Blog #9 - Knife Handle Materials: Properties and Aesthetics

Every knife is more than just a blade - it's a combination of carefully chosen materials, each selected for their unique properties, aesthetics, and functionality. One of the most defining elements of a knife is its handle, providing not just grip and comfort, but also a reflection of the owner's personality and style. Let's take a deep dive into some of the most popular knife handle materials to get an understanding of their aesthetics, properties and common applications.

Wood

The journey of a wooden knife handle begins with the selection of the right kind of timber. From rosewood to ebony, each offers different aesthetics and properties. Once chosen, the wood is dried and often treated with oil or resin to enhance its durability and water resistance.

With a rich history spanning centuries, wooden handles have long been a favourite for their warm, organic feel and natural beauty. They're available in an array of colours, grains, and textures, each presenting a unique character.

Although wood requires a bit more care than synthetic materials, a well-maintained wooden handle can last for generations. The grip varies with the finish applied; a polished handle can be slippery when wet, but textured finishes offer a more secure grip.

Choosing wood as your knife handle material brings a touch of the traditional. It adds a warm, natural aesthetic that sets it apart from synthetic materials. Wooden handles are excellent for customization, allowing for intricate carvings. Wood is a popular choice for pocket and hunting knives due to its traditional appeal and comfortable handling.

Bone

Bone handles are steeped in history and were among the first materials ever used for knife handles. They're crafted through a detailed process of cleaning, degreasing, bleaching, and finally shaping to fit the knife.

Modern knives with bone handles commonly use cattle bones. Whalebone and ivory were an historic variation of bone knife handles, but the decline of animal populations due to whaling and poaching has led to widescale bans on the use of these materials.

The appeal of bone lies in its natural and traditional aesthetic. It comes in various shades from white to deep brown, and textures ranging from rough to smooth, allowing for a wide range of visual effects. In some instances, intricate patterns or images are carved into the bone, commonly called ‘Scrimshaw’.

Though not as durable as some modern materials, bone offers decent longevity and a comfortable grip, especially when jigged or carved. No two bone handles are the same, giving each knife its individual character. This material is a common choice for traditional pocket knives and custom hunting knives.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel handles are formed through either a casting or milling process. This contemporary material is appreciated for its strength, corrosion resistance, and shiny allure.

Sporting a modern, sleek look, stainless steel can be brushed or polished for different effects. It's usually silver, but with techniques like PVD coating, varying colours can be achieved.

The durability of stainless steel is unquestionable; it can withstand harsh conditions without rusting or cracking. Its grip, however, can be a bit slippery, especially when wet. To address this, stainless steel handles can include knurling. Their sleek modern aesthetic is commonly found on EDC knives and kitchen knives.

Aluminium

Aluminium is shaped into knife handles using a process known as CNC machining. Lightweight and durable, aluminium offers a more affordable alternative to titanium. Aluminium handles usually have a smooth, cool feel and a modern look, often anodized for a variety of vibrant colours.

While not as strong as steel or titanium, aluminium is more than sufficient for everyday use. Texturing or pattern milling is often added to improve grip.

Aluminium is appreciated for its lightweight nature and affordability. It provides excellent strength without adding too much weight to the knife. This material is often used in pocket knives and tactical knives, where weight can be a crucial factor.

Titanium

Titanium, like aluminium, is crafted using a CNC machine. Its strength-to-weight ratio is unmatched, making it a premium choice for high-end knives.

In its raw form, titanium has a dark grey colour. However, it can be anodized to display a range of colours, often resulting in a subtly sophisticated aesthetic.

Titanium is highly durable and resistant to corrosion, with a grip similar to aluminium. Because of its cost, titanium is commonly used in high-end pocket knives and some custom knives.

Titanium stands out for its superior strength-to-weight ratio. It is incredibly durable and lightweight, making it a premium choice for knife handles. This material is typically used in high-end pocket knives, custom knives, and some tactical knives.

