Yellow Westinghouse micarta?

[Ernie1980]

Hey all,

I just scored a nice slip joint in this material, but have some questions that I can't really find a good answer to. Is this material just older white micarta? What makes it so special and unusual (and expensive)? I found something about it not being made anymore because it has asbestos in it, but I don't believe everything I read on random web pages.
Any insight would be great!

Thanks!

 

[M.FREEZE]

The original micarta was produced by Westinghouse. Today, multiple companies produce phenolic material, and people still call it "micarta". The original stuff did contain asbestos, and also has a different look and feel to it compared to today's stuff.
The ivory or white Westinghouse micarta will fade yellow over time, but I've heard this is more with the paper type micarta. The faded and aged white micarta is different than the golden color. I believe the yellowing can be buffed out.

Here is vintage ivory micarta on a J. Oeser knife (photo by J. Oeser)

Here is golden vintage micarta on a Bob Dozier knife (photo Dozier Knives)

 

[Ernie1980]

Thanks for the info! So micarta is actually a brand name?? I guess it would be like jello then, where no one uses the generic name

 

[M.FREEZE]

Much like "shop vac" or "channel locks"
Both are brand names, but have become generic terms.

 

[Ernie1980]

Thanks again, and nice knives you have there too!