Carbon Fiber v. G10?

[paladin]

The recent thread asking about the Fluted CF Para & Native...got me to thinking...

I'm appreciative of Sal's design "for the hand," but there is beauty in Spyderco's designs as well...

I concede that, marketing wise, CF is probably more techy & hot right now and I love Spyderco's "flavors" of CF, especially the woven pattern on the Chap....

But as an ELU, I personally shop for utility first, esoterics second...

And IMHO, G10 seems to be more versatile and durable than CF...

Perhaps G10 is even easier for the Spydercrew to machine ( an assumption ) :o ...

So, the question I'd like to bring up is:

If you made a checklist of the good qualities ( beauty & utility ) of Carbon Fiber, and a checklist for all of G10's positive qualities ...

Which scale material would have more positive checkmarks for you?

[dgebler]

I like both but would vote neither. For me the best handle material for both beauty and utility is the g10 base with twill cf overlay (sage1, chap, bradley). This is the best of both worlds.

[gull wing]

The only CF I like is the Sage 1 type with the light texture. G10 is available in a rainbow of colors and a medium texture and course texture.

[Blerv]

Whether it's CF, G10, hardwood, or fossilized dino bone...in almost all cases scales are non-load bearing and simply there for tactile feedback and aesthetics.

I personally like FRN.

[LC Kid]

Hi Folks!


The only CF that I'd care about is the textured one. Like in the Sage I or in the Chaparral I.

I don't even pay attention about the smooth CF. It doesn't give any kind of grip when compared to the textured CF or the G10.

OTOH G10 gives a waaay better grip. Coarse, textured or smooth, it's an all time winner. You can have any color you like. A wear resistant champ. And it's pretty easy to clean too.

[Evil D]

Love the looks of CF, but vastly prefer the texture and feel of G10. For that reason I'd prefer G10 almost every time. Then again, if the ergonomics of the knife are strong enough that scale texture doesn't change grip strength any, then I'd also throw in polished G10 and even micarta as favorites. For example, the upcoming Kiwi 4, you could probably polish the G10 on that knife and not change wet grip one bit because the ergos are so strong with the double choil design. On a knife like that, I'm all for a nice polished CF scale.

[grewich]

I love the CF on my Gayle Bradley. I'd put those scales on every knife. I do like the variety and ease to work with of G10. However FRN is not for me.

[Liquid Cobra]

I would have said g-10 but now that I've experienced peel ply carbon fiber I've changed my mind. Peep ply cf looks dead sexy and is as grippy as g-10 if not more grippy.

Why doesn't spyderco make more knives with this material? Everyone asks for it, what's the deal?

[stevekolt]

All I can say is LOVE both types of carbon fiber composites on my Dominos...

[bh49]

I strongly do not like polished CF. Peel-Ply CF probably better than black peel-ply G10, but cost much more money and G10 available in various colors. Favorite CF is from Taiwan or the same finish like on Dodo, but I would take dark green G10, especially smooth over any CF. I love micarta, particularly on rounded scales like Vieles or Hossoms.

[TomAiello]

If cost is included, I actually think FRN beats either G-10 or CF.

I mostly EDC G-10 handles, but I have to be fair and admit that the value of the FRN knives is really unbeatable.

[gbelleh]

It's hard to be definitive, because there are so many variations of CF and G-10. I'm really not that picky about scale material (except I'm not a fan of the Nishijin pattern, or spider web designs). As long as the handle is designed well, I don't need overly rough G-10 textures. The texture of Spyderco's USA produced peel ply CF and G-10 models is good, but it can rip up pockets after a while. Smooth G-10 is easy on the pockets, but the slick texture can be a little less reassuring sometimes.

As far as smooth CF, I really like the scale texture on the CF Dodo. It's smooth, but not slick, and looks good too (I'd like to see that CF texture on other models). And of course, the Taiwanese G-10/CF composite scales are awesome.

About the only advantages I see of CF over G-10 is slightly less weight, and maybe more durability. I'm really looking forward to seeing the fluted CF Para 2 make it to production. Maybe it's not totally practical, logical, or cost effective, but variety is good.

[paladin]

About the only advantages I see of CF over G-10 is slightly less weight, and maybe more durability.

I chipped a CF Chicago when I dropped it on tile floor from waist level...just kinda "dents" / deforms G10 with same impact.

This is why I pose questions such as what I did, because in my limited experience I would "guess" G10 to be more durable...but when I can survey everyone else I get a experience base with such incredible breadth & depth.

A very good thing... :)

Thanks for all the informative posts!

[eric m.]

They all have their purposes! Love each of them for their own uses! Least favorite would be FRCP! Love FRN! :)

[AKWolf]

I like polished G-10 or carbon fiber !!!!

[Holland]

FRN is probably my favourite handle material followed by G10, then textured CF. Not a fan at all of polished CF or pretty much any CF coming out of Japan. The CF on GB and Chaparral 1 are definitely not my favourite, but its worth it for those two knives

[Revival]

I like both but would vote neither. For me the best handle material for both beauty and utility is the g10 base with twill cf overlay (sage1, chap, bradley). This is the best of both worlds.

My thoughts exactly. If I had to choose though, my vote would go to G-10.

[chuck_roxas45]

I don't really like to pay for premium scale material when G10 will be perfectly fine.

[xceptnl]

I have no preference to materials as much as to colors. I trust Spyderco (Sal & Eric) to pair together the appropriate materials on most all models. I like the Taichung texture of CF the best (for dressier use) and G-10 is fine for all my other uses (except when I don't want my pockets shredded).

[jalcon]

My fav material has got to be that which is on the sage 1. Carbon Fiber over G10 I supposed. Love the feel....love the look.