Which is lighter, G-10 or Micarta?

hoopster

hoopster

Joined
Jan 12, 2007
Messages
4,186
Just what the title says, a quick search didn't answer the question for me. Anyone know for sure which is lighter on average?
Thanks!
 
Well, since they are very similar materials (G10 is fiberglass+resin and Micarta is linen+resin), I would think that they are very similar in weight. Since the linen/paper in micarta can theoretically "absorb" more resin than G10 glass fibers on a microscopic scale, it will depend on the density of the binder. If the glass fibers are denser than the fabric fibers then the G10 is heavier. Thats just a guess tho.

EDIT - Ok, according to this chart of high pressure laminates -

http://k-mac-plastics.com/data sheets/phenolic-technical-data.htm

The specific gravity of G10 is 1.82 and Linen micarta is 1.34, therefore G10 is heavier than micarta - if I'm reading it right.:confused:
 
Last edited:
Sounds like it might vary by batch and material such as linen micarta or burlap micarta. It does seem though that glass is denser than most fabrics.
 
G10 seems to be the heaviest, followed by CF and micarta. Assuming the same resin, this makes sense. Glass is heavier than carbon or cloth.
 
G10 is a fair bit heavier than micarta, and CF is lighter than micarta.

Keep in mind G10 is compressed very heavily when cast into slabs, micarta is not nearly as compressed, canvas and rough micartas have a porous structure and are fairly light, linen and paper are heavier. On the scale of knife handles, there isn't much of a difference.
 
65535 said:
G10 is a fair bit heavier than micarta, and CF is lighter than micarta.

Keep in mind G10 is compressed very heavily when cast into slabs, micarta is not nearly as compressed, canvas and rough micartas have a porous structure and are fairly light, linen and paper are heavier. On the scale of knife handles, there isn't much of a difference.
Click to expand...

Agree.

There is so little material used in a knife scale that you would need a gram-scale to measure the difference.
 
I recently received 2 identical Crotts skinners.. One in G10 and in Micarta.
The micarta was noticeably lighter.. Although the 2 knives were the same they felt totally different.
G10 is heavier. Don't think you cannot tell the difference because it really changes how the knife feels and balances in your hand.
 
hoopster said:
That's what I'm doing. Measuring grams for neck carry. :D Plus I'm just curious.
Click to expand...
+1 and tag for updates. IMHO, 3.5 oz rides great around my neck for literally weeks at a time, but 4.0 oz hangs like a brick and is annoying after 5 minutes. Grams matter for neck carry.

For neck carry, I always select wood, but have been very curious lately about bamboo and CF. Good to know that micarta is lighter than G10.:thumbup:
 
tradja said:
For neck carry, I always select wood, but have been very curious lately about bamboo and CF. Good to know that micarta is lighter than G10.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Wood will definitely be the lighter option. Even the densest woods won't be close to as heavy as G10.

Out of the woods I have laying around, I would pick something like teak, walnut, or mesquite for their high strength-to-weight ratio.
 
Tradja,

I'v used bamboo flooring for handle material. I got a pack of it at my local Costco. I like it.

Ric
 
Phydeaux said:
Tradja,

I'v used bamboo flooring for handle material. I got a pack of it at my local Costco. I like it.

Ric
Click to expand...
:thumbup:
About 3 years ago I picked up about 2 dozen mostly-intact bamboo flooring pieces from an intersection.:D I've used it for scales on a cheapo damascus paring knife and was pleased with the results.

I'm thinking about trying some Izula scales next. Sounds like it will be a good deal lighter than micarta.
 
tradja said:
:thumbup:
About 3 years ago I picked up about 2 dozen mostly-intact bamboo flooring pieces from an intersection.:D I've used it for scales on a cheapo damascus paring knife and was pleased with the results.

I'm thinking about trying some Izula scales next. Sounds like it will be a good deal lighter than micarta.
Click to expand...

Bamboo Izula scales would be awesome. I'm really wanting to try some full scales on the Izula, I'm not real happy with the "bikini" scales.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top