These include maple, walnut, olive wood, rosewood, mesquite, desert ironwood, and pink ivory. However, be aware that titanium is not indestructible, and can suffer from scratching much more than stainless steel. They range in price from very cost effective to mid-priced for handle material making Micarta and Phenolic extremely popular. Titanium is also hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. Of course, its not surprising that theyre significantly more expensive than other materials. No one ever told you that, hey! The layers of rubber also make SureTouch G10 an excellent choice for a handle with good grip. Common types are maple, black ash, box elder, and pine cone burl. How far the blade extends depends on whether its a full tang or partial tang a full tang runs the entire length of the knife and handle, while partial tang only runs through a portion of the handle. Cons: Despite its . In terms of aesthetics, most . 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. Oftentimes, the knife handle features a soft, jutting edge that, when held, rests right beside your pinky finger. It might help if youre clumsy, and just add a little extra safety to the knife. Knives, particularly wood handled knives, shouldnt be washed in the dishwasher, and need to be dried thoroughly after washing. Though comfortable and stylish, these may wear out fast. The portion in our palm remains concealed and for the most part, ignored. Similar material to Micarta is commonly known as Phenolic handle material. Yep, paracord was originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes. The plastic is created by soaking layers of linen or paper in phenolic resin, and then compressing them using high heat. The lightness of its composition means that it can withstand broad impacts but is vulnerable to edge/sharp knocks. You dont want this to happen! A versatile and spacious workhorse, great for searing, sauting and more. 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. 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). Many knife enthusiasts find that the rough texture of the knife also contributes a good grip to the handle. The titanium used in knives is typically alloyed with aluminium and vanadium, as a way to increase its durability, and can be further finished with anodizing (for color) or bead blasting (for texture). Youve probably seen me talk about finishes in the rest of this post. -------------- We divide handle materials into two main categories: natural and synthetic. This produces a strong but light material that is completely stable and almost indestructible. It is now being brought back into the knife industry to create fancy custom designs. KnifeKits.com offers a large collection of Buffalo Horn knife handle scales. These materials are either designed to have an increased grip, or a better durability, or a lighter weight, or many things at once. One of them is Zytel, a thermoplastic developed by DuPont. It also has an increased resistance to heat and harsh conditions, compared to natural rubber. Wooden handles are also porous, making them prone to cracking or breaking. Scrimcast - is a new formula product which might be used instead of real ivory, fossil ivory, horn or bone. 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. The handle adds character and personality to a blade, so choose the material that feels right to you! 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. Example of knives with FRN/Zytel handles: Its weird, but Im actually seeing more and more brands selling knives with Paracord handles. If you want a regal knife that really stands out from the crowd, try a mother of pearl handle. 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. 7" Knife- Plant Starch Cutlery Choose Plant Starch Cutlery when you want to enjoy piping hot foods that need a burly set of cutlery. Steel itself is an alloy of iron and copper primarily, and its manufacture is relatively cheap. A traditional, comfortable, strong material. There is actually a large range of options to customize your bone handle. 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. Thats because it is extremely durable, water-resistant, lightweight It pretty much has all the features that make a good survival knife handle. With a multitude of patterns and colors available, its a spectacular material often offered as accent or collar pieces on premium knife handles. Metal materials are stainless steel, titanium, aluminum. Having a full tang also means that the pressure you apply to the knife is more equally shared between the blade and the handle. Natural materials: these are the more vintage materials. It may seem obvious, but it bears stating the size of the knife handle should be suited to the customers hand size. 