What is micarta?

[Biff Spurlock]

I hope this doesn't fall under the category of "stupid questions," but I'd like to know what micarta actually is. I've seen it in pictures, heard that it's a really good material for handles and scales, it's expensive, etc., but since I don't have any micarta-handled implements, I'm confused

. Any (hopefully meaningful) comments appreciated.

Thanx,
Biff

 

[Normark]

Hey Biff...

No questions is a Stupid question... Well maybe some are,,but yours is not..

Micarta is a resin based plastic that is layered together with different types of material.

Some use cotton linen, other use canvas,, others are made with paper.

It's just layers and layers of a number of different materials laminated together.
Some times there are different colors giving a nice effect when ground filed or polished...
Much like fiberglass layered together..

Hope this helps...

ttyle Eric...

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Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel
Custom made, High Quality
Concealex Sheaths and Tool Holsters
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[Jake Evans]

Hi Biff, here goes, Micarta was originally manufactured as an electrical insulation material. It started getting common usage as tool and knife handles because it has great wearability. After that it was produced in different colors to be more appealing. It is comprised of layers of things like paper, linen and canvas, combined with some sort of phenolic resin, heat and compression to produce the end product. It's tough stuff and fairly good looking. That answer your question?

Jake

 

[clip point]

Biff-

Hope this answers your question, although by the time I finish typing this, I'm sure another forumite will have beaten me to it.

Micarta is comprised of layers of fibrous cloth and epoxy resin. Layered and hardened, it's pretty strong stuff for it's weight. Micarta is also a registered trademark of Westinghouse, I believe. Check out the glossary of terms at http://www.agrussell.com I've had a lot of my own "stupid" questions answered there.

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