Whether your learning how to make a knife handle or changing up your tools, we have the material that fits your needs. One of the strongest materials in the industry. As yet another bonus, stabilized wood is great for climates with fluctuating temperatures as the resin in the wood protects it from cracking. With the appropriate base material and skilled ergonomics that fit the hand, knife handles have come a long way in recent decades. Carbon fiber is a strong, durable polymer also known as graphite fiber. Ultem is the new kid on the block and it's an awesome option for a handle material. The most popular TPE is. The natural grain adds a beautiful, elegant touch to any blade, and wood can easily be carved and shaped to your liking. Norplex-Micarta is the original manufacturer of Micarta and considered the best quality Micarta in the world. This material is mainly aluminium (as you might expect), but also contains other various metallic elements such as Magnesium, Nickel and Copper. I did a bit of research into what the different types of handles are, and what the advantages and drawbacks are for each handle material. Example of knives with Carbon Fiber handles: FRN is short for Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (also known as GFN glass-reinforced nylon), which basically means that it is made of both fiberglass and nylon, and molded into any desired shape. When a knife is said to have a full tang, this indicates that the solid piece of metal that constitutes the blade runs down the handle as well. Scientists keep designing better and better materials for knife handles. G-10 is made of fiberglass and can be brittle, and thus doesnt resist impact well. Far from being purely cosmetic, these materials each have their own unique qualities, as well as pros and cons that can affect how the knife performs when used. One of the cheapest options on the market. Can be prone to scratching (more than stainless steel). Color Composite Resin Material Scale Knife Handle Pen Spacer Blanks Board Patch. Bone handles offer another unique and natural knife handle material. Though I've rarely used nylon for knife handle materials, I have used it in stands and displays as a strong, neutral component. Is brittle, and can break under high pressure. For those involved in seafood or fish preparation, such as sushi or sashimi chefs, an octagonally shaped wa handle in the Japanese style offers more sideways grip when filleting and slicing slippery fish. Do you have a knife that could use a new, custom handle? Youll often see the weave-like pattern on the handle, which is actually quite classy. G-10 is a great pick for water use and kitchen knives due to it's natural ability to repel water and hold consistent in wet conditions. Knife handles come in many different materials. It helps the customer if you sell them a knife that suits their lifestyle and time available for product maintenance. Other ones include Grivory, also a common trademark, and Grilon. It coats the inner shells of these creatures, and over time layers of the material can form a pearl. What Are The Different Parts Of A Survival Knife? This means that it is basically a synthetic rubbery material. Bones from animals are a popular knife handle material because they provide a traditional yet eye-catching look. Step 2: Cut and Insert the Pins. Its also available in a range of colors, providing the user some flexibility in personalizing the look of their knife. Example of knives with FRN/Zytel handles: Its weird, but Im actually seeing more and more brands selling knives with Paracord handles. Carbon fiber knife handles wont require oiling, theyre easy that way. While relatively strong, carbon fiber is not indestructible and may be prone to chips and cracks in cases of high impact. And one of them is the handles design. Polypropylene and ABS are two polymers with a high-strength and lightweight construction. Bead blasting is a method of coating that involves blasting the surface of the handle with various materials such as sand or beads (hence the name). When wood is stabilized it becomes stronger and has more impact resistance, this builds the overall strength of the knife. Today it has proven itself to be the ultimate cordage for bushcraft, survival , and basically any outdoors trip! Thermoplastic elastomers are a combination of polymers, usually plastic and rubber, and often go by a brand name Dryflex, Laprene, Santoprene, THERMOLAST K, and the like. Similar to blades, the most frequently used metals in knife handles are stainless steel, aluminium, and titanium. Some knife handle materials are more difficult to sand and shape without mechanical help. Wood is by far the most popular natural handle material for knives. With the industry knowledge and manufacturing know how to develop impressive materials, knife manufacturers have really stepped up to the plate with materials that are good for knives, and good for knife users. But what exactly are all of these, and which ones are the best? Actually, they are the two identical halves that form the body of the handle, and are attached to either side of the tang with rivets. Get a multitasking workhorse, or a specialized blade. More than a decade later, the company is renowned for crafting thousands of beautiful