Gotta agree with the OP.
In real world use, I’ve found FRN is more durable, has better grip, better grip with gloves, better grip when wet, less prone to damage, less effected by the elements and it’s lighter.
G-10 is okay. I thought I’d like it more but FRN out performs it.
Smooth G-10 & carbon fiber? They can go jump off a bridge.
This is pretty much my thought process as well. I'll add that I like Micarta and hate Titanium/Aluminum/Stainless as well for scales.
CRU-CARTA THE SEKI MODELS! AND BRING US THE DODO-FLY!
I actually have no knives currently in g10 :eek:. Is it possible to have no black g10?!
All the g10 has been rescaled to micarta or wood,
Some of my frn are now wearing micarta as well...
so for me: micarta > frn >> g10
and I agree that Golden and Seki frn feel different - but I like both.
10 years ago, I did everything I could to avoid frn.
i've dropped both my manix lw and native salt from about waist height and they both have scars. the native salt was dropped on chunkier asphalt and got some deep gouges (not really that bad, but deep for a little drop). my manix just got some small dents and scratches. i don't even notice them.
i might just be the surface they hit and how they land. i was surprised to see chunks taken out of my native salt handle. fortunately, it didn't crack or break and the action and ergos weren't affected.
Interesting, thanks!
When it comes to FRN, Seki FRN always felt a bit "softer", more "rubbery" and less "plasticy" and less likely to break than Golden FRN to me (totally subjective and not proven by any test at all - just the feel in hand)
I thought it was only on my copies... good to know many people notice this too.
I agree. My Native 5 FRN seems lighter, but harder (brittle?)
My Delica 4 FRN seems more dense, and has a tiny bit more give...less prone to scratches compared to Golden FRN (see my post above)
I think it’s worth considering that a linerless FRN handle may look a little less intimidating than steel and G-10 to non-knife folk. I feel a little more comfortable pulling my tasman out in public than my tenacious. They’re roughly the same size, yet despite the serrations and hawkbill it feels a little more easy going. Just my 2c
Tenacious G10 PE, Tasman Salt 2 PE, Tasman Salt 2 SE, Yojimbo 2, KJ Endura 4 D.P.S. 15 VG-10, LadyBug K390, TKJ Jester 20CV, UKPK Salt, Crucarta PM2, 204 Sharpmaker
I think the Tasman is a bit intimidating for non-knife folk, regardless of the handle. I love mine though, even if it did take a good bite out of my thumb yesterday. Today I jabbed the same spot with a screwdriver, so I can't blame the knife.
Last edited by cabfrank on Tue Aug 18, 2020 10:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
