Knife Handle Material Reference Chart

PostPosted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 1:34 pm
Bone
A classic material, usually shin bone from cattle, but often more exotic animals (where noted). Unfinished bone is porous and offers good grip. It weathers well and enhances the beauty of the knife. Often used for traditional pocket knives. Can be "jigged" in numerous patterns to enhance the look and increase the tactile grip on the knife.


Carbon Fiber
This material is a woven composite of graphite fibers fused together with an epoxy resin. Providing ultra light weight and extreme tensile strength, it most often has a visible weave-like pattern. The weave pattern can be varied, as can the color of the epoxy used.

Delrin
This lightweight and durable polymer was engineered for excellent long-term wear characteristics. It can be molded to form, and is used in many industries.

G-10
G-10 is an epoxy filled woven "E" glass composite, reinforced with glass fibers for strength. Originally designed for circuit boards, it offers the knife industry a handle which is impervious to most elements like oils, water and acids. It can be made in many colors, and finished in a variety of ways, offering different amounts of texture matched to different end uses.

Kraton
This thermoplastic elastomer offers superb flexibility and memory elasticity even under harsh conditions. Most often molded onto a harder sub-structure, Kraton offers excellent grip and comfort.

Micarta
Technically described as "fabric reinforced phenolic laminate", micarta is created by pouring a resin into a flat pan, then laying down a strip of linen or paper fabric, which gets saturated with the resin.
This process is repeated until the desired thickness is achieved. It can be made in lots of colors, is lightweight and can be finished in many ways including polishing to a high luster.
PostPosted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 1:40 pm
Noryl GTX
A modern, engineered plastic offering extreme durability. It is impervious to harsh environments and chemicals and is very strong. It offers no flexibility, but can be molded to any shape and in any color.

Phenolic
This hard, ebony-colored compound is almost impervious to heat cold and shock, making it practically indestructible.

Stag
Stag handles are made from horn or antler, from various sources. Sometimes a species is specifically mentioned, such as Sambar Stag. Stag offers significant grip and is pleasing to the eye when a natural look is desired. Often used in traditional pocket knives and hunting knives.

Titanium
Titanium is used as part or all of a knife handle when weight and strength are a concern. As light as aluminum but tougher than steel. A premium handle material.

Valox
A reinforced resin with exceptional stiffness, Valox offers strength and dimensional stability. It has outstanding chemical and flame resistance, and is molded to form.

Zytel
Zytel is a material made up of fiberglass and nylon. The two are combined and heated to near 600°F and then injection molded to the desired form. Strong and lightweight, it offers excellent surface grip.

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