Handle Materials
Aluminum - High-tech aircraft-grade aluminum 6061 T-6, machined from solid sheet stock can be used to create a lightweight and durable handle. The aluminum can be anodized in a solid color or with patterns and pictures.
Bone - Derived from naturally deceased animals. It is usually give a surface texture, mostly in the form of pickbone and jigged bone. Most common handle material for pocket knives.
Horn/Antler - Chosen for a distinctive, natural look, authentic horn and antler add extra distinction to any handle. They can be inlayed or hand-carved.
Phenolic - This hard, ebony-colored compound is almost impervious to heat, cold and shock, making it practically indestructible. This type of handle is best suited to a fixed blade knife that needs to withstand vigorous use.
Plastics - Molded plastic handles are much easier to care for than wooden handles. They will not absorb debris and microorganisms and are easily cleaned.
Kraton® - Ideal for fish fillet knives, Kraton is a slightly pliant plastic, fully resilient when dry, for maximum comfort. Kraton becomes tacky when wet so you have a sure grip, even when hands get slippery.
G10 - A fiberglass based laminate. Layers of fiberglass cloth are soaked in resin and are compressed and baked. It is an almost indestructible resin laminate that is resistant to heat, cold, chemicals, impact and other abuse. Used on a lot of tactical knives.
Micarta - The most common form is linen micarta. Similar construction as G-10. The layers of linen cloths are soaked in a phoenolic resin. The end product is a material that is lightweight, and strong. Micarta has no surface texture, it is extremely smooth to the touch. It is a material that requires hand labor, which translates into a higher priced knife. Micarta is a relatively soft material that can be scratched if not treated properly.
Stag - Derived from naturally shed deer antlers. When exposed to an open flame, it will get a slightly burnt look. Used mostly on pocket knives and gentlemen folding knives.
Stainless Steel - Metal handled knives last longer and add weight to the knife.
Titanium - An amazingly strong but surprisingly lightweight material; as close to corrosion free as you can get.
Wood - Wood handles provide an excellent grip, but requires some maintenance than a stainless steel handle. You do not want to submerge wood handled knives in water. You will also want to rub the wood occasionally with mineral oil.