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. The handle is always attached to the tang. Aluminum is low-density, which means that the knife feels substantial in your hand, but not heavy. A nice smooth wood texture. All content Copywright Protected Powered by Shopify, Experienced knife users know the handle may be just as important as the blade. However, titanium kitchen knives are more expensive than other types of knives . Use Brass or Stainless pin stock, G!0 liners and put it all together with Gflex epoxy. And because adding surface texture is quite a long and tedious process, the resulting material can be quite expensive. SCRIMCAST BONE / HORN / IVORY. They range in price from very cost effective to mid-priced for handle material making Micarta and Phenolic extremely popular. A common brand of stabilized wood is Dymondwood. Some range of customizing option, more aesthetically pleasing. Plant Starch Cutlery is made with 70% renewable materials and comes with reinforced handles so you can carve up your next bite with gusto. FRN is a really cheap material to manufacture, and is a good option is you have a limited budget. However, it has its charm and actually makes a comfortable handle. This is wood that has been injected with polymer resin and treated under high pressure to make it denser and more durable. Pros: Wooden handles provide a secure grip and feel natural to hold. Natural Wood Some common synthetic knife handle materials include pakkawood; carbon fiber; steels and resins. This means that the knife handle looks new for much longer. Other traditional horn material includes. Bones from animals are a popular knife handle material because they provide a traditional yet eye-catching look. What kind of knife handles should you include in your range? Stabilized wood is dried and mixed with chemicals to enhance its strength and fix imperfections. Very wrong. But what exactly are all of these, and which ones are the best? 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). 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! Unfortunately, thats pretty much all there is to say about these handles. Not only can it be easily carved into different shapes, wood knife handles are also available in many different species. (Read More). Compared to traditional cutlery made from 100% v However, this is as far as customization will go! All Rights Reserved. The essential bakeware and tools that will make everything you do in the oven and beyond easier. It is strong, abrasion-resistant, waterproof and can sustain bending in practically any direction. Example of knives with Stainless Steel handles: Aluminium is a very popular metals in all kinds of products. Definitely the most visually satisfying on this list, mother-of-pearls handles are very popular among collectors. 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. Natural knife handle materials Natural materials offer an earthy and sympathetic gripping surface, so it's no wonder that they see regular use for knife handles. Its a great wood to retail because its ecologically sound if sustainably sourced, and the diversity of color within the species offers a lot of choice for your customer to pick from. Most horn is considered an advanced material to work as it can be difficult to shape. What is carbon fiber? Youll often see the weave-like pattern on the handle, which is actually quite classy. Check out our natural knife handle material selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. As yet another bonus, stabilized wood is great for climates with fluctuating temperatures as the resin in the wood protects it from cracking. What are the Best Knife Handle Materials? It is extremely strong and durable, and has proven to be a safe choice for any types of conditions. The blocks come unpolished, sawn surface. Ebony wood Ebony Wa Handle Yanagiba 300 mm Ebony wood is super handsome with dark, gothic shades that ooze shine. The most common varieties of synthetic materials used in knife handles are carbon fiber, G10, glass-reinforced nylon, and Micarta. Our experience is that most beginners do a better job on their first knife than they thought that they could. 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. This is a synthetic replacement for rubber, made by Kraton. Limited resistance to impact, can be dented. A special use knife handle material, Nylon is available mostly in black, white, and natural. The knife industry uses various alloys of titanium (an alloy is a combination of several metals, so not one pure metal). Theyre often used in kitchen knife handles, as they can be easily molded into a wide assortment of shapes and colors. This means that both fingers and palm are in contact with the handle without discomfort or wrist strain. Being highly durable, customizable, and resistant to wear and tear, synthetic knife handles are made for kitchen use. General Knife Safety 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. As compared to all other natural materials, wood offers the most variety. So you can get a green, blue or pink aluminium-handled knife. G10 is a laminate composite made of fiberglass. Do Not Sell My Personal Information (CCPA). 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. . An effective knife handle is vital to the overall operation and handling of any knife. However, it is not really the best for hardcore use. For this reason, its important to get your customers input and align them with the right product for them. What does that means? Tried and tested wood knife handles are a market winner and have stood the test of time with buyers, so carry a wide range of both natural wood and wood look composite products these wont let you down! In terms of knife handle materials, what options are out there for the knife seller? Youve probably seen countless ones looking through product description and reviews. Carbon fiber is really not the least expensive. Kit Instructions TPE is basically rubberized plastic, combining the benefits of both rubber (grip, texture, and elasticity) and plastic (high strength, lightweight, and available in a variety of colors). 