Experienced knife users know the handle may be just as important as the blade. Common types are maple, black ash, box elder, and pine cone burl. Hi there! Otherwise metals are durable and will continue to make good knife handles. But just be aware that while it is corrosion resistant, it is not corrosion-proof, and will rust if you dont take care of it. Their grip is safe and comfortable, though it can vary depending on the wood used. 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. Bone handles offer another unique and natural knife handle material. Metal handles are a classic choice and are very durable. In simple terms, the tang of the knife is the unsharpened, usually unexposed part of the blade that extends down the handle. SKU: HMMC-G10-EarthBrown-.125 Starting at $7.45 Add to Cart G10 - PEEL PLY COARSE Black 1/4" - Knife Handle Material SKU: HMNP-PPC-Black-.250 Starting at $9.57 Out of stock G10 - PEEL PLY MEDIUM OD Green 3/16" - Knife Handle Material SKU: HMNP-PPM-OD-.187 Starting at $8.94 Out of stock Other companies usually have an option, for full tang fixed blades, where you can buy the blade (and tang) only, and then add your own paracord or custom handle. Blackwood, as the name suggests, is a very dark wood that appears almost black. A survival knifes tang is very important in determining the knifes overall strength and reliability. G10 is particularly popular for outdoor use and hunting knives because its extremely tough and hard but shapeable in the manufacturing phase. Carbon fiber is a strong, durable polymer also known as graphite fiber. These are the 9 best knife handle materials: Bone Wood Aluminum Carbon Fiber G-10 Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon Stainless Steel Titanium Micarta Table of Contents show 1. Aluminum, usually anodized for color, hardness and protection, is a very durable material for knife handles. This means that the knife handle ergonomics can be tweaked to get the best product. It is strong, abrasion-resistant, waterproof and can sustain bending in practically any direction. The Misen Dutch Oven is an update to the cookware classic. Looking forward to hearing from you! , there are many handle materials from which to choose. Well, its basically a strong substance made from taking strips of fiberglass, soaking them in a resin, and then compressing them. If youve used a skateboard before, you should know what grip tape is. The outstanding qualities make it a choice material for tactical and fixed- blade knives. Wooden handles are also porous, making them prone to cracking or breaking. FRN is a really cheap material to manufacture, and is a good option is you have a limited budget. Sold by cast bricks, or cut to blocks, slabs and scales. Other variants of grip tape are more rubbery (like some of the stuff on tennis racket). However, it gives a knife a unique look that no other material will. However, while it is strong in the direction of the handle, it is brittle, like a lot of synthetic materials. Jantz Supply offers a large selection ofmaterials for making knife handles, including many of the natural and synthetic options mentioned in this guide. Natural stone ores which are crushed, pigmented and then stabilized in acrylic resin Can be sawed, drilled, shaped and polished with tools for wood. G10 knife handles are also very customizable with patterning and coloring available to suit the buyers taste. This means that the closer the tang is to full tang, the better the handle is attached. The wonder metal that combines the best of nonstick, stainless steel, and cast iron. This type of knife handle is also quite simple to construct, and will last a lifetime. Rare Natural knife handle material with unique grain patterns Stabilized with a high-pressure resin infusion Wide range of colors and grain types Ready for CNC processing Can obtain a high-gloss polish Raffir Stabilized Fossils as knife wood materials Raffir Fossils are real mammoth fossils from the last ice age (10,000-40,000 BP). It seems to be trendy nowadays! For G10 knives, a soft toothbrush and hot soapy water are great for cleaning, and for surface oiling a product called Ballistol rubbed into the completely dry G10 surface will restore shine and color. TruStone. As the toughest fiberglass resin laminate, that is also water- and temperature-resistant, G-10 handles produce hard-wearing kitchen knives. KnifeKits.com offers professional knife makers, and knife handle replacement enthusiasts, one of the deepest selections of high quality knife making handle material in the world. G10. Youll find these or similar variants in 99% of knives! Titanium is a kitchen knife handle material that is strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. However, it is not really the best for hardcore use. Wood is a relatively inexpensive material for making knife handles. You want the wood to be adapted to the conditions that you will use the knife in. Most of these have been used for hundreds of years, and played an important role in the knife-making history. 7" Knife- Plant Starch Cutlery Choose Plant Starch Cutlery when you want to enjoy piping hot foods that need a burly set of cutlery. G-10 and Micarta are both resin-based composites that make excellent knife handles. However, their organic nature does get affected by changes in heat and humidity, and requires more maintenance. This guide offers beginners and experts a detailed overview of several popular. G10 is a laminate composite made of fiberglass. Have questions about certain materials or any other aspect of knifemaking?Contact our knifemaking experts and well respond as quickly as possible. Ideally, the customer should be offered a range of knife handle sizes so that they can choose a handle thatll fit their hand comfortably. Mother of pearl handles give off an iridescent glow that makes them feel right at home on high-end knives. A lot of them are basically the same one, but with a different name. Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout. While theres a lot to be said about blades, its important that you also consider the handle half of the knife. G-10 is exceptionally durable, lightweight, and water-resistant. Now that weve learnt about some knife handle materials on the market today, lets talk more about other important knife handle factors and how these will affect your customer. The natural grain adds a beautiful, elegant touch to any blade, and wood can easily be carved and shaped to your liking. If you want to be sure you are getting the original ask about the manufacturer. This can cause the handle to feel a bit soggy and to decrease in quality over time. Night-light Board Resin C-Tek Noctilucent Knife Handle Scale Material Blank Acc. The most important tool in your kitchen. This is a great resource for those choosing their first knife or enthusiasts who want to try a new type of handle. However, the material is very lightweight and comes with an attractive woven texture for kitchen knives. Once again, dont be intimated by all the weird name and trademarks thrown around in product reviews. Authentic hardwood and antler handled Gaucho knife , hand crafted in Tandil, Argentina by the skilled hands of Artesanias. Ultem has a distinctive honey-amber color, and when you put it in direct light, it almost seems to glow. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. 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. Metals are popular handle materials, the main ones used being Titanium, Stainless Steel and Aluminium. The most popular TPE is. Micarta is the brand name of a composite made from linen, canvas, paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other fabrics soaked in phenolic resin and baked under high pressure. Stabilizing wood makes it water resistant so important in the kitchen. Pakkawood, like other composite wood materials, can be texturized for better grip and this makes for a knife handle thats comfortable to hold and maneuver a blade with. 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 ofstabilized wood. A little wood oil and/or Renaissance wax, etc. However, it also looks and feels quite cheap and plastic-like. For this your customer can use food grade mineral oil or Boiled Linseed oil, which is much faster drying than regular Linseed oil. Compared to traditional cutlery made from 100% v Like its fellow synthetics. Advanced knifemakers tend to work with the natural shape of the horn and bone to keep the materials natural shape as part of the knife design. But this is wrong. Photo Gallery #2 Sure, its a large part of what makes a good handle, but there are other things. 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. You'll also find knife handles made from synthetic materials like G-10 and Micarta. These composite materials are layered for maximum durability. Carbon fiber is resistant to corrosion and temperature changes and knife handles made from carbon fiber can be sandblasted to enhance the gripping surface. Norplex-Micarta is the original manufacturer of Micarta and considered the best quality Micarta in the world. It is available in a wide variety of colors. G10 handles can also be easily carved, peened or engraved to provide a more textured grip. An alloy is a combination of a metal with another or others, or with a non-metallic element. Ebony handles are particularly suited to users that appreciate a heavy handle to give solidity in the hand. Many of them are already stabilized and dyed with resins for added protection and beauty. Pros: Wooden handles provide a secure grip and feel natural to hold. Wood also weather and tarnishes over time, lending a distinguished and elegant look to the handle. All one-of-a-kind knife handle materials that we sell are all individually photographed and presented on this website. G10, Micarta, Carbon Fiber, Timascus and Kevlar. The wood that is commonly used in composites is referred to as burl, which indicates that the wood comes from a tree with a round knotted growth. 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). We also carry other high-quality synthetic knife handle materials such as carbon fiber, Micarta, Damagrip and woven fiberglass knife making products like G10 and others in an assortment of the most popular and unique colors and patterns, such as the highly popular "Textured" G10. Rosewoods, particularly Indian Rosewood, offer a well priced wood knife handle that develops a unique and appealing patina as it ages. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Kraton handles can come in a variety of harnesses, depending on your preference. 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. Knives with wood or wood composite handles need to be oiled around twice a year. This is commonly done with wood or bone handles, although the later is mostly used in pocket knives, custom knives, or collectibles. This treasure of the sea is available on desirable kitchen knife handles too! There are a few types of Micarta, such as canvas, paper or linen. Get a multitasking workhorse, or a specialized blade. You can usually get this at a local hardware store. Supplies for cleaning, seasoning, and more to keep your gear performing well. However, many knives with metal handles feature a textured designs or a brushed satin finish for better grip. This last stageoften involves a certain coating or treatment of the handle, to improve its quality, its durability, or its aesthetic appeal. 