Types of knife handles

It is she who decides whether a given knife will "sit" well in your hand. The material it is made of is important. Parameters such as profile, length and even thickness are also important. Of course, we are talking about knife handles . When choosing a knife, it is worth paying attention to it, and not focusing only on its blade. Learn about the types of knife handles , find out what they are used for and how durable they are. Which knife handle is best for you?

Knife handles - materials

What material for a knife handle will be the most suitable? Wood and its various types are probably the most commonly used material for the production of knife handles. Also common are:

However, it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question which material for the knife handle is the best , because each of the materials used on the market has slightly different properties and is characterized by something slightly different. What matters most 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 fanatics certainly already have their favorites when it comes to handles. For other, less experienced users, it will be useful to be able to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the individual materials used in the production of knife handles .

The type of material from which the knife handle is made may determine, among others, 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 give such options). Wooden handles are also engraved, and an engraved handle is always impressive! It is worth noting that sometimes this type of decoration on the handle adds an anti-slip element. This is the case with this knife , for example .

Knives with a wooden handle

The wooden handle of the knife is a classic and always extremely elegant solution. It can delight many outdoor enthusiasts. Beautiful graining highlighted with deep brown lines is presented, for example, on the handle of the Magnum Zebra Drop knife . Wood in this case can be really 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 kinds (from the most simple kitchen knives to the most specialized hunting knives ). The wooden handles of knives are sometimes specially colored or supplemented with special protective substances.

For the production of wooden handles are used:

• wood of exotic species (e.g. ebony, pakka, imbuya, cocobolo ),
• traditional wood (e.g. beech, walnut, cherry).

And an interesting example of a knife handle made of macerated birch is the Helle Jegermester Knife .

Knives with a bone handle

Another very popular material that cannot be overlooked when discussing various types of knife handles is the bone or horn of wild animals. Also a classic and one of the oldest solutions (next to wood).

Bones and animal horns in the handles of the knives ensure a stable grip and very high durability , even during the most difficult work. Material often used in hunting knives. But not only that, because deer antlers can be found even on a set of cutlery . Another example of a handle made of deer antler is the Böker Arbolito Esculta Hirschhorn Knife .

Knives with a titanium handle

Impact resistance, considerable hardness and lightness at the same time . These features are especially worth mentioning when discussing titanium knife handles . A common material in folding knives . It is willingly used for the production of high-quality knives, both from the middle and higher price range. An example of a knife with a titanium handle and framelock is the Böker Plus Urban Trapper Petite . Its weight is only 30 g.

Aluminum handle

Among the 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 aircraft aluminum handle . This knife, like the previous model with a titanium grip, is ambidextrous, as the pocket clip can be moved to either side of the handle depending on preference.

Aluminum is a strong and lightweight material with high corrosion resistance . It happens that aluminum on the handle is combined with internal anti-slip inserts, which are made of, for example, Zytel, G10 and other materials. What does it give? It slightly increases the grip.

Knives with Micarta and G-10 handles

Micarta

Micarta is a laminate 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 the many examples of knives with handle covers made of green micarta cloth. The use of micarta for the production of 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 as it is not at risk of cracking from extreme temperatures or absorbing moisture.

G-10 lining

In addition to micarta, a slightly more durable laminate made of layers of fiberglass covered with epoxy resin is often mentioned . The G-10 cladding, when properly etched, sandblasted or engraved, can achieve textures with irreplaceable adhesion. Used in knives with a fixed blade, but not only. Here 's an example of a knife with a textured handle made of black G10, but with a blade that automatically extends out of the front handle (front) when the bolt slide moves.

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 all those who appreciate unbreakable handles. ABS can be dyed in any color, e.g. signal orange in the case of a compact and lightweight rescue knife .

Leather handles

A knife with a leather handle is usually even more pleasant to the touch and has a good grip on 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 her 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 slightly higher price shelf. The downside 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 clear finger inserts in the carbon fiber handle, which provide a more secure grip both with and without gloves.

Steel 410 and 420J2

Steel means high elasticity and resistance to corrosion , which is why it is added as a material for the internal skeleton of the knife and its lock. However, it happens that 410 steel is also used as an external cladding or handle. Surely you know 420J2 steel, because it serves as the main material for these small, cheap kitchen knives.

We hope that after reading this list, you will already know what to look for when choosing a knife handle material . For an even better understanding of the different types of knife blades, skip to this post now .