Why not more micarta on folders?

sogflash

sogflash

Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
1,595
What reasons are there for the lack of micarta scales on folders? I know there are some folders with micarta scales, but it seems like there are way more knives with G10.

It seems to me that micarta is more used on fixed blades.

I for one would like to see more canvas micarta on folders.
 
I've wondered the same thing. I love micarta and would like to see more of it. I have had a few micarta scales made for my folders, but it almost never comes standard.
 
Production is a little more involved with micarta I think. G-10 is quicker to produce in large amounts and typically you won't see much discoloration in g-10, while you will in micarta.

That being said, I would also like to see an increase of micarta handle scales or inlays in folders. :D
 
I'd like to see more Micarta!
I offered Pohan vintage GE Micarta and he said no.
Daniel Fairly got it.
rolf
 
When it comes to canvas micarta, with simple normal use, the oils in one's hands will quickly discolor the micarta due to its absorbency. Canvas micarta will look downright ratty in very short order.
 
Spyderco won't use it on their folders anymore because it shrinks.

They used it on the first versions of the Calypso and Calypso Jr in the late 1990s.
 
Micarta used to be very popular. But just like G10 now it got played out. First it was wood handles in the 80's, then in the nineties there was a huge micarta craze. Then ever knife had a woodgrain micarta handle and then that gave way to black G10 and now we are in the middle of a layered G10 C/F craze. Everything comes in cycles. Micarta will come back. You just need the next flavor of the week maker to bring it back and then before you know it everything will be micarta again.
 
rayster357 said:
G10 is atleast 50% more rigid of a material too (1/8" G10 flex like 3/16" Micarta).
Click to expand...
I've never heard of this, but its also something that probably would never come into play with folders anyways.

I'd say the biggest reason is that micarta absorbs oil and sweat. Something many people don't like and opt for g10. People that like to show off their knives and keep them in as pristine condition as possible tend not to like that look on their $300 blade. That said, I find canavas micarta to bet better in gripping than g10 with wet hands.
 
I love micarta on folders..I have a loveless folder made by Fantoni for Lone Wolf it has beautiful green micarta scales that have been polished .

In a lot of my own work I try to incorporate Micarta and wood . Carbon Fiber and Micarta etc. Its nice to mix and match . When it is not polished it cleans up easily with soap and water. But I don't make folder so I guess that doesn't count in this thread.
 
Does anyone have a picture showing the discoloration of micarta?

I've never heard that it shrinks before. How much did it shrink?
 
Bit of both G10 and Micarta. G10 bolsters and Micarta scales, liner lock. Used like that both materials are adequate for the job, if the Micarta discolours a bit then it shows the knife isva user like any tool should be.
Y-Start.
ystart2_zps44593ba1.jpg
 
Alnamvet68 said:
When it comes to canvas micarta, with simple normal use, the oils in one's hands will quickly discolor the micarta due to its absorbency. Canvas micarta will look downright ratty in very short order.
Click to expand...

It depends on the level of polish. Highly polished micarta will not show discoloration from...anything really. If it is left rougher, more of the fibrous material (paper, linen, canvas, burlap, whatever is suspended in the epoxy) is exposed and it shows.

Bark River polishes their handles smooth and they do not absorb a thing. ESEE knives, for example, leaves their handles rough and they get dirt fast.

Spyderco won't use it on their folders anymore because it shrinks.
Click to expand...

They don't seem to have any issues using micarta on their Japanese fixed blades like the Street Beat, Temp' 2, and sprint runs where it would be much worse to fix being pinned to the tang, than any screwed on folder handles.
 
I love linen micarta, i have a GEC missiouri with red micarta, smooth
I really do not like G-10, mostly because everyone uses boring black for everything, then there is the suspicion of glass fibres poking my DNA
 
From a business/marketing perspective, a knife made with Micarta may not sell for as much as one made from Titanium, especially if it is a higher dollar modern knife.
 
Several Bokers have micarta handles.
I have Boker Oberland. It is one of the most overlooked, underrated, folders out there. Superb knife, one of my absolute favorites. The micarta scales are just icing on the cake.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top