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. In terms of weight, aluminum falls in between stainless steel and titanium its lighter than stainless steel and heavier than titanium. , which is actually the part of the blade that extends into the handle. One of the cheapest options on the market. Other coatings: in some cases, the handles may be lined with a thin layer of another material, such as titanium or a ceramic. Handle tappers fr Other traditional horn material includesdeer horn andbuffalo horn which also make distinctive knife handles for outdoor enthusiasts. TPEs are preferred for their grip, which is not very slippery even when wet, and are therefore ideal for kitchen use. Titanium. Paracord is actually short for Parachute Cord. , which offer the beauty of genuine mother of pearl at a much lower price. Pakkawood is water impermeable, this means no material decay or warping. 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. It is still used in some forms today for knife handles, mainly to imitate natural materials, and sometimes to create . Damascus Clad 9Cr18Mov Oval Stabilized Wood Gyuto 210 mm, G10 Handle Kiritsuke Gyuto 197 mm Hammered Finish, Pakkawood Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set Damascus, Knife Balance: A Hidden Element in Every Knife, Forged vs. The evolution of the knife goes parallel to the development and evolution of the handle. Step 3: Sand the Handle. G10. If you have any comments or suggestions, let us know in the section below. Example of knives with Aluminium handles: Stainless steel is a very common element for both knife blades and handles. Fiddleback Forge was started in 2007 and originated from the founder's knifemaking passion. Whether youre making a fully custom piece ormaking a knife from a kit , there are many handle materials from which to choose. Some types of wood, especially if theyre very soft or porous, require a stabilization process for increased density and durability before they can be used on a knife handle. The Natural Black color of this unique organic material mean that every item is unique & looks beautiful. It is important to note that, like wood, handles made from bone are porous and can crack or become deformed over time. Elegant and smart storage solutions for your knives to keep them protected and tidy. Wood handles are durable and typically not too expensive, either. However, many knives with metal handles feature a textured designs or a brushed satin finish for better grip. It is available in a wide variety of colors. On the opposite side of the spectrum, a professional chef jointing down large pieces of animal daily will be frustrated and possibly injured by a smooth textured, lightweight handle that offers little grip. Natural materials such as bone, wood and exotic material such as mother of pearl, stag, horn and tortoiseshell were used for knife handles. Micarta is made from resin and burlap, while G-10 is primarily fiberglass. Scientists keep designing better and better materials for knife handles. are extremely durable and lightweight. This guide offers beginners and experts a detailed overview of several popular. The nature of handheld items pencils, umbrellas, mobile phones is that their primary function lies outside of our hands. I'm an outdoors enthusiast and I love camping. It's a low density metal that provides for a nice, hefty feel to the knife without weighing the knife down. Sand the ends of each pin with 80-grit sandpaper to help them enter the scale material more smoothly. The most common ones are African blackwood, desert ironwood, rosewood, cocobolo, and walnut these are types of wood that are both solid and stable (they don't expand or contract in extreme temperatures). It coats the inner shells of these creatures, and over time layers of the material can form a pearl. Besides looking the part, your customer can be confident that ebony is also very dense, which makes for a tough handle thatll last. Add these Buffalo Horn handle materials to your next knife making project. If you are going to use it in wet conditions often, you don't want your knife handle to be made of soft or fine woods like black walnut; better to use hardwood or a stabilised wood, where the wood is injected with plastic. I hope this was helpful and that you found what you were looking for. The purpose of the tang is to give the knife added stability and weight. This is commonly done with wood or bone handles, although the later is mostly used in pocket knives, custom knives, or collectibles. While theres a lot to be said about blades, its important that you also consider the handle half of the knife. What factors should you be considering when it comes to sourcing superior knife handles? What makes the success of wood is also its attractive look. Just for starters, we hand pick all of our knife making handle materials at KnifeKits.com. Synthetic materials include Micarta, G-10, celluloid, various rubberized materials and acrylic. Experienced knife users know the handle may be just as important as the blade. Rivets are the metal pieces, usually screws or pins that secure the tang to the handle. Overall length of knife is 10" with a 14cm blade. The purpose of the tang is to give the knife added stability and weight. To help you store and care for your new favorite knives. G-10 is also known as fiberglass composite laminate, formed by compressing resin-soaked strips of fiberglass. Bone is a very historical handle material. FRN is known to be basically