Everything You Need To Know About Micarta Knife Handles

There are many materials used to create knife handles, but one of the most sought-after is something called Micarta. It offers benefits that other materials don’t. If you’re unfamiliar with what Micarta is or you’re unsure why you should use it, this blog is for you. We’ll explore this material’s benefits, maintenance, and history to help familiarize you with it.

Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about micarta knife handles

What Is Micarta?

Micarta has become a popular knife handle choice for many enthusiasts. It’s a durable, lightweight, and cost-effective option excellent for multiple applications. The handle uses a composite from several substrate layers that get compressed and set in resin. The substrate could be carbon fiber, cloth, or paper, to name a few.

The aviation industry uses Micarta to create window frame supports and passenger compartments because it’s lightweight and an excellent insulator. Both factors are vital in an aircraft setting.

It’s important to know that Micarta is a brand name. It applies to laminates made by Norplex/Micarta in the U.S. It quickly became the handle to have since it began creating knife handles in the mid-twentieth century.

History of Micarta

Where does the word come from? It comes from the Greek word “mica,” meaning tiny pieces of rock embedded in the fabric. Scientists have dated Micarta back to 1912 when an American entrepreneur used a phenolic resin on cotton and paper fabric to create high-performance electrical insulation. At first, people called Micarta “Risienite,” but it quickly got renamed to Micarta.

Making Micarta

Choosing the substrate for your Micarta knife handle is an important part of the process. There are many options, including canvas, linen, and burlap materials. You could also use composite materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass. Sections of the substrate get soaked in phenolic resin. This resin acts like glue that holds the layers together. Manufacturers will layer the resin-soaked sheets, then tightly clamp them together and allow them to dry.

Micarta undergoes a pressurized heat treatment for the best results. It’s a labor-intensive material to make, which can increase the price. Consumers can purchase Micarta in tubs, blocks, and sheets allowing knifemakers to acquire the material in different forms. They’ll craft, shape, and mill the handles and scale them to create the perfect design. As a knife handle, Micarta is a cost-effective option for many knife enthusiasts.

Who Uses Micarta?

Small companies that make knife handles love to work with Micarta. They order what is available through supply chains, and you’ll see similar handle colors because of this. Manufacturers of mini knives also love to work with this material and will order larger quantities to meet their exact specifications.

Micarta Types

There are three primary types of Micarta: canvas, linen, and paper. Let’s take a closer look at these three different Micarta materials.

Linen

If you want a finer finish, use linen Micarta. The elegance of linen Micarta makes it one of the more popular finishes. Plus, you can create texture in many styles with this material. Much of texturized looks come from how knifemakers mill and contour the handles.

Paper

Paper Micarta combined with phenolic resin creates a nearly indestructible art piece for your knife handle. The high heat and pressure make an incredibly tough material perfect for a long-lasting knife handle. Layers of paper come together to create this material. Sanding or polishing is necessary to make a vintage bone or ivory design. It’s often used for kitchen knife handles. It’s easy to cut and shape and durable.

Canvas

Canvas Micarta is the most popular and is a durable and dense material that you can use to create many shapes and designs. It’s an easy material to fabricate, which is why many knife enthusiasts utilize it. It provides a grippier surface and rugged appearance. Canvas Micarta is less dense than the other two Micarta options.

Micarta Benefits

Manufacturers can create Micarta in various colors, depending on the formula. They make strong, durable, heavy-duty survival knives. There’s a reason the material has become so popular. Micarta is moisture, heat, and cold resistant and doesn’t become brittle with age. Any knife handles made from this material will last a long time.

Micarta Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

One important thing to know about canvas Micarta is that the canvas may darken over time, but that won’t affect the handle’s functionality. The best way to wash your Micarta handles is with mild soap and hot water. This cleaning will remove any dirt, debris, or film that forms on the handle. Use a toothbrush to scrub the knife and remove all grime. The brush will come in handy to remove any stains that may have popped up on the handle.

Some people believe that WD-40 can help clean a knife. They spray it on and leave it to soak for a few hours.

Whichever cleaning method you use, understand that Micarta is an easy-to-maintain product and takes fairly minimal work to refresh the handle’s look.

Now that you understand more about Micarta knife handles, it’s time to purchase one. Architect Knives carries several colors of Micarta knife handles ready for you to use on your personal knives.