Waki G10 vs Waki Micarta

I own both the micarta and G-10 versions. To me the micarta feels better in my hands. I like the grip. The G-10 offers cooler color schemes and gives a better looking appearance to the waki but if I pull one out from my safe to take in the woods it will be the micarta handled variant.
 
Yeah I like the look of the G10 a lot better but I've always been a function over aesthetics kinda guy. I'm going to stick with the micarta I think, I found a good pic of a muddy/tan waki (actually someone found it for me) and I liked it very much.
 
I have both and prefer the G10. With mine there were differences in the handle area. The G10 had a larger guard (for want of a better name, in a katana this would be referred to as the tsuba area of the blade) and the handle was distinctly thicker (so much so that different sheaths were needed for each, that is the G10 will not go into the micarta waki sheath). I could also feel a more balanced performance from the G10 blade when used with one hand. They are both great but overall I prefer the G10 with the thicker grip.
 
I have never sent a picture. I am technologically challenged. You would need to tell me how to send a picture as a basic member.
 
I've just been comparing and playing with the two side by side. Perhaps there is no difference in the steel. Perhaps the reason my hand locks in better in the G10 guard has more to do with the extra thickness and shaping of the G10 material. I haven't got calipers to measure if a difference exists in the steel and it is hard to see any difference by sight but the difference is apparent in feel.
 
Micarta Micarta Micarta it has more grip and comfort than G-10. It is my preference on a blade like this.

G-10 may be prettier and stronger but Micarta is super strong stuff as well, it is by far much much more than good enough for the grips, and is not going to break anytime soon even if you try.
 
Ok I just read on the Spyderco forums that Micarta likes to shrink and expand with the environment depending on whether it is hot, humid, cool dry etc...

I don't see this as a problem with the type of grips the Waki uses or most fixed blade grips.

It may be a problem on pure Micarta handled locking folders though.

I still love the rough cloth like Micarta used in the Busse family and would rather have it over G-10. Although G-10 can be made grippy it still feels more like a plastic to me and is still more slippery than Micarta unless the G-10 is made to feel like sandpaper.
 
That's sort of the same thought process I'm following as well. I spoke with Eric and he's assured me that the G10 is grippy and I do not doubt it. I have also spoken with several people who have the G10 waki and they all said the same thing.

However I do tend to think I like the FEEL of micarta better (but the G10 looks way better imo).
 
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