Over the years while discussing about knives, I just saw people discussing the size and blade material of the knives. What I felt is we as majority do not bother about knife handle material and it’s the shape. Best example of G10 Knife handle is ZT 0308 knife
It the knife handle material which is as important as the blade. Because without proper handle, it’s hard to have proper grip in on it. It’s also tough to get best out of ones knife as well.
Best Knives with G10 Knife handles 2024
I don’t know why people always forget or don’t give importance to knife handle material as mostly, it protects the mechanisms that not only deploy the knife but also safeguards the knife’s lock. Knife handles shall be given their due respect and attention which they deserve.
With all that said, lets being with G10, firstly, do not confuse G10 with IMF thing here, we are talking about knife’s material. As there are many G10 Knife handles available different brands like TOPS knives, Spyderco, Kershaw, Gerber Knives, and Medford Knives, Spyderco Knives etc.
What Is G10?
G10 is made from composite material by stacking up multiple layers of fiberglass cloth, impregnated in EXPOSY Resin and later by compression under heat till epoxy cures.
It’s somewhat similar to Micarta but as discussed in Micarta knife handle, linen, denim etc. are used but in G10 Knife handle only fiberglass cloth or sheet is used.
Another key difference between Micarta & G10 Knife handle is of EPOXY. We use Phenolic Epoxy in Micarta whereas epoxy used in G10 is of fiberglass making it tougher, hard and even lesser absorbent of water.
Does G10 absorb Water?
Yes, G10 is a highly water resistant making it almost waterproof because fiberglass composite material, that’s why it’s mostly used in underwater applications and because it’s very hard Rockwell Scale 110, and have really high tensile strength of 35000 PSI making it more durable to usable to different applications.
Is G10 Knife handle toxic?
No, there are fumes produced during the process which are toxic, and once its dry, it’s not toxic as all, but if put to fire, it definitely produces very toxic fumes because of resin & hardener which also burn with fiberglass material.
Comparison of G10 Knife Handle & Micarta
Micarta knife handle is almost similar to G10 Knife handle. There are some differences which are materials used, curing process and density of both. There most common part between both are:
Common Factors between G10 & Micarta
Pros & Cons of G10 Knife Handle Scales
Advantages of G10 Knife Handle Material
Disadvantages of G10 Knife Handle Material
Conclusion – G10 Knife Handle
G10 Knife Handle is being light weight and from fiberglass material with giving penalty options to scaling on it, makes it a great choice especially for Pocket Knives where weight is definitely a concern.
But they do give plastic handle feeling on one’s hand, but works good in all conditions and all types of terrains.
Most Commonly Asked Questions about G10 Knife Handle Scales
It all depends on preference and use. If your usage is more in wet environments like fishing, hunting in swampy areas, or for camping or survival then Micarta is great option to go with. But if you are looking for smooth, hard and impact resistant knife handle then go with G 10 knife handles
The G-10 knife Handle Scales will effectively last forever. You can smooth them and polish them. And if you like the rough texture you can rough it up with a file (or carefully with 30 grit sandpaper). But it will make it wear. Do it at your own risk.
G10 Knife handles (G10 Knife Handle Scales) are mostly used for underwater applications because of its core strength lies in being water resistant. That is why mostly G10 knife scales are popular with knives being used in SEA or at Harbors.
G10 is a very hard and durable material (composite layers of glass-fiber) which gives G10 handle scales an ability to resist scratches, dents and even moisture, making it damn near waterproof. That is one of the main reasons, this material is used as Knife Handle scales these days.
G10 is a very durable composite material that comes in a variety of sizes and bold vibrant colors and color combinations. It is made with glass fiber and epoxy which is compressed under extremely high pressure and heat cured to provide an extremely tough and durable material.
G10 knife handles are very durable with a very high level of strength, meaning G10 knife handles will last for a very long time even under heavy use in both wet and dry conditions.
