To Micarta or Not to Micarta Use?

R

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Jan 5, 2015
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OK some of my Micarta handled knives are going to be seeing bloody field use soon. Some people say "Don't use Micarta for game cleaning and processing!" as you get blood on the handles and some times gore than can carry various things that can get in the micarta and other things that can "rot out" the handles in time.

So what do the most people say on this. Should one get G-10 handles for the dedicated field cleaners? Or change out handles every few years?

Figured this place is the best place to get some good answers.
 
Micarta will not "Rot out"

very few handle materials will. I'd say Leather is the most at risk (stacked leather). But with both Micarta and most wood types there is pretty close to 0% risk of things rotting or getting "in the material".

G10 is stronger than micarta, but not more sterile. If G10 is ok, Micarta will be ok.
 
I've never had a problem with micarta "rotting" at all, but I have also heard people say that. Personally I'd go for G10 as it keeps it's texture better overtime when in wet bloody messes, but I don't hunt any more and I prefer the feel of micarta over G10.
 
There are a lot of hunting knives with stag handles/scales.
Micarta can sure handle hard use.
CRK put micarta on their Nyala model, there should be not problem.
That said, it can't hurt to clean the knife after use thoroughly.
 
Not all micarta is created equal. Perhaps the problems you've heard of arose from some backyard stuff that wasn't made up very well? Good micarta is darn near bulletproof and I say that as a knife maker that works almost exclusively in natural materials. I know I checked:

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I was having wranglercarta made for me for a while. A good solid handle material and popular on my cowboy type knives. My maker called and said he'd done a bad batch and not to use it. But, he got his batches mixed up and I ended up shooting up the good stuff, darn it.
 
The exposed outer layer might darken in appearance over time, but the handle will not rot. Micarta is my favorite handle material for fixed blades, and I wish more makers used it for folders.

Most micarta handles offer great traction when wet with sweat or blood. Micarta is also a warm material. These are two qualities that I appreciate in a hunting knife when I'm cleaning game in the middle of winter.
 
micarta feels better to me than g10. depends on the finish.

it wont rot and easy to scrub clean. only reason not to use it is if you just prefer a different scale material.
 
Thanks people. I knew I could get some straight answers here!

I was hoping I got the right thing I needed for a low slip knife tool option as you all said and U unklfranco summed it up my thinking. I had a few bad slips I never want to repeat again.

Yes I clean my knives/tools when done with them from messy jobs ASAP and do break down cleaning/maintenance of the handles and blade if the handles come off at a later more appropriate time. I had a few bad slips I never want to repeat again.

This question was asked in anticipation of dad's farm bigger animals being "harvested" (really murdered for their meat) and its going to be a lot of work if the local butchers get back logged again like usual.

Also for some deer that better cooperate this year or I'll give them a reprimand! Eh, deer you don't get this year they go out and make more deer for next year.
 
As it has been said already, micarta is fine...
Micarta Test Thread:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/micarta-damage.407828/

Phenolics (Micarta) are formed with wet resin, then a layer of resin soaked fabric or paper (media), then resin, media, resin, media, etc... As the resin cures, it forms a solid block that encapsulates the media. This media is shown when the resin is abraded by sanding, shaping, or media blasting.

Depending on the process to shape/abrade and materials used, the amount of fibers felt will vary, from very little to a noticeable, appreciable especially when wet. Most of the fibers that are exposed from the resin swell when contacted by a liquid, which increases the grip when wet. This is one of the main benefits of Phenolics (micarta).

I use it near exclusively except for when someone specifically asks for otherwise, most notably, stabilized woods. I will not use G10 or Carbon Fiber since I do not have a preferred amount of ventilation and dust collection.

All of this being said, if you need a wet user knife handle, canvas micarta left at 300-400 grit or media blasted will yield a surprising amount of grip when wet, more so than when dry.

The handle should also be able to withstand bleach, and other harsh chemicals, as long as it is of quality. Though bear in mind that some of the surface fibers can bleach out. The stuff within the resin should not bleed at all, in nor out. You do not need to use bleach, anything used to clean your dishes should be fine. They handle raw meats, and the slabs will too.
 
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