G10 vs Macarta?

[RedRaiderRick]

They mostly look the same to me unless the macarta has a cross hatch burlap pattern to it. Does anyone know the actual difference between the 2 in terms of manufacturing?

I understand them both to be layers of various materials impregnated with risen and compressed. I've heard macarta can contain organic materials including cloth and even paper. Maybe G10 is synthetic layers like fiberglass?

I like both as scales on knives just wondering what the difference is. Is one more costly than the other?

[RedRaiderRick]

Maybe the tactical knife world uses the term G10 cause it sounds millspec while the traditional knife world uses the term mccarta because it sounds old worldly?

[ea42]

They're both micarta, G10 is a more specialized type of micarta. In fact, micarta is actually a trademarked name for the product. What most folks refer to as micarta is actually phenolic sheets. Phenolic sheets can be layered with paper, cloth, burlap, fibergass, etc and are bound with phenolic resin. G10 is layered with fiberglass cloth and is bound with high strength epoxy. G10 is usually more costly although some of the more specialized phenolics can be very expensive, far more than G10.

Eric

[bestgear]

They're both micarta, G10 is a more specialized type of micarta. In fact, micarta is actually a trademarked name for the product. What most folks refer to as micarta is actually phenolic sheets. Phenolic sheets can be layered with paper, cloth, burlap, fibergass, etc and are bound with phenolic resin. G10 is layered with fiberglass cloth and is bound with high strength epoxy. G10 is usually more costly although some of the more specialized phenolics can be very expensive, far more than G10.

Eric

fantastic explanation Eric, thank you!

[Modern Slip Joints]

Writing only as a user, I've observed what's sold as micarta is softer and stickier for better friction. I've not seen it given a surface like jigging. I've read that's not done because it's too soft to machine. What's sold as G10 is hard enough to machine to a surface like gun stock checkering. The hardness is needed for the checkering to last.

Maybe I've just read too many ads. I'm happy to be corrected.

[Ivoryman]

Here is jigged linen micarta, and jute micarta first. Then one in OD green no jigging. To me it is much less slick than G10, and has better grip texture. Also like the varied material it comes in like canvas, paper, burlap, denim etc. Much better feel in hand than any G10 I have or have seen. The jigging helps make a better surface for gripping.

[ea42]

Writing only as a user, I've observed what's sold as micarta is softer and stickier for better friction. I've not seen it given a surface like jigging. I've read that's not done because it's too soft to machine. What's sold as G10 is hard enough to machine to a surface like gun stock checkering. The hardness is needed for the checkering to last.

Maybe I've just read too many ads. I'm happy to be corrected.

The stuff you're referring to is probably the homemade or small shop 'custom" micartas. The vast majority of that material isn't real micarta as they generally just use standard epoxy as the binding agent which often doesn't cure as hard as heat cured resins leaving it feeling sticky and soft (sometimes). Heat cured phenolic resins get very hard. They're basically the same as bakelite and micarta is basically reinforced bakelite.

Eric

[RedRaiderRick]

I've never had either that I would call sticky. Both seem to have more grip or texture than they appear. I've never handled a jigged macarta.