What's the "grippiest" handle material?

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
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For you, what handle material has the best grip to it? With what kind of finish?
 
I haven't tried everything by a longshot, but I really like rough sanded micarta...it gets even grippier when wet (with water anyway). Kraton (when done right) is nice as well but wears down and is non renewable with age. When the micarts starts smoothing up, you just hit it with sand paper and go some more. I am sure you have a bunch more experience than I do in these matters, but you asked so I gave you my two cents.
 
For something different the interior part of some sheephorn get sticky when they get wet for another option.
 
Well, I'd say some rough G10 for the most part, although the grippiest knife I currently own is an epoxy coated cord wrap knife from RJ Martin. Fine knife, and darn grippy!
 
Spyderco G10 and also the Kershaw Trak Tek stuff on some of their models. It seems just like skateboard griptape.
 
Kraton without a doubt!

I don't really like Kraton very much, but nobody can say that it is'nt grippy.
 
I have an RRF that has DDR's Maxx Grip which is on the titanium framelck. The Maxx Grip stuff is awesome.
 
Spyderco's G10 is probably the gripiest stuff I own and Kabar's kraton is some of the best i've seen as far as kraton goes.
 
thanks for bringing up a good point...must be grippy both wet and dry...


Those that are saying G-10....do you mean with a bead-blasted finish?
 
I really like Spyderco's G10. I also really like strider's.

If you want the grippiest stuff, and in my opinion TOO grippy, use the sandpaper type stuff from the Kershaw Storm. It's too abrasive for me, but man, that'll take your skin off before you slip.

The Bump's titanium handles are very grippy for me.

I tend to see grippiness of the knife overall as more a product of ergonomics than scale material, although it does make noticeable improvements.
 
i went to a few knife shops today to see what was new, and saw something kinda interesting, it was a kershaw with a grip material on it that looked like it was an epoxy mixed with a very coarse sand, like skateboard grip-tape only tougher and rougher. i had to say i was impressed. other than that, my vote has to go to rough micarta. its one of my favorites. i have to say though, id would be very cool to see one of you makers to put something out similar to what that kershaw had.

cheers! - BK
 
For a folder, i prefer Spyderco's G-10...not sure if its bead blasted
For a fixed blade i prefer Resiprene C
 
Out of what I have used I prefer Spyderco's G-10 and it seems the grippiest of all my knives. Runner up it Kraton.
 
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