Injection-Moulded Plastic

Plastic handles are typically made through an injection moulding process, where molten plastic is forced into a mould and allowed to cool and solidify. Due to its ease of manufacturing and low cost, plastic is widely used in knife production.

Aesthetically, plastic handles come in a variety of colours and can be shaped into almost any form, offering design flexibility. However, they may not carry the same prestige or luxurious feel as some other materials.

Plastic handles offer reasonable durability but may become brittle over time or in extreme cold. Their grip can be easily enhanced with moulded patterns or textures. Plastic handles are prevalent in utility knives, budget-friendly pocket knives, and other everyday tools.

Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN)

FRN handles are made in a similar way to plastic handles but are reinforced with fiberglass for added strength. The end-product is a handle that offers excellent durability without adding much weight.

FRN can be moulded into various shapes and textures and is usually available in solid colours. While it might not offer the wow-factor of wood or bone, it provides a functional, modern look.

This material is extremely durable, capable of withstanding tough conditions without cracking or warping. Its grip is excellent due to its textured surface, making FRN a popular choice for tactical and EDC knives.

G-10

G-10 is a type of fiberglass laminate. Sheets of fiberglass cloth are soaked in resin, stacked, then subjected to heat and pressure to form a solid piece. This material is durable, lightweight, and resistant to water and heat.

Available in various colours and patterns, G-10 offers a modern aesthetic appeal. Its layered construction often results in unique visual details when sculpted.

G-10 handles offer excellent durability and grip, especially when textured. It's a popular choice for tactical and outdoor knives, prized for its balance of strength and lightness.

Micarta

Micarta is another composite material made from of layers of linen, canvas, or even paper, soaked in a phenolic resin, then compressed and baked into a solid piece.

The beauty of Micarta lies in its subtle, organic look, with the pattern varying based on the type of base material used. The colour palette is usually more muted than that of G-10.

Micarta is extremely durable and develops a better grip when wet, making it great for hunting, survival, bushcraft, and other outdoor knives. However, it's on the pricier side and is usually found on higher-end knives.

Carbon Fibre

Carbon fibre handles are created by layering sheets of woven carbon fibre cloth and setting them in resin under high pressure and heat. The resulting material is remarkably lightweight yet incredibly strong.

Carbon fibre has a distinctive aesthetic appeal with a slight 3D effect, creating a high-tech, modern look. The colour is typically black or dark grey (although other colours are available), with a unique pattern provided by the weave.

In terms of durability, carbon fibre is one of the toughest handle materials out there. It provides a comfortable grip, although it can be a bit slick if not properly textured. Due to its cost, carbon fibre is typically used in premium knives, from folding to fixed blade designs.

Leather

Leather handles are usually formed by stacking leather washers and compressing them onto the knife tang, followed by shaping and sealing for protection.

Leather brings a warm, timeless aesthetic to a knife, ageing and patinating over time to create a handle unique to the user. It comes in a variety of natural and dyed colours.

While not as durable as modern synthetics, leather can last a long time if properly cared for. Its grip is comfortable and tends to improve as the leather wears and molds to the user's hand. Leather handles are often found on traditional hunting knives and some historical military reproductions.

Rubber

Rubber handles are typically produced through injection moulding, similar to plastic. They provide a soft, comfortable grip that’s ideal for extended use. With a practical, utilitarian look, rubber handles can be moulded in a variety of colours. The texture is inherently grippy, even in wet conditions.

Durability is generally good, although rubber can degrade over time, especially when exposed to harsh elements. Rubber is frequently used on outdoor, fishing, and diving knives for its excellent grip and water resistance.

Stag/Antler

Stag or antler handles are crafted from the naturally shed antlers of deer, making each handle unique. The antlers are cut, shaped, and sometimes polished to create the handle.

With their rugged, organic look, stag handles offer a traditional aesthetic and connection to nature that many knife enthusiasts appreciate. The colour varies naturally from white to dark brown.

