G-10 vs. Micarta

Can any of you guys tell me what the differance is between micarta and G-10. I know G-10 has a tighter fiber structure, but is there any advantages one has over the other? What about the production process? I cant imagine it would be much difference in the process, only other materials used with the resin?

I tried a search of the forum and didn't find anything on this topic.

JT

In the hand, G-10 can feel more "slick" than Micarta, although I don't usually notice an appreciable difference. I find that Micarta is more tactile when wet. Micarta seems to be pretty good in no matter how well it's machined, whereas it seems like crappy G10 is pretty worthless (i.e. it has to be GOOD G10). Luckly, with busse kin knives, the G10 is always pretty good. Micarta also absorbs water, so I'm not sure how it would handle wet/freezing conditions.

I prefer Micarta on my slab-handled fixed blades because it looks a bit more traditional. G10 is great on folders

I feel that Micarta is the superior grip material from a functional standpoint. G10 can be a lot prettier, though.

I have knives by both Spyderco and Bark River that utilise G10. I have RAT cutlery knives with Micarta. I like them both but I prefer G10. G10 seems to be tougher and better in wet/cold conditions. Its just my personal opinion though!
I take the point that there is a difference between good G10 and crappy G10 but both the Spyderco and Barkie are very good.

I love the Resiprene C handle on my scrapper, great handle.

I could be wrong here but isn't G10 a resin/glass based synthetic whereas Micarta is either paper/linen based? That said like the folks said functionally Micarta is better in wet enviornments however it will discolor from the oils in your hand etc whereas G10 will not.

cloakndagger, welcome back! where the heck has sharp been?

everyone pretty much hit it on the nail, it really comes down to personal preference. i prefer micarta over g-10 any day, it just feels better in my hands and I think it looks better as well. Old school green linen, tiger hide, and just even plain canvas anyone? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Yeah. Sb's got the composition. I'm pretty sure that G10 is a high density fiberglass with phenolic resin. Here's a description from a place that sells it:

"Phenolic is a hard, dense material made by applying heat and pressure to layers of paper or fabric, impregnated with a synthetic resin. These phenolics are approx half the weight of aluminum and their physical toughness resists abrasion, friction, impact, and material fatigue. Special properties fight off the corrosive action of water and many chemicals, increasing the service life and efficiency of your product parts. The insulating qualities of each grade, such as low dissipation factor and excellent dielectric strength, make them valuable for many precise electrical and electronic applications. The strength-to-weight ratio of these phenolics make them ideally suited for countless product parts. They are high in tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact strength and possess good working characteristics. They machine quickly and easily. Grade G-10 is a light green, continuous filament woven glass fabric grade, impregnated with epoxy resin. Has excellent electrical values, possesses low moisture absorption, low dissipation factor, excellent electrical characteristics over a wide range of humidities and temperatures. It will withstand up to 284°F. Moisture absoprtion rate .15%."


Personally, I like the grip of micarta, but the asthetics of G10. Also, I like that G10 doesn't seem to "absorb" oils/moisture as much. While G10 is heavier, overall, I would prefer G10. It all seems to come down to preference.

I think (as said by a supplier in my previous post) G10 is made under a higher pressure and temperature than Micarta. I could be wrong, but the weight/density of G10 suggests that it's made under higher pressure at least.

Thanks everyone for all the great info. Sorry I have been out for so long. Duty called. I tried to make some micarta not long ago and it turned out OK. I didnt heat it, but pressed it in a vice. I cut and filled it into a shank. It wasnt much good for anything else given its size. The next bit I made i used burlap as the material, it was strong, but burlap doesnt have a tight enough fiber structure to be as strong as some other I could have used. It was fun to play with any how.

JT

I'm fine with G10 on folders and small knives but for anything bigger than 5" I'll pick micarta (especially canvas) every time. G10 wins for looks but micarta wins (imho) for feel.

I like G10 and Micarta and both are great for knife handles. What I like about micarta is the ability to use paper, linen, canvas, burlap, etc. for the layers and for adding texture. That can't be done with G10. I also like Carbon Fiber handles for folders...don't see it used much on fixed blades though. Any of the 3 can be roughed up enough to make them grippy. My CF Military is the grippiest CF I have ever handled. You can do the same with G10 and micarta. I agree, that it boils down to looks and feel and personal preference. I enjoy owning all 3. I have made custom knife handles out of black canvas micarta, and once polished, it looks exactly like carbon fiber. the finish put on these materials has a lot to do with both their looks and their feel.

Later! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

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="" />

Welcome to the Yard, The_Machine_Works.

Oh, I feel old.

In my salad days I’d never heard of micarta knife handles. If I wanted a plastic grip I bought Schrade knives with their Delrin scales.

A traditional grip meant wood or stag, jigged bone or buffalo horn.

I like both but I probably prefer the Micarta