Thursday, November 10, 2011

Handle Materials Used In Pocket Knives


!±8± Handle Materials Used In Pocket Knives

I have been reviewing the different materials used in the production of pocket knives. I have developed a list of the most popular types of materials used in both pocket knives and fixed blade knives. This list should assist potential knife buyers on what to look for when deciding on what type of knife that will fit their needs.

G-10 - This type of material is made of laminated fiberglass. Fiberglass is made by soaking sheets of fiberglass in resin and heating it up while being compressed. This process makes for a very hard and light weight material that is extremely strong. Manufacturers will also add a checker design to improve the look and grip of G-10 material. This material is great for fixed blade knives because of its strength and durability.

BONE - This type of material is based on the appearance of dead animal bones. Bone type material has a unique texture and is able to be dyed different colors such as blue, red, white etc... A majority of pocket knives have bone material handles.

STAG - This is a type of material that looks like deer antlers. Most of the time it has a burnt look to give it a classic appearance. A stag handle has a very beautiful texture that gives a pocket knife a rustic look. This seems to be a popular material for Case & Sons pocket knives.

MICARTA - This type of material is made with micarta, which is a high pressure laminate. Micarta is developed the same way G-10 material is created. Micarta industrial laminates are usually made with epoxy, silicone, or other resins and are reinforced with fiberglass or other substrates. This material becomes very strong and dense when applying heat and pressure. The end product has a smooth surface. This process is labor intensive, and these knives with be higher in price. Micarta is a softer material that needs to be taken care of to prevent scratches.

CARBON FIBER - This material is created from weaving thin stands of carbon fiber and combining them together with a resin. Carbon fiber material has a unique look that reflects light and is very light weight. Out of all the light weight material, carbon fiber is the strongest. Carbon fiber material is labor intensive and like micarta it will have a higher price.

ZYTEL - This material which is thermoplastic, was developed by Du Pont. This material is inexpensive to make and is a popular material for knives. It is considered unbreakable and can absorb impacts and resists scratches. The textures of this type of material are not that noticeable, and manufactures will add additional textures to improve the look. Zytel is a very popular material for making pocket knives and fixed blade knives.

TITANIUM - This material is a nonferrous metal alloy. Titanium is created from a mixture of titanium with small amounts of aluminum and vanadium. This type of metal is light weight and has high corrosion resistance. Titanium is popular with cooking knives and collector's knives.

ALUMINUM - This material is another nonferrous metal and is frequently used for knife handles. This material has a sturdy feel to it, and does not have the extra weight.


Handle Materials Used In Pocket Knives

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