lazi, the orange part of the BG is kinda hard plastic, but still has some give o it. The gray part is some sort of rubber material that allows you to have a good grip and just sort of locks you hand to the grip. PLUS the "Subhilt" aspect of the handle also helps you to retain your grip. I personally recommend the BG, as an all around "Woods" machete. Now if you need it for traditional "Vegetative" matter" material, it isn't the best. to me the BG parang is for denser heaver WOODY type material.