General Information
- Knife Buyer's Guide
- Blade Steel Types
- Steel Type Properties
- Handle Materials
- Blade shape
- Edge types
- Finish and coating
- Blade size considerations
- Technologies
Fixed & Folding Knives
- Opening Mechanisms
- Locking Mechanisms
- Blade Opening Features
- Fixed Blade Features
- Fixed Blade Sheath Types
- Heat Treatment
Multi-tools
- General Information
- Replacing components
- Compound Leverage
- Pouches
- Finishes
- Opening Mechanisms
- Weight
- Multi-Tool Components Chart
Sheath information
handle materials
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Glass Reinforced Nylon (GRN)
Glass Reinforced Nylon (GRN) is a high-strength, abrasion, and impact resistant thermoplastic polyamide formulation of the family more commonly known as nylon, often with varying degrees of fiberglass (from 13% to 60%), added for extra stiffness. GRN also offers chemical resistance to common chemicals, such as motor oil, transmission fluid, and methanol. GRN allows little thermal expansion.
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Aluminum
Aluminum comes in many grades. It has good mechanical properties and is one of the most common alloys for general-purpose use, typically anodized for extra protection and color (hard anodized coatings offer superior scratch resistance).
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g-10
G-10 is a very durable reinforced material that is made up of fiberglass soaked in resin, then highly compressed and baked. This process makes it impervious to liquid and physically stable under extreme temperature fluctuations. G-10 is most commonly black but is available in various colors, and typically includes a non-slip finish.
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carbon fiber
Carbon Fiber is a modern composite made from thin layers of carbon strands that are tightly woven and cured under high pressure in resin. This makes for a very strong, lightweight material.
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micarta
Micarta is created from soaking layers of linen cloth in resin, then pressing them together, much like G-10. It is available in various colors and can be worked to a very smooth finish.
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kraton
Kraton is a synthetic replacement to rubber. It offers many of the same properties that natural rubber offers, such as flexibility, high traction, and sealing abilities, but with increased heat resistance, weathering, and chemicals. Typically, it is over-molded on the knife handle to provide added grip, and comes in various degrees of hardness.
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natural materials
Natural Materials include bone, wood, leather, and more, offering a more traditional look. These are typically applied directly onto the liners of the knife.
