This question is mainly for Chris, but anyone that may know the answer, I'd love to hear it. My question is, why does the Fusion Salute, an affordable folder, have G10 handles, while higher end knives such as the Visionary and Vulcan have Zytel handles? I have always been under the impression that G10 is more commonly used on "higher" end knives versus Zytel. For example, I have a Night Vision which I absolutely love. When this particular knife was made, the retail price was the same as the Vision (with Ti handles) while the less expensive X-Ray Vision had Zytel handles. This seems to be the opposite of the current lineup where only one of the cheaper/less expensive folders has G10 handles. I just don't understand why that is. As a side note, I love G10 handles compared to Zytel handles. The G10 just seems more rigid and durable. Any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Question for Chris about new folder handles
- Thread starter dl351
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2006
- Messages
- 118
Maybe production cost for G10 fell? 
The cost of G-10 has come down since the days of the Night Vision. Another reason for the difference in cost is that the G-10 on the Salute is machined and the Zytel for knives like the Flash require a mold. The molds used are quite expensive and that adds to the cost.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
That's rather interesting. I am an engineering student right now and recently took a class about casting, and it seems that in the long run, casting is cheaper than machining. I am not questioning SOG's or your (Chris') intelligence. I can see how the molds for the Zytel cost a lot. It would be foolish to throw out those molds just because G10 is less expensive now. However, I have noticed more nameless cheap knife companies using black G10 on their knives, granted the fit and finish on them is not the best. Thanks for your replies, Chris.