indestructible. It is a very classy-looking option for hunting lovers. Carbon fiber is epoxy resin containing thin strands of carbon. A cheaper alternative, if you dont feel like spending millions, is to get an abalone handle (abalone is the stuff inside the shell of mollusks). These woods are recognizable for their strength, hardness, attractive natural appearance, and coloring. This also means that you have to choose wisely from these hundreds of options. The resin can be changed, which makes for a large range of color and customization options. An effective knife handle will give the user: These elements all need to be brought into conjunction with clever design and ergonomics that suit the task that the knife was created for. Bone is a cheap, cool traditional material, and this is why people like it. Ebony wood is super handsome with dark, gothic shades that ooze shine. Ad vertisement from shop DimecWood. 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. You can usually get this at a local hardware store. Some people like finger grooves and others dont! This is done to produce a non-reflective, rougher surface, which is more prone to corrosion. Only the essentials you need. This is why I would always recommend a full tang for fixed blade knives. However, their organic nature does get affected by changes in heat and humidity, and requires more maintenance. Titanium is a metal that is known for its strength and durability. However, they can become warped or damaged by excess exposure to moisture. There is a lot of information on the internet about knife handle materials like G10, wood, bone and the likes. It can be customized in some ways, including color and textures. Lets have a look at some of todays top picks in synthetic knife handles! Example of knives with Mother-of-pearls handles: Stag is a material derived from deer antlers (which fall off naturally every year). Canvas Micarta Knife Handle Scales- NATURAL- Various Sizes (2) In stock From $2.19 Canvas Micarta Knife Handle Scales- BLUE- Various Sizes (3) In stock $8.49 Canvas Micarta Phenolic Block- 1" X 1.5" X 5" -Knife making- NATURAL BROWN (3) Sold out From $1.99 Canvas Micarta Knife Handle Scales- BURGUNDY- Various Sizes In stock From $2.19 . The process is basically about wrapping leather straps tightly around the knife. can keep it looking good for centuries. 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 This means that it is basically a synthetic rubbery material. Metals are popular handle materials, the main ones used being Titanium, Stainless Steel and Aluminium. Overall, these materials can be separated in 3 families: Lets have a closer look at the materials in each of these categories. ***The Kasumi blade by Sakai Takayuki is a reasonably priced line of traditional forged knives which work well for first time users as well as more experienced chefs.It is made to put soft kitchen knife iron on Yasuki's traditional . Micarta is actually a brand of resin-based laminate that uses linen or paper substrates, with linen being the stronger of the two. 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. As a hardwood used for boat building for many centuries, teak has excellent resistance to both water and wood destroying pests. It just requires you to be a bit more careful so that your fingers dont fall onto the blade. This is a great resource for those choosing their first knife or enthusiasts who want to try a new type of handle. Like its fellow synthetics,micarta and phenolic knife handles are extremely durable and lightweight. Which handle material is right for you? This also means that its a poor environment for bacteria to grow, so your buyer can be assured of good sanitation. Also, people will have preferences for easy clean, low maintenance synthetics like G10 whereas others will hold fast and true to the stunning natural handle materials such as wood. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Pakkawood makes a good knife for customers with joint/mobility issues as its relatively lightweight. 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. As a result, they can range from the conventional to the exotic, giving users significant freedom in expressing their personal identity and sense of style through their knife handle. 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. G10 knife handles are also very customizable with patterning and coloring available to suit the buyers taste. Aluminum is another low-density, corrosion-resistant metal. 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. The price of knives with wood handles vary greatly depending on the wood used, its scarcity, the handle finish. Handle Material Hunter Green Bone 1/4 x 1 1/2 x 5. A gorgeous knife is something to behold, but form MUST meet function. Do you have a knife that could use a new, custom handle? Dont put too much on though, you dont want to compromise comfort for grip! All one-of-a-kind knife handle materials that we sell are all individually photographed and presented on this website. Most of them are created specifically to exhibit certain properties. This just means that the material soaked in resin is a bit different, though the texture, durability and strength are ultimately the same. The main drawback is that smooth metal handles can generally get quite slippery (this is mainly the case with stainless steel). A survival knifes tang is very important in determining the knifes overall strength and reliability.