Types of knife handles
It decides whether a given knife will "sit" well in your hand. The material from which it is made is important. Parameters such as profile, length and even thickness are also important. We are, of course, talking about knife handles . When choosing a knife, it is worth paying attention to it, and not only focusing on its blade. Get to know the types of knife handles , find out their uses and durability. Which knife handle is best for you?
Knife handles – materials
What material is best for a knife handle? Wood and its various types are probably the most frequently used material for the production of knife handles. It is also common to encounter, among others:
However, it is impossible to clearly answer the question which material for a knife handle is the best , because each of the materials used on the market has slightly different properties and is characterized by slightly different things. The most important thing is your needs and the frequency with which you reach for your knife. Many people today can boast of quite a large collection of knives. Such enthusiasts certainly already have their favorites when it comes to handles. For other, less experienced users, it will be useful to learn about the characteristics of individual materials used to produce knife handles .
The type of material from which the knife handle is made may determine, among others: about whether it is possible to engrave something on it and whether it can be colored in the anodization process (e.g. titanium and aluminum handles offer such options). Wooden handles are also engraved, and an engraved handle always makes an impression! It is worth noting that sometimes this type of decorations on the handle add an anti-slip element. This is the case, for example, with this knife .
Knives with wooden handles
A wooden knife handle is a classic and always extremely elegant solution. It can delight many outdoor enthusiasts. Beautiful grain highlighted by deep brown lines can be seen, for example, on the handle of the Magnum Zebra Drop knife . In this case, wood can be truly resistant to even the most unfavorable weather conditions .
Looking at history, it must be admitted that wood is one of the oldest materials for the production of handles for knives of all types (from the simplest kitchen knives to the most specialized hunting knives ). Wooden knife handles are sometimes specially colored or supplemented with special protective substances.
The following are used to produce wooden handles:
- wood of exotic species (including ebony, pakka, imbuya, cocobolo ),
- traditional wood (e.g. beech, walnut, cherry).
An interesting example of a knife handle made of mazerized birch is the Helle Jegermester Knife .
Knives with bone handles
Another very popular material that cannot be omitted when discussing different types of knife handles is bone or horn of wild animals. Also a classic and one of the oldest solutions (right next to wood).
Animal bones and horns in knife handles ensure a stable grip and very high durability , even during the most difficult work. A material often used in hunting knives. But not only that, as you can see that deer antlers can even be found on a cutlery set . Another example of a handle made of deer antler is the Böker Arbolito Esculta Hirschhorn Knife .
Knives with titanium handle
Impact resistance, considerable hardness, and at the same time lightness . These features are especially worth mentioning when discussing titanium knife handles . A common material in folding knives . It is often used to produce high-quality knives, both from the middle and higher price ranges. An example of a knife with a titanium handle and a framelock is the Böker Plus Urban Trapper Petite model . Its weight is only 30 g.
Aluminum handle
Among knives with aluminum handles, we have several bestsellers in the Sapsan store. One of them is the Small Sidewinder OTF Knife . It has a unique CNC-machined handle made of aircraft aluminum . This knife, like the earlier model with a titanium handle, is ambidextrous because the pocket clip can be moved to either side of the handle depending on preference.
Aluminum is a durable and light material with high corrosion resistance . It happens that the aluminum on the handle is combined with internal anti-slip inserts, which are made of e.g. Zytel, G10 and other materials. What does it do? Increases grip slightly.
Knives with Micarta and G-10 handles
Micarta
Micarta is a laminate made of layers of paper or canvas embedded in epoxy resin. The material is pressed under pressure. The Böker Solingen Barlow BFF Micarta knife is one of numerous examples of knives with handle covers made of green Micarta cloth. The use of micarta to produce knife handles guarantees its resistance to water and chemical agents .
How to clean micarta? To keep the handle of a micarta knife clean, all you need is a brush, dishwashing liquid and water. Micarta does not need any special treatment because it is not at risk of cracking from extreme temperatures or absorbing moisture.
G-10 lining
Next to micarta, a slightly more durable laminate made of layers of fiberglass covered with epoxy resin is often mentioned . G-10 cladding can achieve textures with irreplaceable adhesion when properly etched, sandblasted or engraved. Used in knives with a fixed blade, but not only. Here is an example of a knife with a structured handle made of black G10, but with a blade that automatically slides out of the front handle (at the front) when the slide is moved.
ABS/rubber in knife handles
Another type of material is ABS.The K25 32133 Thunder II knife has a handle made of this hard polymer material. Impact-resistant, highly durable material for everyone who values unbreakable handles. ABS can be colored in any color, e.g. signal orange in the case of a compact and light rescue knife .
Leather handles
A knife with a leather handle is usually even more pleasant to the touch and has a good grip in the hand. Leather is the third oldest, classic (next to wood and bone) material for the production of knife handles. Leather will never be as durable as other synthetic materials. However, you have to forgive it and admire the aesthetics of the handles made of leather.
Carbon fiber handles
A knife with a handle made of carbon fiber is usually a bit higher priced. The disadvantage when it comes to the properties of this material is its good electrical conductivity. It also has quite poor grip, which is why manufacturers use distinct finger inserts in the carbon fiber handle, which ensure a more secure grip both with and without gloves.
Steel 410 and 420J2
Steel is highly flexible and resistant to corrosion , which is why it is used as a material for the internal skeleton of the knife and its lock. However, sometimes 410 steel is also used as the outer lining or handle. You probably know 420J2 steel because it is used as the material for these small, cheap kitchen knives.
We hope that after reading this list, you will know what to pay attention to when choosing a knife handle material . To further understand the different types of knife blades, jump now to this post .