I've heard that because Micarta will absorb liquids, if it absorbs gasoline or other flammable liquids it will destroy the micarta, where G-10 will not. Not sure if it's true but depending on your application, that could be an important factor.

When I first got into Busse I thought the magnum micarta were too big and went for standard slabs...now I like the magnums and I sand them down myself to get a custom fit which for me is akin to the smooth hand shaped Linen Micarta handles offered on things like the NMFBM...and my FSH Variant. Definately the best grip for a user.

The G10 is a lot harder to sand and get right...there are two grips I like done in G10...the smooth black ones on my 3B2 and the black ones on my RMD...although I smoothed them down.

The G10 on my Killa Zilla I have had to keep smoothing away on gradually...they were not too big to begin with but the ridge lines play up on extended use...I would love to ask if they could replace these with a bigger hand shaped linen micarta grip...these for me are the very best of the bunch.

I have done alot of filing and sanding on one of my G-10 grips and it feels pretty good now. I guess for a user knife I agree that micarta is preferred for me. But it does seem to absorb liquid, which puzzles me. It gets dark when wet, but then dries quick. Odd I say, very odd!

Thanks for all the good input.

JT

micarta is made from canvas and linen, the rough or fine fibers on the surface will get wet, but it shouldn't penetrate deep enough with all that epoxy. so it dries fast since not much water is absorbed, but the slightly wet fibers give it that super tacky grip.

To me, Micarta feels better in hand. When cold, the Micarta also feels warmer to the touch for me--don't know why but it does.

at first i totally preferred G10, but micarta is definately grown on me.

yea, id definitely have to say that micarta is my new favorite.
after handling a buddies RC-3 i love the stuff..the rc3 is also a really nice blade...

G-10 for looks, not absorbing liquids
Micarta for weight, grip (especially when wet)

My NMSFNO with Micarta handles might have swayed my ideas.

I have seen some guys who died their micarta. I am guessing this was possible because of the small amount of material exposed. I dont think I could die G-10 to any degree of quality.

Maybe thats another "one up" for micarta.

JT

I like my NMSFNO with Micarta, but I LOVE my Wakis with G-10. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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