Handle Materials | Pocket Knife Buyers Guide.com

Discover the ultimate guide to knife handle materials, covering everything from traditional options to modern innovations. This page highlights 21 handle materials used in knives, including their composition, main uses, and date of introduction, making it a perfect resource for enthusiasts, collectors, and everyday carry (EDC) users.

Explore natural handle materials like wood, bone, stag antler, and leather, prized for their classic aesthetics and durability in traditional knives and hunting blades. For custom and decorative knives, materials such as mother of pearl, abalone shell, and brass add elegance and artistry to high-end and collector’s pieces.

Modern knife handles utilize advanced materials like G10, carbon fiber, and micarta, known for their superior strength, lightweight performance, and weather resistance, making them ideal for tactical knives, survival knives, and fixed blades. Innovations such as Zytel, FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon), and Ultem bring unmatched durability and affordability to EDC knives and tools.

High-performance metals like titanium and aluminum offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, perfect for premium folding knives and tactical tools. Materials like Delrin and Pakkawood balance affordability and reliability, commonly seen in kitchen knives and traditional folders. For outdoor enthusiasts, paracord-wrapped handles provide functionality and grip in survival situations.

Whether you prefer the timeless look of natural materials or the cutting-edge appeal of modern synthetics, this comprehensive guide to knife handle materials helps you choose the best option for your needs. Perfect for anyone interested in knife craftsmanship, EDC tools, and high-quality knives, this resource dives deep into the evolution, performance, and benefits of each material.

1. Wood

Composition: Natural hardwoods like walnut, birch, or ebony.
Main Uses: Traditional folding knives, kitchen knives, hunting knives.
Date of Introduction: Ancient times.

2. Bone

Composition: Natural animal bone, often dyed and stabilized.
Main Uses: Traditional pocket knives and collector’s knives.
Date of Introduction: Ancient times.

3. Stag Antler

Composition: Naturally shed antler, shaped and polished.
Main Uses: Hunting knives and traditional folders.
Date of Introduction: Ancient times.

4. Leather

Composition: Treated animal hide, often wrapped over a solid core.
Main Uses: Fixed-blade hunting knives and survival knives.
Date of Introduction: Ancient times.

5. Copper

Composition: Pure or alloyed copper metals.
Main Uses: Custom knives, decorative handles.
Date of Introduction: Ancient times.

6. Mother of Pearl

Composition: Natural nacre shell from mollusks.
Main Uses: Collector knives, gentleman’s folders, decorative pieces.
Date of Introduction: Ancient times.

7. Abalone Shell

Composition: Shimmering natural abalone shell.
Main Uses: High-end collector knives and custom knives.
Date of Introduction: Ancient times.

8. Brass

Composition: Copper-zinc alloy.
Main Uses: Traditional knife bolsters, decorative handles.
Date of Introduction: Late 19th century.

9. Micarta

Composition: Layers of canvas, paper, or linen impregnated with resin.
Main Uses: EDC knives, tactical knives, and outdoor knives.
Date of Introduction: Early 1900s.

10. Stainless Steel

Composition: Corrosion-resistant steel alloys (420, 440 grades).
Main Uses: Budget knives, multi-tools, survival knives.
Date of Introduction: Early 20th century.

11. Pakkawood

Composition: Wood veneer layers impregnated with resin.
Main Uses: Kitchen knives, traditional folding knives.
Date of Introduction: Mid-20th century.

12. Aluminum

Composition: Aircraft-grade aluminum alloys (6061-T6).
Main Uses: Folding knives, tactical knives.
Date of Introduction: 1940s.

13. 5160 Spring Steel

Composition: Tough, flexible carbon steel with manganese.
Main Uses: Large blades, machetes.
Date of Introduction: 1940s.

14. G10

Composition: Fiberglass layers soaked in epoxy resin and compressed.
Main Uses: Tactical knives, fixed-blade handles.
Date of Introduction: 1950s.

15. Delrin

Composition: Acetal homopolymer thermoplastic.
Main Uses: Affordable, durable folding knives.
Date of Introduction: 1960s.

16. Carbon Fiber

Composition: Thin carbon strands woven and set in epoxy resin.
Main Uses: High-end folding knives, lightweight tactical knives.
Date of Introduction: 1960s.

17. Zytel

Composition: Glass-reinforced nylon (GRN).
Main Uses: Affordable folding knives and fixed blades.
Date of Introduction: 1980s.

18. FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon)

Composition: Nylon polymer infused with fiberglass.
Main Uses: Lightweight EDC and tactical knives.
Date of Introduction: 1990s.

19. Paracord

Composition: Braided nylon rope wrapped around the handle tang.
Main Uses: Survival knives, tactical tools.
Date of Introduction: Popularized post-WWII, 20th century.

20. Kirinite

Composition: Acrylic-based synthetic material.
Main Uses: Custom knives, pocket knives, decorative handles.
Date of Introduction: Early 2000s.

21. Ultem

Composition: High-performance thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI).
Main Uses: Lightweight, durable knife handles, high-heat-resistant tools.
Date of Introduction: 1980s (gaining popularity in knives in the 2020s).

Summary

From ancient materials like wood, bone, and antler to modern innovations like G10, carbon fiber, and Ultem, handle materials have evolved to meet the needs of knife users. Whether you prioritize tradition, toughness, weight reduction, or aesthetics, this list highlights the best materials for every type of knife handle.