Another point toward micarta vs G10, regarding durability: I had a Busse Battle Mistress drop handle first onto a rock (maybe 3 feet) when I sunk it into the edge of a stump and it fell off a minute later. A chunk of the G10 chipped out, which was about the size of two peas side by side. Didn't really think much of it at the time, because I was planning on having a custom handle made. Short term, I smoothed the edges of the damaged area with some 1200g sandpaper.
Years later, I was loading my bag into the back of my vehicle and my Wenger Wolverine slipped out of my bag (didn't zip it all the way) handle first onto the concrete. I was holding my bag at chest height to stack on top of some stuff, so it might have fallen about 5 feet. The micarta just got a couple tiny dimples, I'm assuming from small rocks, a couple deep scratches and some rash. I smoothed it out just a little with some 1200g paper, rubbed some mineral oil on it and moved on. Can hardly tell. They both landed on the corner of the pommel.
Both knives were constructed of high quality material and are big, heavy, 10" choppers. My unscientific, one off experience is that G10, as far as impact resistance, is a little more brittle than Micarta. Both took hard knocks and demonstrated impressive durability, but I think Micarta has the edge in most uses with being lighter, tougher and with more aggressive grip, both dry and wet. I think G10 looks pretty cool when multi colored and is a smarter choice for a knife you want to keep sanitary, like on a skinner or kitchen knife.
Years later, I was loading my bag into the back of my vehicle and my Wenger Wolverine slipped out of my bag (didn't zip it all the way) handle first onto the concrete. I was holding my bag at chest height to stack on top of some stuff, so it might have fallen about 5 feet. The micarta just got a couple tiny dimples, I'm assuming from small rocks, a couple deep scratches and some rash. I smoothed it out just a little with some 1200g paper, rubbed some mineral oil on it and moved on. Can hardly tell. They both landed on the corner of the pommel.
Both knives were constructed of high quality material and are big, heavy, 10" choppers. My unscientific, one off experience is that G10, as far as impact resistance, is a little more brittle than Micarta. Both took hard knocks and demonstrated impressive durability, but I think Micarta has the edge in most uses with being lighter, tougher and with more aggressive grip, both dry and wet. I think G10 looks pretty cool when multi colored and is a smarter choice for a knife you want to keep sanitary, like on a skinner or kitchen knife.
Last edited:
