Terro-Tuff stronger than Micarta?

R

Ross99

Joined
May 31, 2011
Messages
341
I'm using Terro-Tuf and like it so far. However I can't seem to find the website that mentioned how tough this material is. Terro-Tuf was rated as stronger than Micarta or G10. If anyone could post a link it would very much appreciated.


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Custom machetes
http://akiblades.com
 
Last edited:
Not sure how "tuf" it is, but I can tell you the things I like about it.

Easy to work- much easier to finish and cut

Looks awesome- looks really cool on big blades with flared handle tubes

Cost- depending on the colors, its not that expensive.
 
If it's stronger than Micarta why wouldn't you consider using it? 440C is a good steel, but I like to use "upgraded" materials, thus I use ATS and S35VN. Terro-Tuf has many good characteristics besides strength. I see it as a possible upgrade for working knives.


__________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________


Custom machetes
http://akiblades.com
 
Last edited:
Use what you want, but there's a big difference between upgraded performance of steels, which directly affect the function of the knife (i.e. cutting, etc.), and something that may add "X" amount more durable than something that's already 100x more durable than necessary for the application.


Not saying it's a negative, especially if you find other advantages to the material, but I'll personally never understand some of you guys fascination with perceived indestructibility. No matter what you use, I'm pretty sure it's not going to survive a direct nuclear strike, so as long as it's enough to survive reasonable use, or even heavy abuse (that's what we're talking about here right?), which micarta and G10 undoubtedly are, I don't see the justification, at-least not based on "toughness". To each their own though! Not trying to piss on your parade.


Cheers.
 
I have not heard of Terro -tuff. Can you tell me where you find this material? I would like to try it on one of my knives. Thank you. Larry Lehman
 
Something new is not necessarily good nor is something old necessarily bad. Learning about something can often help you to find a place where it works best. Frank
 
More importantly, what is the grip like? Is it similar to micarta? Does it stay tactile when wet? Also how's the weight, is it lighter than micarta or G10?
I've seen it for sale on usaknifemaker but haven't tried it.
 
FullyTorque said:
More importantly, what is the grip like? Is it similar to micarta? Does it stay tactile when wet? Also how's the weight, is it lighter than micarta or G10?
I've seen it for sale on usaknifemaker but haven't tried it.
Click to expand...

It's very grippy. I find it better than canvas micarta in that department, even when wet. And I do believe it's lighter than G10.

I've hard a few makers complain about the way it finishes (Big Chris, Guy Seiferd) as it does not take a high polish well from what I understand and can easily look dirty.
 
I worked with a couple of pieces of Tero-Tuf and wasn't impressed. It seemed a *lot* softer and more scratch prone than quality phenolic resin Micarta - which makes sense because Tero-Tuf is based on polyester resin. On the up-side, it comes in a wider variety of colors than standard Micarta.

TedP
 
Tero-Tuff does not produce irritating fumes when worked. Polyester based it is very safe to grind.
 
javand said:
Use what you want, but there's a big difference between upgraded performance of steels, which directly affect the function of the knife (i.e. cutting, etc.), and something that may add "X" amount more durable than something that's already 100x more durable than necessary for the application.
Click to expand...

100x, really? Let's keep this real. Handle performance is just as important as blade configuration. Advancements here are welcomed.

javand said:
I'll personally never understand some of you guys fascination with perceived indestructibility..
Click to expand...

Most of my blades are made from 1/16" stock. Certainly not built "with perceived indestructibility". Tero-Tuf is just a "free" up grade. increased performance with no real drawbacks.

As a new and cool material, it compares well with Micarta and G10. How tough is it? Tougher than either of these two well known products. Now whats wrong with that?

Some people like 1/4” thick blades for strength, but 3/16” is quite strong. That does not invalidate the selection of a 1/4” thick blade. Tero-Tuf could be the 1/4" equivilent to Micarta and G10. It also comes in pretty colors.


____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Custom Machetes
http://akiblades.com
 
Last edited:
Wow that escalated quickly.

If you apply some mineral oil to the terrorists tuf. You won't get the dirty look.
 
LOL whatever man. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

In my opinion, if you cause significant damage to a g10 or micarta handle, it's not from using a knife as a knife. Under absolutely no real world scenarios can you wear one of those handles out, using a knife as a knife. Torture testing? Using a knife handle as a splitting wedge? Sure, anything can be destroyed on purpose. I also question what good it does the community (education of consumers), proliferating questionable and vague "toughness" values, without some independent data. Whatever link you're searching for about it, I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's probably sanctioned by the manufacturer, and subsequently suspect. *shrug*

I also disagree that there's ever a situation where a normal sized knife (i.e. not a sword or large chopper, etc) benefits from having a 1/4" thick blade. Atleast not toward performing the tasks knives are designed for. For a sharpened crowbar? Sure.



As I said though, to each their own. It's not personal, can you handle a dissenting opinion? Let's hope so. You don't have to agree, but it's an open forum, I'm entitled to my opinion as much as you are.
 
chavez556 said:
If you apply some mineral oil to the terrorists tuf.
Click to expand...

LOL. Dan Keffeler swears by it.

Pretty tough stuff. But it's subjective to users.

Uncle Bill of Himalayan Imports once said : It's the blade,gents. Take good care of it. It has many pants (handles) but only one body.
 
You are right, we are both entitled to are own opinions. I think you may be right about misleading people with the current thread title. Perhaps it should have been “How tough is Terotuf?”.


I would point out that I never stated any “toughness values” nor did I say that I liked 1/4” stock.

We trust the manufacturers data sheets for steel. Why would I not trust CIP?
 
If it's objective test data then it may be trustworthy. Usually, "performance" data when compared to a competitive product by the manufacturer of the new product, I consider suspect regardless. It's too easy, in any product type, to skew tests in favor of the results you're seeking.


I guess if we find the data, we can have a discussion on whether we think it has merit based on the specifics. I'm wondering though about the above mentioned scratch resistance and such though? What characteristic of durability are we defining as "toughness" here?

I kind of like the aesthetic of this stuff, but if it takes and shows scratches much easier than micarta or g10, that would be a factor. Not that I use any of these three materials often.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top