Why I love TeroTuf for my handles

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Apr 12, 2006
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'Nuff said.

[video=youtube;FF3a93nTnS0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF3a93nTnS0[/video]
 
can you tell us about the dust that comes off of it, and about how easy (or hard) it is to shape using abrasives and files?
thank you.
kc
 
Interesting comparison--thank you, James. :thumbup:
A couple of questions, if you don't mind...

1) Was your test piece made of paper, linen or canvas micarta?

2) Have you done any similar head-to-head comparisons for impact resistance, in addition to testing for flexibility?

Thanks again,
Will
 
Nice demonstration.

I know several custom makers that use it, and have high praise for its increased toughness.
 
Yep, I love the stuff. It is tougher in every regard that I have tested. I know several makers that have done extensive testing including weather resistance and impact resistance. It stood above the pack by far. It's not the prettiest, but it is my number one choice for hard use.
 
terotuf gets super grippy when it's wet, as well.
also, it should be noted that as it's polyester based, (both the fabric and the resin) it's really UV resistant.
in my experience, the absolute best material for an outdoors knife.
 
Posting the video has raised some good questions and comments around the forum. Guess it wasn't 'nuff said. :)

Kevin - I'm mostly shaping the handle slabs with router bits with bearings that ride on either the knife's tang (for one-offs) or a handle shaping jig (for mid-techs). It does make dust, but I use a shop vacuum to capture as much as I can. I hope to expand my handle/sheath making setup and improve my dust collection before too much longer. I also have some video needing edited and uploaded that shows my shaping process.

That being said, it grinds easier than Micarta and seems to clog the belts less. The less toxicity is nice too, and it smells kind of sweet instead of formaldehyde-ish.

Will - The Micarta was natural tan canvas. I'll try to whack a couple of sample pieces with a hammer and see what I turn up. That's actually a better test than the flex, but the flex is impressive, I think. :)

To me, the feel of it and the light weight are the primary attractors, with the toughness and lower toxicity secondary. My biggest complaint would be the limited color selection, but the knife handle market is as of yet a small fraction of their customer base. I'd like to see it become larger as I think it is a very good utilitarian handle material.
 
Obviously a great choice--any addl info on your impact testing will be icing on the cake. :thumbup:

Thanks again, James--
Will
 
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