WH Evolution: G10 or Black Palm?

[Siege Perilous]

I'm trying to decide which model to get... The G10 is certainly more versatile but I really like wood inlays(a la CRK) on small folders. Does anyone here prefer the wood handled model or is G10 generally considered the way to go? TIA

-Siege

 

[knifenerd]

I have the SO5-G, the G10 model, and I'm very happy with it. I don't think you have to worry much with wood scales since these stabilized woods used today are really pretty "bullet-proof".

BTW, the Evolution series, with the leather slip case and integral clip makes a very attractive, easy to carry unit.

 

[UglyJim]

I will almost always choose organic materials over G-10 (I'm pretty much burnt out on the whole "tactical black" idea), but I would give serious consideration to the G-10 scales for the William Henry Evolution series. I purchased one of the Wharncliffe-bladed Evolution folders with lacewood scales a few months ago, and I've been less than thrilled with the appearance of the wood. Don't get me wrong; I think the knife is a dandy gent's folder (although not in the same league with William Henry's domestically assembled models)…it's just that the quality of wood used for the scales in my particular knife leaves something to be desired. The lacewood scales have a very unevenly distributed, irregular figure with a decidedly "splotchy" appearance (not at all like the finely-grained woods I've seen on other William Henry models); they also have a somewhat fibrous texture that looks almost artificial. Please note that I can only speak to the quality of the lacewood scales on my knife…I've heard nothing but positive comments about the Evolution models with black palm scales. It's a nicely designed little knife…I just wish that the scales were up to a par with the other WH blades I've handled. I don't know if the problems I've encountered are symptomatic of all of the wooden scales on the Evolution line., but I would expect more consistent results with synthetics like G-10. YMMV, of course .

Jim