.
 
Ken44 said:
I really wish more companies would use it.
I much prefer it over G10.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I like micarta as well. I'd heard Enlan made good budget folders on par with Kershaw's budget line and the Byrd stuff, but I never cared enough to try one...until I saw one with micarta then I placed the order.
 
You could always get an aftermarket upgrade to micarta...
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Sonnydaze said:
It will cost you a bit more, but I'd reco a Chris Reeve Sebenza (small or large size) with micarta.
Normal "user" price here on the Exchange would be ~ $375 large, or $340 for a small. Grip and blade-lengths specs can easily be found on the Chris Reeve web-site.
"User" means some "snail-trails" which can be sand-blasted to new by Chris Reeve factory (Customer Service). For a $15 mailing fee, at the same time, they also will sharpen the blade and lube and adjust your knife for LIFE.
Nothing smoother than a Sebbie, IMO, of course.
Sonnydaze
Pics show a model 21 Sebenza large tanto blade, although several other blade-styles are available...with micarta or other materials.
http://s246.photobucket.com/user/Sonnytoo/library/CRK lge 21 Sebenza tanto
Click to expand...

I have a large sebenza tanto with micarta inlays on its way to me. I can't wait.
 
You could go crazy and get a Rockstead Higo with Micarta handles but... that's a tad pricey...

Love my sebenza with micarta inlays but I'd be partial to getting a Spyderco modded in the aftermarket if you want full handle micarta
 
Grease said:
+1

Benchmades & Spydercos both have a lot of custom handle makers, many of whom work with micarta.
Click to expand...

But both have questionable warranty practices when it comes to routine maintenance, much less modifications.

Besides, by the time I bought a knife, then custom scales, the price of a Sebenza isn't much more, and it has factory support.
 
MatthewSB said:
But both have questionable warranty practices when it comes to routine maintenance, much less modifications.

Besides, by the time I bought a knife, then custom scales, the price of a Sebenza isn't much more, and it has factory support.
Click to expand...

Thats about how I feel on both points.
You wind up with to much money in one if you have to pay to have micarta scales added on. If they offered them from the factory they would be no higher in price than the G10 models, and the warranty would remain intact.

Spyderco did offer a few models in Micarta years ago, but I haven't seen them put any out in a while.

Its a mystery to me as to why production knives don't use it, but many custom makers do. I only have two custom knife that aren't micarta.
 
I believe the new SOG Kiku folders use micarta. They've got the price to match BM, but there hasn't been a lot of press about them or their quality...
 
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