Why G10?

G10 is tough, lightweight, resistant to heat, water or other chemicals and grippy(especially with a good texture).
 
tirod3 said:
...FRN also needs a stiff backer, which is why you almost always see it used on cheap liner locks.
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Benchmade: 530, Griptilian (all models), Barrage, Presidio Ultra

Spyderco: Delica and Endura 4, FRN Stretch, Salt Series, Native, Dragonfly, Ladybug

Just to name a few
I wouldnt consider these "cheap liner locks" (actually none are liner locks). Im also not saying FRN isnt used on cheap liner locks, because it is, I actually see quite a few FRN along with SS and Aluminum handled cheap knives also.
 
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G10 is so versatile it's used on $30 folders like BM Vex, Spyderco Tenacious, and Kershaw Skyline while also adorns hight end folders from Strider ($300++) and Hinderer($600++ street price).
 
G10 feels 'warmer' - aluminum provides a solid, weighty feel, but I don't really care for the 'cold' feel of aluminum. I like the color variations & combinations of this type of material; I don't like or dislike Busse's, but some of their handles are amazing. I got a box of G-11 material from a member here, which is similar (I'm not sure of the difference in -10 & -11) and it'll make some amazing handles.

thx - cpr
 
tirod3 said:
Actually, there aren't all that many high tech plastics used for knife grips. Most are used as scales over a supporting metal insert, like Delrin on slipjoints. Fiberglass reinforced nylon isn't anything like G10, simply because it's injection molded. G10 is laminated and cured as sheets, which then require further processing. It's much closer to Micarta, and when shaped, has a similar layered look. FRN just goes fuzzy. FRN also needs a stiff backer, which is why you almost always see it used on cheap liner locks. The stainless steel liners are required to prevent the scales collapsing against the blade and trapping it when clipped in the pocket. Integrally molded clips will also loosen and the knife will fall out - which is why you no longer see those on quality knives like Spyderco.

G10 is stiff enough to need no liners, and expensive enough to shape that it isn't found on cheap junk knives. Because the labor to work it drives up the price, a decent steel is used, and you automatically get a superior knife compared to all the FRN junk flooding the market from the four corners of the earth. You also get construction techniques that can't shortcut a quality build.

All told, a G10 knife usually stands head and shoulders above the pack of FRN curs barking for your attention.
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Spyderco's FRN is pretty stable without liners (Salt knives). It's also possible to create very cost effective, lightweight knives.

From a good maker (e.g., Spyderco) you won't have to worry about "cheap" plastic handles.
 
FRN is a similar can of worms. Like G-10, there is no set standard for the composition. Quality of both is variable, and depends on what maker it comes from and what standards they hold. Spyderco has their G-10 custom made with extra layers of fiberglass to maintain strength when it is milled out for nested liners and such. The FRN they use likewise has a high glass fiber content and the nylon used in the compound is the strongest available where it is made. Other makers are not as picky, and use whatever is cheapest, giving the material a bad name. The reasons the molded clips are being phased out (the FRN Dragonfly is still using one) is a combination of breakage (FRN is tough, but it does have limits) and the market demand for reversible clips. Personally, I like the integral clips because they don't scratch things as badly and I haven't lost one yet. I can't say the same for metal clipped knives.
 
Josh K said:
Could be flame resistance. I thought G-11 was the natural (i.e., slightly translucent) colored stuff.
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Are there any benefits as insofar as knives are concerned? I look for a lot of things when choosing a blade flame resistance isn’t one of them. Or maybe it should be…:p
 
IGotStabbed said:
What is so good about G10? As far as I can see, it's plastic and is not better than Aluminum. Why do so many makers use it? What are the advantages over Aluminum?
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I prefer aluminum too. I like all-metal knives a LOT!

But I like G10 too. I imagine G10 is cheaper and easier to form.

For most uses, I've found that anodized aluminum feels better in the hand for a longer period of time. The "grippier" mantra of G10 is a little over-rated as it does wear on the hand a bit. The anodized aluminum can take a lot of hard work for a longer period of time in the hand without complaints. I've seen it!

The only thing better is bead-blasted titanium. Anodized aluminum smooths and gets shiney after a while, titanium doesn't.

Of all things, I prefer a worn G10 or one of the old-school G10 handles like the old-school Benchmade/Emerson knives before G10 got SUPER grippy.

Experience says aluminum and then titanium. For price and short, immediate, use, G10.


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J.Mattson said:
Are there any benefits as insofar as knives are concerned? I look for a lot of things when choosing a blade flame resistance isn’t one of them. Or maybe it should be…:p
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I don't think so, but I haven't handled enough G-11 to know if there is a real difference. Feels the same, looks similar, composition is similar.
 
IGotStabbed said:
I don't have anything in G10 yet, I would think it's brittle. Is it?
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Whether materials properties make it good or bad depend on the usage.

G10, Brittle?
It is not as tough as FRN.

G10 Brittle? It is for aircraft parts. We design the parts so that the brittleness does not matter. (actually we use carbon fiber, but the property mix is actually quite similar.)

But, G10 is good stuff for knife handles. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
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