There actually is a difference. Micarta is made from paper or fabric using phenolic resin and G10 is made with fiberglass(much stronger when laminated) and epoxy resin(also stronger and more durable). When you make both yourself and know exactly how and what they're made of along with the mechanical properties of each component they're made with, you start to understand the differences. Look up the common tensile, compressive, flexural strengths, and wear resistance of each and compare.
G10 ranks higher in all durability areas, including tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength. Even though micarta and G10 are both resin-based composites, G10’s glass properties give it an advantage over the cloth properties of micarta. I recently had a custom canvas micarta scale break under minimal use on my TOPS TIBO.
But I did read this info on other websites as well. There must be truth to it. Question for SailfishSoundSystem.. How did the micarta scale break of the Tops Tibo. Also , did it break at the holes where the nuts and bolts fit in? Weak point maybe.. I like to hear the details on this.
@@Charlie-tw3ef I dont see where is the problem to that. I did not see zhe other videos and dont need to since I read his shared experience right here too. Also, we now will perhaps because of You not get an answer to the question for more details. Really dump false smart attitude. Always depressing to see so much rage support to such "education".
A lot of stuff used for knife scales was intended for something else originally (as with all things). G10 is probably still considered a type of micarta, or at least a composite material (FRP, fiber reinforced plastic). Old names like bakelite are essentially the same as well. I think its all brand names probably.
Good basic description. Short videos are welcome too. I am curious about the strength or ability to withstand an impact differences, if any, between the two handle materials. Is one inherently tougher than the other?
@@obargrado1574 Both are fine. G10, the Cold Steel Recon 1 comes to mind.. Think of this. Gene Moe took a 750lbs down with a Buck 110 witht he finger grooves and the wooden inlays. If that works, nearly anything with a 4 inch blade and a good tip and edge works. The Buck has no guard, it is not the most grippy either. But it worked.
One thing I have yet to hear from anyone and this is from personal experience. A favorite knife of mine that had a great looking micarta handle went to shit. As I dressed an animal, blood and fat/oil dissolved layers of micarta. I have not had that issue with stacked leather or G10.
I personally prefer G10 and Micarta handled folding knives over Titanium/Carbonfiber metallic handles, especially if the knife will be for EDC carry/usage. They just feel more comfortable (especially Micarta) during tasks that take some time. Titanium and Carbonfiber handles seem to get bit slippery once my hands start to sweat, but I like to carry them on formal outings since they go well with some of my watches and cuffs. I got TOPS Mini-Skandi Survival Neck Knife which features Micarta handles and I love it. It might just be me, but I felt as if the Micarta handle smoothed out over time, making it feel as if its forming to fit my hand/grip (well... maybe not that noticiable lol).
I forgot to add that the Micarta handle on my TOPS feels almost like wood... and I can visibly see the slight color fade over time. Maybe its due to the material used to make this Micarta.
I have carried a Helle Nying neck knife since the 80s. I have many scandi grind knives with traditional birch handles. I just got my first flipper a Kizer Lieb in jade g-10 with an excellent grippy texture. It's a joy. My first button-lock flipper is the Leib M in micarta. Both are great but I think I prefer micarta for the more organic look and feel. It is a bit woody.
Woven fibreglass IS a fabric. Nylon, Polyester, Cotton, Flax, Hemp, Viscose, Silk, Kevlar et al are often woven to form fabrics. G10 is nothing more than a particular brand of reinforced glass fibre plasic. A composite that has been around a long time. Micarta can be made of pretty much anything that can be layered and set in a resin... including fibreglass. So, in that sense, G10 is a just a brand of 'micarta'. Not such a huge difference after all.
g10 prefered by me for sure. micarta seems to bug my skin. had to search and search for a good priced tops bob with g10 and pay more just because i cant use micarta handles.
Paul Gooding yes . There's almost no difference. I'm sure there is a weigh difference but you would need a scale to be able to tell the difference. Considering it's probably micro grams
I dont understand the hype over G10. To me its not much better than FRN. On smooth areas like the sides of a spyderco military g10 is slick. I think its a mind game where people see it costs alot more so they assume it must be that much better.
Depending on how the laminates are finished, whether they are sanded smooth or left with the linen weave texture, there is no difference between the two materials. If you think there is, it's all in your mind.
I said in my video several times that there is no difference between g10 handles and micarta handles. accept the fabrics used, g10 is made mostly of fiberglass with resin, and micarta handles are made mostly of linen and canvas with resin, some are polished or coated with polyurethane, but there is pretty much nooooo difference between the two, and that was the whole point of this video