handmade knives, with a special focus on a quality convex grind and handles that are both solid and visually appealing. Ive seen a lot of 410, 416 and 420 handle steels in product descriptions, so these are probably the most common ones out there. I'm in no way an expert on survival knives, but I want to share what I learn everyday from experience and by doing research. To get started choosing your next knife handle material, select the individual material option by name or image below: Black Gum Black Limba Bloodwood Bocote Bone Bubinga Buffalo C-Tek Camel Canarywood Carbon Fiber Cedar Chakte Viga Cherry Chinaberry Cocobolo Cord Wrap Damagrip Dymalux Ebony Flame Box Elder G10 - (Multi-Color) Micarta is naturally smooth to the touch but can be given texture by peening away the resin to expose the base material. 459.90 DKK. G10 is essentially a woven fiberglass material which is then soaked in a special epoxy resin and compressed under high heat. Only need one? A special use knife handle material, Nylon is available mostly in black, white, and natural. Carbon fiber can be stronger than steel, and is lighter than Micarta and G-10. The Natural Black color of this unique organic material mean that every item is unique & looks beautiful. Natural knife handles are organic and can be found in nature. The essential food prep tools for ensuring cooking success. The resin can be dyed any number of colors including blue, red, green, orange, yellow, black, and white. Other coatings: in some cases, the handles may be lined with a thin layer of another material, such as titanium or a ceramic. Natural Buck Knife Handle Materials Wood: One of the types of wood used for a Buck Knife Handle is laminated dyed birch wood.-----Another wood Buck uses is Cocobolo, a very beautiful tropical rosewood from South America It has a dark color that can range from brick red to dark brown. The handle adds character and personality to a blade, so choose the material that feels right to you! multi-functional Fish Fillet Knife stainless curved blades have the perfect flexibility,And the knife will follow natural contours for perfect fillets. This is called a handle guard and its designed to give a better grip and prevent the knife from slipping. This is commonly done with wood or bone handles, although the later is mostly used in pocket knives, custom knives, or collectibles. These include maple, walnut, olive wood, rosewood, mesquite, desert ironwood, and pink ivory. Aluminum, usually anodized for color, hardness and protection, is a very durable material for knife handles. You'll also find knife handles made from synthetic materials like G-10 and Micarta. This guide offers beginners and experts a detailed overview of several popularknife handle materials. However, their organic nature does get affected by changes in heat and humidity, and requires more maintenance. Natural material is more traditional, while synthetic material offers a greater variety of shapes and colors. Plus, since handles made of wood or other natural materials can warp if not cared for correctly, a good knife with a high-density, temperature-resistant TPE handle, Kitchen handles and the material theyre made of play a large part in the comfort, safety, and overall durability of a. . So not a good idea for a survival or tactical blade. Kraton is a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), also known as TPR (thermoplastic rubber). It is tough, has a fine texture and a natural luster, and . SMKW has you covered, with one of the largest selections of knife handles for sale. Originally intended to provide electrical insulation, Micarta turned out to be a great plastic for kitchen knife handles. With a resin strengthened surface, bacteria cannot enter the knife handle and breed there, this is great for kitchen hygiene. Plus, since handles made of wood or other natural materials can warp if not cared for correctly, a good knife with a high-density, temperature-resistant TPE handle can make maintenance much easier. Thermoplastic elastomers are a combination of polymers, usually plastic and rubber, and often go by a brand name Dryflex, Laprene, Santoprene, THERMOLAST K, and the like. You can also find other high-quality materials like fabricated ivory, Juma, unique resins, rubber, Fantasy Marble, and more. Wood also makes it extremely easy to carve artsy designs and create handles, unlike any other types. 10. Have questions about certain materials or any other aspect of knifemaking?Contact our knifemaking experts and well respond as quickly as possible. This means that the knife handle ergonomics can be tweaked to get the best product. This is done to produce a non-reflective, rougher surface, which is more prone to corrosion. A versatile and spacious workhorse, great for searing, sauting and more. It might help if youre clumsy, and just add a little extra safety to the knife. Metals: metals are widespread in the knife handle industry. There are an assortment of plastics available with each formulation offering a specific set of properties. It is strong, abrasion-resistant, waterproof and can sustain bending in practically any direction. Micarta is actually a brand of resin-based laminate that uses linen or paper substrates, with linen being the stronger of the