Which of these materials is the lightest?

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Jul 11, 2006
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I'm planning to order custom made folder whose total target weight should be between 4-6oz, with 4oz being ideal weight for EDC folder.
Milled out liners and backspacer/standoffs will be from titanium for strength and weight saving.
Now for bolsters and scales I need to figure out which materials are the lightest, originally I was going to use Ti bolster with Iron wood scales.
What are my other option from the list below. Seen few CF+wood combinations BUT I'm not sure if I really like that combination.

Requirement in order of importance:
1. Light weight.
2. Durability - rust, scratch and chipping resistance.
3. Looks - ascetics

Here is the list of materials I'm interested in using from Light -2-Heavy
Metals:
A. Titanium
B. Ti-mascus
C. Mikute
D. Zirconium

Synthetic-Natural:
A. Carbon Fiber
B. CF Twill
C. G-10
D. Micarta
E. Wood
F. Kirnite

Do you guys agree with my assessment of the order I place them in?

Edit: Blade is going to be 4" CTS-XHP, the only thing that is not open for change in materials.
 
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Wood density varies tremendously by species. Iron wood being very dense. I don't even know what "mikute" is.
 
I don't see where you'll have a weight problem, no matter what you choose. You have NOT told us the intended blade-length, which will have a rather large effect on the knife's total weight.
Titanium is excellent and is usually a light-weight replacement for stainless steel. Wood scales, if no milled-out inserts are supporting the basic wooden scale, will tend to be rather thick compared to other scale materials, but are not necessarily heavy.
I don't personally enjoy thick knives, and my folders are generally titanium slabs, 3.5" blade-length of ~0.125"-0.140" blade thickness, grip total thickness of 0.440"- 0.480" and total weight almost always remains under five ounces. Think of CRK large Sebenza or CRK Umnumzaan...sort of my favorite folder designs.
I would think that you might pick a builder that you have chosen, having done the appropriate research, and THEN get his opinions and options...
Good luck on your build...I have found, through multiple experiences with a fine builder, that it can be tough to like my own design and specs when I finally have the finished product in my hands. :)
 
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