What Is a Micarta Knife Handle or Micarta?
What is a Micarta knife handle? There are so many handles for knives and Micarta handles have its special significance, those who they knew what I’m talking about. But those who are new to knife collection, or don’t know much about handles especially Micarta handle.
Micarta knife Handles and Their Significance?
Micarta is a named for composites of canvas, paper lamination, fiberglass, carbon fibers, linen and other materials with fibers in a thermosetting plastic.
Or you can say Micarta is a composite material made from fiberglass, cloth pieces such as Denim, laminated paper then impregnated with Resin, resulting in tough, hard block, which is later cut & shaped according to required size and shaped respectively.
History of Micarta
It was developed or invented by George Westinghouse in 1910 and the phenolic resins (substance which binds the said fiber) was invented by Leo Baekeland. As Phenolic resins are used to impregnate the fibers or composite material under heat and temperatures which later are cured to product tough laminates.
Types of Micarta Resins
There are different Micarta resins for example,
- Phenolic,
- Epoxy
- Silicone
- Melamine
- Micarta handle
Is Micarta toxic?
Well, during the process of polymerization it off gasses nasty stuff like phenols etc. the fumes are toxic but once its fully cured and ready to cut and shape then the dust from this material is said to be nontoxic just the materials remaining as its been made from canvas, paper & paper etc.
Is Micarta a good Knife Handle?
The Answer is Yes, Micarta is a good knife handle. As said earlier, it made from polymerization of fibers & resin with heat & high temperatures. Its more durable and easier to shape as well just like wood. But instead asking one should ask WHY MICARTA HANDLES are good?
Why Micarta Handles Are Good?
Actually, Micarta as a material or composite can be manufactured in every color, depending on its formula.
Its durable, very strong, tolerates extreme heat and cold, resistance to moisture, very rarely brittle with time.
Therefore, most knife manufacturers and knife customers want them as handles for their knives. Then, it’s easy to customize depending upon the layering of material, creating unique patterns which can be easily repeated as well apart from color. Thus, giving vibrant & unique look to knives.
Canvas feel when holding a Micarta handle Knife
You may have noted that I kept on quoting, linen, cotton, denim as fibers used in creating Micarta. But the fact is, handles made from Micarta do give canvas like feel. They are resistant to grease & other acidic or you can say caustic liquids as well. They give good grip on hands when in use. That’s why Micarta handles are preferred.
What Is Special about Micarta Handled Knives
Micarta is said to be STEEL of Plastic Industry. Knives handles made from Micarta are tough, durable, resistant to grease, oil & other caustic substances while can bear extreme heat & cold as well.
They don’t brittle with time. Last, any unique pattern can be formed using different layers of materials. These all factors made them best choice. Thus, Micarta handled knives are considered true marksmanship of knife manufacturer as well.
Which knife brands offer Micarta Handle?
There are more than 100 plus brands in USA alone which offer Micarta handle knives. As far as the knife brands some famous and well-known knife brands offering Micarta handles are as under