two. However, it is not really the best for hardcore use. The ceramic ball lockbar interface adds stability to the overall knife. G10 is a high-pressure fiberglass composite laminate made by stacking layers of glass cloth, soaking them in epoxy resin, and then compressing them under high heat. These materials are either designed to have an increased grip, or a better durability, or a lighter weight, or many things at once. Versatile, durable, and dishwasher-friendly. You can choose from a large selection of colors and designs to show off your personality. Knife Handle Material. Its sturdy, but also springy, and can be used as part of the locking mechanisms of folding knives. Youll find these or similar variants in 99% of knives! The natural grain adds a beautiful, elegant touch to any blade, and wood can easily be carved and shaped to your liking. Some people like finger grooves and others dont! It is important to note that, like wood, handles made from bone are porous and can crack or become deformed over time. While these are not the most durable, waterproof, lightweight or strongest materials, they are traditional and are generally quite aesthetically pleasing compared to synthetic handles. Were going to address all these questions and more in our look at knife handle materials! TruStone. Natural materials -- like wood, bone, horn and antler -- are beautiful, traditional and time-tested as knife handles. They are often anodized or coated with an oxide layer, for improvements in color, hardness, and protection. As a premium material, ebony wood offers a fine grain that gives a mirror polish effect without trapping food particles. There are a number of synthetic knife handle materials available to today's knife retailer and these offer real benefits to the customer. Limited resistance to impact, can be dented. A little wood oil and/or Renaissance wax, etc. KnifeKits.com offers a large collection of Buffalo Horn knife handle scales. You can find. This also means that you have to choose wisely from these hundreds of options. This is because it is strong, lightweight and cheap. As a note, teak isnt the MOST durable of woods, so its better on a knife handle thatll see gentler use or with a customer that understands caring for wood surfaces. Another option is to choose a stabilized wood. Its also a good thing to have cordage readily available in any survival situation, whether it be for building a shelter, repairing your bag, making a bow drill. Stabilized wood, though not entirely natural, offers so many benefits to the knife buyer that we had to include it here. Many of them are already stabilized and dyed with resins for added protection and beauty. This is a great resource for those choosing their first knife or enthusiasts who want to try a new type of handle. Which handle material is right for you? In terms of aesthetics, most . Of course, its not surprising that theyre significantly more expensive than other materials. Bone With more than 2000 individual knife handle material options, something from the handle material selections below should get you started right on your next knife or kit build. This means that both fingers and palm are in contact with the handle without discomfort or wrist strain. We offer a wide variety of Buffalo Horn handle material including hidden tang spacers, designer animal patterns, and natural Buffalo Horn Bark handle scales. However, because of aluminium being so lightweight, aluminium handles can be prone to scratches and dents. As the more visual part of the knife, the choice of knife handle is influenced by the customers taste, culture, and preconceived ideas about what a knife should look like. The material used to make a knife handle plays a big part in how comfortable, functional, and easy it is to use in the kitchen. Norplex-Micarta is the original manufacturer of Micarta and considered the best quality Micarta in the world. Wood handles are durable and typically not too expensive, either. But when you think of all the time you spend actually holding a knife (for most home cooks, thats every time youre in the kitchen), the handle becomes an increasingly important feature. You're in the right department! Oct 23, 2010 #8 1. Knife handles are usually either made with natural or synthetic material. [Guide], Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Wood Wood is one of the oldest, most popular types of knife handle material. Pros: Wooden handles provide a secure grip and feel natural to hold. Their plusses and minuses are as follows: Carbon Fiber ' Carbon fiber ' is a generic term for any material made by weaving together strands of carbon which are then set into a resin. Unlike most metals, titanium doesnt have that cold feel when you touch it. Bookmatched Ironwood (Burl Ball Pattern) Knife Scales - Knife Makers Material - Size 5 1/8 x 1 3/4 x 1/2 Inches - 1 Pair 3.7 (495) $1799 It feels smooth and cool to the touch and has a sleek, modern look. The wonder metal that combines the best of nonstick, stainless steel, and cast iron. Aluminum is low-density, which means that the knife feels substantial in your hand, but not heavy. FRN tends to be less grippy than G-10 on knife handles. can keep it looking good for centuries. No one ever told you that, hey! With