G10 vs. Micarta weight

MVF

MVF

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I just got my first Infi with G10 (AD & Meaner) and the handles seem heavier than micarta. The problem is I don't have either of these knives with micarta scales to compare (and now I can't afford them! :( ).

Is this an illusion or is the G10 heavier? If anyone has these knives both ways, could you post the difference? Also, how much difference in the balance point? I can tell I'm going to have to get a set with micarta eventually 'cuz these are now my favorites! :D
 
I recently weighed my "Fatty" (0.27-inch) GWs, and the G-10 ones were 8 ounces, and the Canvas Micarta ones were 7.5 ounces. So, it seems that G-10 is indeed heavier than Canvas Micarta.
 
Here's a chart that gives some densities:

http://www.sdplastics.com/norplex-micarta_property_comparison.html

G10 (glass fabric/epoxy) = 1.80 grams/cubic centimeter

It's a bit more difficult to tell what is "micarta" on the list, but the NP310 is a cotton fabric/phenolic composite at 1.36 g/cc and NP610 is paper/phenolic resin, also at 1.36 g/cc.

I imagine there's some variation between micarta and G10 from different manufacturers, but on this list the G10 is near the top of the density scale, and the micarta-like products are near the bottom. I wonder if the extra .5g/cc makes a perceptible difference compared to the weight of the steel which varies from blade to blade. Balance might also be an issue - if a knife balances slightly differently than a similar model, you could perceive the difference as different weights.
 
G-10 is heavier than micarta.

I have meaners and AD's in both and the balance point is just a bit more forward on the micarta if both blade and handle are the same thickness
 
I generally like Micarta much better.

BUT on my CGFBM I like the ones with G-10 slabs because it moves the balance back a bit.

.
 
I don't own any Busse knives with G-10....so I haven't a clue if they are heavier or not. I prefer my Busses with good ole micarta!:thumbup:




.....although that black & tan is starting to speak to me!



.
 
Solstice, you wrote:
I don't own any Busse knives with G-10....so I haven't a clue if they are heavier or not... ...although that black & tan is starting to speak to me!
Click to expand...
There is a lot to like about the Black/Tan G-10 handles, especially when they're Magnums.

cgbatac-black-blacktan-g10m-1.jpg


hr-black-mag-bt-g10-1.jpg


As you can see above, the Black Crinkle blade finish goes extraordinarily well with those handles.
 
lunde said:
I recently weighed my "Fatty" (0.27-inch) GWs, and the G-10 ones were 8 ounces, and the Canvas Micarta ones were 7.5 ounces. So, it seems that G-10 is indeed heavier than Canvas Micarta.
Click to expand...


Half an ounce :eek: How do you carry that beast :confused: :thumbup: :D
 
the Black Crinkle blade finish goes extraordinarily well with those handles.[/QUOTE]

Amen Bro, Amen :thumbup:
 
Thanks all- now to find (and afford) an uncoated micarta AD & Meaner
 
Are you sure the weight difference is in the handles/scales? I have a couple of FBM's with identical micarta handles and the weight difference between two is 1.6 oz. I see a definite difference in the blade grind on each that appears to account for the difference.
 
gunscrounger said:
Are you sure the weight difference is in the handles/scales? I have a couple of FBM's with identical micarta handles and the weight difference between two is 1.6 oz. I see a definite difference in the blade grind on each that appears to account for the difference.
Click to expand...

Yeah, Busses have a lot of differences in the blade thickness and grinds, even in the same model. It kind of gives to them that "handmade" feel, I find. :) The weight difference can be in the handles, though. I haven't looked at in in Busses, but in other knives it's plain to see that G-10 is much heavier than Micarta.
 
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