Why the dislike for plastic handles?

[Raylas]

Bob W : No need to apologize, that was very well written. I think I get it a bit now. I can see how you'd get sick of it after a while, and I can see the aesthetic value. In terms of presentation, I'd definitely rather show off my Mongin ratchet folder* over my Opinel Outdoor. Thanks for explaining it to me, it makes more sense now, even if I don't completely agree with it.

*AN: I really need to post pics of that thing one of these days.

 

[Planterz]

Plastic feels "cheap", whether it's knife handles, bodyparts on your car, the bezel on your cell phone, or the case of your laptop. Fiberglass, steel, brushed aluminum, or the like will always feel more solid and of higher quality. But that doesn't mean plastic is inferior or unsuitable. When it comes to knife handles, it's usually a matter of price and intent of usage. I like that Spyderco uses FRN handles on knives like the Delica/Endura or the Salt series. For ~$60, they make wonderful working knives, and the plastic is lightweight and durable. I wouldn't want a higher quality handle material like G10 on my Tasman Salt, because that would drive the price beyond what I would want to pay for a such a knife, considering how I'd be using it. However, if I wanted to carry a nice looking, dressy, classy knife that I'd feel proud to show someone and expect them to say "Damn, that's a nice knife", obviously I wouldn't want plastic handles. That's why I own knives like a CF Caly 3, or my BM 940D2CF and 940Ti-01, or my Kopa in cocobolo.

Plastic has its place, but some just have no use for that place, and that's OK.

 

[peeintheshower]

feels cheap and its not eco friendly (LOL..)

 

[Dorito Monk]

I'm not a fan of plastic/FRN handles. I don't like the look of them and I don't like the feel of them. I'm sure they hold up fine, but all kinds of other materials hold up to use and the elements just as well (if not better) and have a better look and nicer feel to them, so I just avoid plastic. It really doesn't have any advantages for me whatsoever.

I like G10, Aluminium, Micarta, and Wood best, generally. From a purely aesthetic point, I love the look of stag and buffalo horn handles, as well as exotic woods and dyed cowbone. :thumbup:

I mean really, which looks better to you? I'm not a fan of the gaudy pastel colours and built-in-whistles, personally. Nor the bland never-been-cleaned-teeth coloured Delrin. :barf:

I'm much more interested in the elegance of wood grain.

...or the organic variations and colouring of Stag horn. :thumbup:

Nevermind that I prefer the feel of wood, G10, or Micarta over a lump of plastic any day.

 

[fatherhudson]

Couple of bushcraft forums, several people have commented something to the effect of my Opinel Outdoor looking like a toy when I pull it out.

If you'd care for quotes, I'll get them for you.

The irony is almost palpable seeing as how every opinel i've encountered has been near unusable after just a year due to the wood swelling or whatnot. It's actually a serious design flaw when a lock becomes 'locked up' after sitting in a glove box for a few months.

Personally, i much prefer materials like wood, bone or micarta and i do admit that no matter the knife, plastic just feels 'cheap' to me. That said, i didn't know there was a plastic handled opinel and now that i do i'm going to go out and buy one.

 

[Ares1307]

I personally only have one wood handled knife, it is a Custom Hunting knife, and I love it. But most of my knives are folders, and I prefer G10 over all other materials, so far. I do like FRN as well, but G10 is more comfortable and secure for me. My Griptilian is the only knife I have that Im not too crazy about the handle material. I dont hate it, but I might replace the scales with G10.

 

[Raylas]

Fatherhudson: The irony was duly noted by me, and was part of what spurred me to this thread. I also didn't buy this one, it was actually a gift, and I rather like it.

Ares1307: I hold a similar opinion. I'd rather have G-10 than anything else, but I don't mind FRN. I certainly prefer it for folding users. On a fixed blade, doesn't matter nearly as much for me.

I'll admit to you that the wood grain and stag looks better, especially when compared to delrin.... That said: Function over form is operative for me in most cases. I mostly but knives for use, but I DO have several display pieces with organic handles. I'd still prefer synthetics for a user.

 

[Bob W]

Bob W : No need to apologize, that was very well written. I think I get it a bit now. I can see how you'd get sick of it after a while, and I can see the aesthetic value. In terms of presentation, I'd definitely rather show off my Mongin ratchet folder* over my Opinel Outdoor. Thanks for explaining it to me, it makes more sense now, even if I don't completely agree with it.

My post was a bit tongue-in-cheek, but if it got the point across...

On one hand I can't wait for the black-nylon-G10-micarta-tactical-survivor fad to wear itself out. On the other hand, I hope to buy my fourth Becker next week.
On one hand I absolutely prefer the aesthetics of bone, wood, and antler. On the other hand, the bulk of my collection is Schrade Old Timers that happen to have handles of Delrin, aka "plastic."

Same with the folks on the wood craft forum you mentioned. They may pooh-pooh your plastic Opinel, but I bet most of them don't say squat about Victorinox knives, which have had red 'plastic' handles since 1897.

 

[PassinBy]

I'm not too keen on FRN because it feels cheap, but it IS cheap and if I buy a very inexpensive knife with FRN handles I don't mind it.

Most of my folders have G10 and I think it is a good material for that use. It is light, not too expensive, strong, and gives good traction. OTOH my 10+ year old knives with G10 don't look so good because the G10 seems to oxidize over time.

I have a lot of custom fixed blades, many with polished micarta. I like this material and don't mind it on custom knives. It looks like an expensive product and it seems to stand up very well with age.

Can you post pics of that aged G10?