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. Have questions about certain materials or any other aspect of knifemaking? . This also means that its a poor environment for bacteria to grow, so your buyer can be assured of good sanitation. The resulting material is extremely hard and strong, yet still lightweight. With oil heavy wood, a rosewood handle retards pests like wood borer and that oil also gives the wood an enchanting fragrance. Make sure you will get a good grip on the knife! Oct 23, 2010 #8 1. The essential bakeware and tools that will make everything you do in the oven and beyond easier. The purpose of the tang is to give the knife added stability and weight. Teak is another good choice for the customer that appreciates natural materials. Natural materials, such as wood, metal, and bone, are considered the most traditional and beautiful in form. . It is extremely strong and durable, and has proven to be a safe choice for any types of conditions. We also offer the new composite-resin based Hybridwood knife handle material, an excellent choice for pushing the envelope on knife handle making. Sand the ends of each pin with 80-grit sandpaper to help them enter the scale material more smoothly. Carbon fiber is a strong, durable polymer also known as graphite fiber. The result is the toughest knife handle in the market. Thus, its best marketed to a client that is willing to spend more on their knife collection. Synthetic materials: these are the modern ones. While knife handles are constructed as one smooth piece, theyre actually divided into four anatomical parts. Most of them are created specifically to exhibit certain properties. These unique structures have been stabilized in colored resin to create beautiful material that can be processed with normal woodworking equipment. Micarta can be made using fabrics including parachute cord, denim or even paper. However, they can become warped or damaged by excess exposure to moisture. One of the cheapest options on the market. It may seem obvious, but it bears stating the size of the knife handle should be suited to the customers hand size. Unlike most metals, titanium doesnt have that cold feel when you touch it. Products specifications : 100% Original Buffalo Horn Made Knife Scales; Premium Export Quality Products; More tools to help you get the most out of your cooking. 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. [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). You can findtextured G10 scales with honeycomb, diamond, and other patterns. Titanium. Wood handles are durable and typically not too expensive, either. TPEs are preferred for their grip, which is not very slippery even when wet, and are therefore ideal for kitchen use. The result is a material thats quite similar to carbon fiber, though much less expensive. Bone is typically used from animals that died naturally. Bones from animals are a popular knife handle material because they provide a traditional yet eye-catching look. Wooden handles are also porous, making them prone to cracking or breaking. Burl. Finally, we are also proud to offer top of the line exotic knife handle licensed creations from designers like Voodoo Resins, KCD, Supernaturals and more. Carbon fiber is really not the least expensive. Four layers of premium enamel offer lifelong durability. Only need one? The needs of the cook concerned, and the purpose of the knife involved should marry neatly with how the knife handle is contoured and designed. Would like to know if you have a booklet or a pamphlet that you can send me about your knife handle materials? The process is basically about wrapping leather straps tightly around the knife. 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 The grain/tactile texture of teak gives a grippy surface that offers high confidence when doing slippery tasks like skinning chicken breast. Generally, you dont want to have a softwood under any humid conditions. Which handle materials are going to offer your customer the best kitchen experience? , including many of the natural and synthetic options mentioned in this guide. However, because of aluminium being so lightweight, aluminium handles can be prone to scratches and dents. Leather handles are generally quite cheap. Kitchen tools to make your life easier you'll wonder what you ever did without them. Man made knife handle materials have come a long way in recent decades and our examples will demonstrate that. A customer with tiny hands or joint problems is not going to be able to use a heavy, overly bulbous knife handle easily and safely. Carbon fiber knife handles wont require oiling, theyre easy that way. Knife making handle material (block) WMForgeworks $45.00 FREE shipping Hand poured Composite Epoxy Resin Knife Scales - Matching Pair (2pc), Knife handle material, Knife parts, forging supplies, Handmade OrangeWolfForge $16.00 Crazy Multi dyed Maple Burl Cast in Neon Orange Unique Knife Scales Bookmatched Handle Material HandleHound (29) $39.99 Knife Scales made of G10, Micarta and Carbon Fiber are exceptionally durable man made materials and make for nice knife handles. G-10 is a popular handle material, known to be a fiberglass composite laminate. Natural materials -- like wood, bone, horn and antler -- are beautiful, traditional and time-tested as knife handles. Ebony wood is super handsome with dark, gothic shades that ooze shine. 