added weight in the wood from the resin its absorbed, stabilized wood offers a heavier handle for the client who wants weight behind their cutting stroke. Natural materials: these are the more vintage materials. So you can get a green, blue or pink aluminium-handled knife. What options are available out there? As a hardwood used for boat building for many centuries, teak has excellent resistance to both water and wood destroying pests. Fun fact: G-10 was designed to be used in electronic circuit boards because of its excellent resistance to water, oil and acid. An updated cookware classic, at a fraction of the price. Kitchen handles and the material theyre made of play a large part in the comfort, safety, and overall durability of a kitchen knife. What makes the success of wood is also its attractive look. Here are examples to illustrate what knives with and without a finger guard on the handle look like: Finger guard are not necessary, and you can get used to working with a knife that doesnt have one. And because adding surface texture is quite a long and tedious process, the resulting material can be quite expensive. The evolution of the knife goes parallel to the development and evolution of the handle. Steel itself is an alloy of iron and copper primarily, and its manufacture is relatively cheap. As you can see, the two knives above are the same brand and have the same handle material, but their handle designs are quite different. Color - Blue Am woodworkByRoksa Four layers of premium enamel offer lifelong durability. Carbon fiber is really not the least expensive. The nature of handheld items pencils, umbrellas, mobile phones is that their primary function lies outside of our hands. Similar to bone, materials likeSpringbok, Blesbok, Kudu and Merino Rams Horn make distinctive knife handles. It also has an increased resistance to heat and harsh conditions, compared to natural rubber. These cured and dried form blocks of G-10 then can be formed into handle shape, mounted into the steel sides of the knife, textured or sanded and polished. Rosewood has a pleasing finish thats easy on the hands. Kitchen tools to make your life easier you'll wonder what you ever did without them. Alpha Knife Supply - AKS Stabilized wood box elder burl block, Wood Knife Handle, Natural Wood Crafting Material, Turning Blank, Knifemaking ad vertisement by DimecWood. Pakkawood is water impermeable, this means no material decay or warping. Cow bones are a common choice, and you can even use. Metal is another natural choice for knife handles, due to its durability, strength, and easy maintenance. Kraton material is elastic at its core, and it provides the kind of flexibility and abilities of natural rubber, but - unlike regular rubber - it has resistance to heat, cold, and chemicals, making it a perfect handle for many kinds of knives. Our ancient ancestors clearly knew the importance of natural materials. The material is not durable, and is very slippery. Wood is a relatively inexpensive material for making knife handles. Theres a lot, and scientists are constantly designing new, better ones. Add these Buffalo Horn handle materials to your next knife making project. Plant Starch Cutlery is made with 70% renewable materials and comes with reinforced handles so you can carve up your next bite with gusto. In terms of performance, Ultem improves greatly on other materials commonly used in knife handles. An effective knife handle is vital to the overall operation and handling of any knife. A knife and its handle (dependent on the material) will require particular and specific levels of maintenance. Wooden handles are also porous, making them prone to cracking or breaking. It has a fine grain so is comfortable to hold but because it is a very tough wood, it can be difficult to work with. Example of knives with Aluminium handles: Stainless steel is a very common element for both knife blades and handles. More Buying Choices $12.99 (2 new offers) +13 colors/patterns Stonewash is also something that youll encounter a lot, but its very similar to bead-blasting except it couples it with a coating. Like bone, stag is not the best for hardcore use. Starting from the back of the knife, the end opposite the blade tip, youll find the handle butt. If youve used a skateboard before, you should know what grip tape is. You can have a very tough, waterproof, durable handle material, but if theres no way to hold it properly, it wont really be of any use. One of the Advantages is that the handle can be cast right onto a finished . These handles usually have a polished, glossy appearance with a deep, rich coloring. The plastic is created by soaking layers of linen or paper in phenolic resin, and then compressing them using high heat. G-10 scales are typically black, although many other colors are also available, with a secure grip and rough surface texture. Scales come in many different materials and are what we are actually referring to when discussing knife handle material (the parts aside from the scale are usually the same material as the blade). Corrosion-resistant (though not rust-proof). Don't worry, we'll help you figure out how to make it look good. Leather Keychain Kit - Chocolate (8-9oz) - Black Hardware - (15 Pack), QLH - Holster Molding Prop - for Glock 19/23/32 (w/XC-1) (Butterfly). Mother of pearl, also known as nacre, is produced by oysters and other mollusks. Learn about each material and decide which one best suits your needs and personal preferences. Some range of customizing option, more aesthetically pleasing. a plastic handle with rubber grip), are relatively affordable, and come in a variety of colors, a good feature to help identify specific knives and prevent cross-contamination. Some manufacturers bank on handle design (including ridges and etching), or couple the steel with rubber or grip tape on the handle to improve the knifes reliability. When, however, it comes to the custom knifemaker's available choices, one have to dwell deep into the forums to get any information. Thank you, Mel Coonce, Pingback: itemprop="name">Step Up Your Salad Game: The 5 Best Tomato Must-Have Knives - KnifeVerge. Leather requires a high maintenance and is not half as durable as most synthetic materials. This can include dying it to give it different colors, or texturing it to improve grip. There are even more blade materials as there are handle materials! Free shipping. Example of knives with Stainless Steel handles: Aluminium is a very popular metals in all kinds of products. Proper treatment of your handles with oils such as, If you want a handle that offers the natural look of wood but is a bit more resistant to the elements, you may consider one made of. We recommend that you always choose the material that you like the best. The handle is just as important as the blade in a survival knife because it is the point of contact between you and the knife. Ideally, the customer should be offered a range of knife handle sizes so that they can choose a handle thatll fit their hand comfortably. The Knife Hub is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. G10 handles can also be easily carved, peened or engraved to provide a more textured grip. A traditional material with a vintage look. The knife industry uses various alloys of titanium (an alloy is a combination of several metals, so not one pure metal). Stainless steel is the strongest metal on this list in that it will not dent or scratch as easily as titanium or aluminium. Synthetic materials include Micarta, G-10, celluloid, various rubberized materials and acrylic. It's rough and tough but also nice to look at. Basic Knife History I know, there are tons and tons of different handle materials. Most of these have been used for hundreds of years, and played an important role in the knife-making history. Knives with wood or wood composite handles need to be oiled around twice a year. In many cases you will find synthetics are a better choice when durability comes to mind but educating yourself is essential as some synthetics can be brittle, fragile, or hard to work. For customers involved in professional food preparation a very tough and durable knife handle is best as the knife will see use (and abuse) day in and day out. More expensive than other metals, resulting in higher priced knives. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. RECHERE 1pcs Knife Handle Scale Slabs Grips C-Tek Resin Snakeskin Honeycomb Pattern Purple Knives Sword Gun Making Material 120X40X8mm 4.1 (74) $1799 FREE delivery Mon, Mar 6 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon Only 12 left in stock - order soon. Supplies for cleaning, seasoning, and more to keep your gear performing well. This is important if you intend on using your knife often and for hardcore bushcraft. Wood is one of the oldest, most popular types of knife handle material. Sold by cast bricks, or cut to blocks, slabs and scales. SCRIMCAST BONE / HORN / IVORY. Well, its basically carbon strands woven together and then set into a resin, making one of the strongest materials in the industry. 9.69 USD. Knives are one of the most useful kitchen tools, and every part of them from blade tip to handle guard works together to provide the perfect cuts and slices. However, on the other hand, it is heavier that the other two, which can be cumbersome, whether you are using it for EDC (Everyday Carry) or survival. The lightness of its composition means that it can withstand broad impacts but is vulnerable to edge/sharp knocks. This means that the closer the tang is to full tang, the better the handle is attached. While its not as strong as titanium, its also not as expensive. , a product of DuPont, which is resistant to impact, abrasions, and breakage. Beyond adding a touch of style and individuality, a handle provides a grip for you to hold and wield a knife safely. Kraton knife handle Kraton. I'm an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping and hiking. SureTouch is a handle material with layers of G10 and rubber alternating to form a shock resistant material that is perfect for hard working knives, hatchets, and choppers. PocketEdge. It may seem obvious, but it bears stating the size of the knife handle should be suited to the customers hand size. Plastic is perhaps the most common synthetic knife handle material, thanks to its ready availability, affordability, and easy maintenance. The stabilization process injects resin into any of the existing pores or cracks, and then compresses the material using high heat and pressure.