G10 or Micarta?

[Cleanser]

So.. I decided to make this thread..
Some people really like g10 and  feel strongly that they need g10 handles and NO micarta.
others feel they need micarta and can't stand g10.

Personally, I can't tell a big difference between polished g10 and polished micarta. I can tell a differences between matte finish though.

Where do you stand? and why?

[Ashley]

If its polished I'm like you and can't tell the difference really.

[asupernothing]

I don't really care about the difference between the two. Technically the only real difference is the choice of base material. G10 is resin bound fiberglass, while Micarta is resin bound organic fiber...

The overall properties of both are about equal, so both are good with me.

[bladechick777]

I Don't Really Prefer Either. I Do However, Not Own Anything With Micarta But Have Before.
There Is A Slight Difference But Not A Huge Difference.
Both Are Very Nice Materials And Are Great Handle Materials. 

[Ashley]

@asupernothing

I didn't believe there was much difference but wasn't 100% sure so I didn't say that. Glad you confirmed what I thought.

[jzmtl]

From what I hear micarta will warp if improperly kept, I guess it makes sense since the paper/linen fiber can wick in moisture, whereas glass fiber in G10 won't.

[Styerman]

Canvas micarta is tuff stuff , comfortable , G10 has the edge for grippiness , also good stuff . Micarta comes in some attractive formulations , G10 not so elegant . I like both .

Chris

[sergemaster]

Amici,
Another vote here for Micarta, never was a big fan of G10. It always reminded me of wonderboard, a material that's used for iether water or fire proofing.

Cheers,
Serge

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Between the two in general, I prefer the G10.  I like that it's usually grippier.  If it's polished, then it's not an issue, either is fine.  I think G10 is lighter for a given volume though, but I could be wrong.

I honestly prefer FRN to either G10 or micarta, but I'm just weird that way.  I like how FRN makes light and thin handles, and I love the bidirectional texturing on the FRN Spyderco scales.  I know it's not as tough as G10, but I'm a weight weenie, and I'm not that hard on my knives, so I prefer FRN.

[jekostas]

I know it's not as tough as G10, but I'm a weight weenie, and I'm not that hard on my knives, so I prefer FRN.

FRN is a tougher material than G10.  Substantially more so, in fact.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

I know it's not as tough as G10, but I'm a weight weenie, and I'm not that hard on my knives, so I prefer FRN.

FRN is a tougher material than G10.  Substantially more so, in fact.

Wow.  I didn't know.  Thanks for the info.  I have to say, the Spydies that I've liked best are all ones with FRN scales.  I really love the scales on my Endura and Stretch. 

[jekostas]

I know it's not as tough as G10, but I'm a weight weenie, and I'm not that hard on my knives, so I prefer FRN.

FRN is a tougher material than G10.  Substantially more so, in fact.

Wow.  I didn't know.  Thanks for the info.  I have to say, the Spydies that I've liked best are all ones with FRN scales.  I really love the scales on my Endura and Stretch.

Put it this way - there are many of models of knives with unlined FRN handles from many different companies.  Spyderco has multiple models (Salt series, Dragonfly, Matriarch, Native), Buck has a few (Bantam and Bucklite) , Kabar has the Dozer Hunter line, and Gerber has the LST line.  The handles flex, yes, but properly treated FRN is brutally tough to actually break.

On the other hand, there really aren't many unlined G10-handled knives.  In fact, I think Cold Steel is currently the only production company making them and they're generally quite thick knives.

[asupernothing]

I'm going to say that as much as I don't like FRN, it is a great material. My dislike of it is completely unfounded and unreasonable, I admit this. I am also starting to outgrow G-10, and moving more toward Micarta as a preferred material. I don't really like overly grippy handles, they rip my pants, and ripped pants leave less knife money.

Oh well thats where I am right now.