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. I'm an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping and hiking. They are strong and durable, and are therefore a great option for outdoors equipment. This also means that you have to choose wisely from these hundreds of options. As compared to all other natural materials, wood offers the most variety. Over the years, I've learned quite a lot about the outdoors and the gear I needed. Raffir Hotspring is made from natural mineral deposit formations collected from natural hot springs. Wood In terms of performance, Ultem improves greatly on other materials commonly used in knife handles. A versatile and spacious workhorse, great for searing, sauting and more. With a resin strengthened surface, bacteria cannot enter the knife handle and breed there, this is great for kitchen hygiene. Knife handle material is just as varied as knife blade material if not more so. A good knife, with a good handle, often comes with a good tang. There are 2 main types of wood: softwood (which comes from coniferous trees pine, fir, spruce) and hardwood (which comes from deciduous trees beech, hickory, oak, walnut). Mother of pearl, also known as nacre, is produced by oysters and other mollusks. When wood is stabilized it becomes stronger and has more impact resistance, this builds the overall strength of the knife. But in my opinion, G-10 handle tend to be less visually attractive than others. You can choose from a large selection of colors and designs to show off your personality. are made by casting natural pine cones in resin and then cutting them into scales to fit a knife blade. Its also available in a range of colors, providing the user some flexibility in personalizing the look of their knife. A gorgeous knife is something to behold, but form MUST meet function. Scientists keep designing better and better materials for knife handles. A full tang knife relies in its structure and strength on a solid, continuous piece of metal. It helps the customer if you sell them a knife that suits their lifestyle and time available for product maintenance. More Buying Choices $12.99 (2 new offers) +13 colors/patterns Its considered to be the toughest blade material out there! It adds a lot of beauty to a knife, which is why it is so popular among collectors. Overall, these materials can be separated in 3 families: Lets have a closer look at the materials in each of these categories. Which handle material is right for you? Paracord is actually short for Parachute Cord. Most metal knife handles are actually not pure metals, but alloys. Limited resistance to impact, can be dented. Here, Ive tried to give you some of the brads/names that are very similar to these common materials. What are the Best Knife Handle Materials? Youll find that many people will tell you that Micarta is a phenolic laminate. Both materials are durable, water-resistant, and comfortable to use, but G-10 costs less and is less susceptible to environmental factors. Step 3: Sand the Handle. As yet another bonus, stabilized wood is great for climates with fluctuating temperatures as the resin in the wood protects it from cracking. Amazon.com: Knife Handle Material 1-48 of over 30,000 results for "Knife Handle Material" RESULTS Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. The Ultem-ate Handle Material. Do you have a knife that could use a new, custom handle? But its up to you! We recommend that you always choose the material that you like the best. Though I've rarely used nylon for knife handle materials, I have used it in stands and displays as a strong, neutral component. This just means that the material soaked in resin is a bit different, though the texture, durability and strength are ultimately the same. (Read More). Being highly durable, customizable, and resistant to wear and tear, synthetic knife handles are made for kitchen use. The right knife handle can transform an unwieldly, unattractive, and unsafe kitchen knife into an object of beauty, performing like a master and giving its user pleasure to hold. Carbon fiber is a very high tech material, because of its incredible strength to weight ratio (its one of the most lightweight materials here) and also because of its futuristic looks! The most important aspect to look for in a good knife handle is a comfortable grip. Titanium is a metal that is known for its strength and durability. I hope this gives you some insight into the various options, so that youll be able to make a careful decision as to which material to choose for your survival knife. 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. , a product of DuPont, which is resistant to impact, abrasions, and breakage. Rosewoods are also dense and strong without being heavy or cumbersome. The best option for you depends on your budget and aesthetic preferences. Kraton knife handle Kraton. We divide handle materials into two main categories: natural and synthetic. Norplex-Micarta is the original manufacturer of Micarta and considered the best quality Micarta in the world. Free shipping for many products! Knowledge Base. At LeeKnives we pride ourselves on offering the best available thinking and design when crafting our knives, and that patience and research is reflected in our product range.