Wood vs Synthetic for Users

Random Dan

Random Dan

Joined
Jan 21, 2012
Messages
2,235
Hi all,

I've been getting more into wood handles recently. I just love the variety and individual character. But I'm still kinda hesitant with using them. I have no problem using them for day or weekend trips, but if I'm to be out longer I prefer synthetics because I feel I don't need to worry about them as much.

What do y'all think? What materials do you prefer for your main users?

For those of you who use wood handled fiddlebacks for everything, have you ever damaged a handle while on a trip? Either from use or from storage conditions. Am I just worried about nothing?
 
I'll second what Bmurray Bmurray wrote. I tend to use synthetic(burlap)for my kitchen knives because I like the purchase I get(especially when wet). But nearly all my users outdoors/edc are wood scaled(osage, camelthorn, koa, African blackwood, lacewood), and incredibly tough. I'm sure it's possible to wreck em, but Ihaven't managed to so far. I'd put em to work..
 
I use wood handled Fiddlebacks in the kitchen, field and edc. I haven't messed one up yet. Other than some scratches from bouldering. That would have scratched micarta too! They're made to be used. If you tear it up, send it back to the Fiddleback shop for a spa day!
 
I'm a synthetic guy myself. I think they are beautiful as well as waterproof. Bit I've used and carried Osage and Bocote a lot as well.
 
I'll too add that even the "natural" ones hold some synthetic properties since a lot of them are stabilized. If you plan to mindlessly run it through the dishwasher or just plunk it in the drying rack then synthetic is a better choice. If this sets off alarm bells, then Micarta is your friend.

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Haha no dishwashering here. Don't even own one but if I did my nice knives would never go near it.

But what about a weeklong rainy backpacking trip where I don't want be worrying about taking care of my knife the whole time?
 
Random Dan said:
But what about a weeklong rainy backpacking trip where I don't want be worrying about taking care of my knife the whole time?
Click to expand...

Honestly for backpacking the victrinox esquire is all I've ever needed. A blade, a pair of tweezers, some scissors and a nail file. If you really want to lug the extra ounces, then I'd suggest oiling up the sheath and the knife and going for it. If the sheath gets wet, then dry them separately, but no matter what, Come sunday, make sure it's all dry and well protected.
 
I really like wood. I feel Ironwood, Osage are a few that can withstand heavy use and hold up well. We all know micarta materials are probably the best for heavy usage. I have a mix of both on my user shelf. Damage? I’ve nicked wood and scratched micarta. It can happen. Wood just adds a lot of beauty. The majority of my knives are of wood materials. As far as kitchen, I’ve always been told wood can hold bacteria. Micarta can but less. G10 is a good bet for kitchen use. What am I saying??? o_O Well. I guess it doesn’t matter much to me. I love ALL knives!!! :D :thumbsup:
 
Sneaky Pete - Gloved.jpeg

I prefer wood for most of my fixed blade knives. I've been using a wood handled Fiddleback Forge for everything, and got a pretty good ding in the rosewood handle of this Sneaky Pete recently. That's a story I hope to share at a later date, but suffice it to say, it's a beauty mark now, on a knife that will probably outlive me.
 
I was always about synthetic handle materials for weight and wear. Now I’m really starting to appreciate wood handles, I had owned a few knives with wood handles from other makers and they’ve always felt heavier than I thought necessary. This is not the case with any of my wood handled Fiddlebacks. I have two in Ironwood and one coming in Osage that I’m really looking forward to.
 
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