Stag handles provide a unique, rugged look and a great grip due to their natural texture. Stag or antler handles are often found on hunting knives and traditional knife designs.

Mother of Pearl

Mother of Pearl is harvested from the inner layer of mollusk shells, cut to shape, and often backed with a more robust material to form the handle.

The allure of Mother of Pearl lies in its natural iridescence, reflecting a spectrum of colours when it catches the light. Each piece is unique, adding an element of exclusivity.

Although it's not as durable as synthetic materials, when properly cared for, it can last a long time. The grip can be slick, so it's often used on knives where aesthetics are prioritised, such as decorative or collectible pieces.

Abalone

Like Mother of Pearl, abalone is derived from the shells of sea mollusks. It's a vibrant and eye-catching material with a multi-coloured, iridescent sheen.

Each abalone handle is unique due to natural variations in the shell, offering a multitude of colours. It’s often used in high-end, decorative knives for its striking aesthetic.

Abalone, though beautiful, isn't particularly durable or grippy. Therefore, it's typically used for knives that are more for display than heavy use.

Brass

Brass handles are often cast or machined and are known for their weighty, substantial feel. Brass carries a sense of nostalgia and vintage appeal, making it an attractive choice for many knife enthusiasts.

In terms of aesthetics, brass has a distinctive golden hue that develops a patina over time, adding character to the knife.

Brass offers good durability and reasonable corrosion resistance, but it's not as strong as steel or titanium. The grip can vary depending on the handle's design and finish. Brass is commonly found on traditional or historical knife designs, although it can also be found in some modern EDC knives.

Kraton

Kraton is a synthetic rubber material known for its exceptional grip. It's typically moulded onto the tang of the knife, forming a comfortable, non-slip handle.

With a functional, utilitarian appearance, Kraton can be produced in a range of colours, although black is most common.

This material is very durable and can withstand harsh conditions without losing its elasticity. Kraton’s grip is excellent, making it a favoured choice for outdoor, survival, and tactical knives.

Zytel

Zytel, a material created by DuPont, is a type of nylon reinforced with fiberglass. It's formed through an injection moulding process, making it easy to shape and texture.

Zytel handles can come in various colours and often carry a no-nonsense, practical look. This material is lightweight, durable, and highly resistant to wear and tear. Zytel provides an excellent grip, especially when textured, making it a common choice for tactical and heavy-duty knives.

Paracord

Paracord handles are created by wrapping the knife’s tang in paracord (parachute cord). They're popular in survival knives as the cord can be unwound and used in emergency situations.

Aesthetically, paracord wraps can come in numerous colours and patterns, offering plenty of customisation options.

While the durability depends on the quality of the cord, it generally stands up well to regular use. The grip can be less comfortable than other materials, but it offers the ability to remove the paracord and use it for other tasks.

The paracord can be easily replaced to repair damage or wear, or to change the colour and aesthetics of the knife. You'll find paracord handles mainly on survival knives and some minimalist fixed blade designs.

Damascus Steel

Some knife makers craft knives entirely from Damascus steel, including the handle. This material is produced by folding and forging together several layers of different types of steel.

The charm of Damascus steel lies in its distinct, flowing patterns, reminiscent of flowing water or wood grain.

While the durability is high, the grip can be a bit slippery unless textured. These handles are generally found on high-end or custom-made knives, often regarded as functional art pieces.

Damascus steel handles offer a unique, attractive pattern and superior durability. Although they can be a bit slippery, their beauty is often worth the trade-off. Damascus steel handles are usually found on high-end or custom-made knives, seen as functional pieces of art.

Conclusion

And there you have it - a diverse range of materials, each with their own unique charms and advantages, just waiting to be held in your hand. So, the next time you pick up a knife, take a moment to appreciate the handle – it's not just a grip, it's a story, an art form, and a testament to craftsmanship.

If you have any questions or would like assistance in selecting a knife or knife sharpening equipment, please contact Knife Supplies Australia here:

Phone: +61 1300 792 340

Email: sales@knifesupplies.com.au