Archive for January, 2010
What about the Handle?
We often talk about the blade materials in knives. But, what about the handles? What’s the difference between carbon fiber, craton, micarta and other handle materials?
Here is a short list (by no means all inclusive) of materials used for handles in military, survival and hunting knives.
Carbon Fiber
Graphite fibers (the size of a human hair) are woven together and fused in epoxy resin. It’s lightweight, three-dimensional in appearance and is a superior (and expensive) handle material.
Cocobolo
Hardwood from the Cocobolo tree, ranging in color from bright orange to deep red and dark purple. Its grain and fine texture are relatively easy to work, polishes to a high sheen and is popular as an inlay or embellishment on knife handles.
Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN)
A nylon polymer mixed with glass fiber that is then injected into a mold for making lightweight knife handles.
G-10
Handle material made of epoxy filled with woven glass fiber that is impervious to changes in temperature and can be tinted into many colors.
Kraton
A rubbery thermoplastic polymer used as a flexible inlay on knife handles for enhanced grip.
Micarta
A composite of linen or paper fabric in an epoxy resin used as a handle material. It is incredibly lightweight, durable and visually appealing. It can be bead blasted or polished, changing its appearance.
Wood Epoxy Laminate
This is an impregnated wood laminate, which is extremely hard and machines similar to Corian, aluminum and Micarta.
No Tears From These Scallions!
Kershaw has added to it’s vegetable medley of leeks, chives and shallots.
The Scallion has become a top Kershaw choice for knife users who prefer a slightly larger knife than the award-winning Chive, yet one that is still compact, features great “Onion” styling, and performs like a champ.
The newest Scallions feature a secure frame lock that snaps precisely into place behind the blade and guarantees a secure lock.
The knife is perfect for everyday pocket carry at its 3½-inch folded size. It offers high-performance Scallion styling, plus the convenience of the SpeedSafe ambidextrous manual assisted opening system. Just pull back on the blade protrusion or use the thumbstud for easy SpeedSafe opening. As with all Kershaw SpeedSafe knives, the torsion bar holds the blade safely in the handle until the user releases it.
For good edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance, the blade is manufactured of high-carbon 420HC stainless steel. All three models feature a handle of 410 stainless steel. The 1620FL and 1620FLST (with partially serrated blade) offer a matte gray finish on handle and blade, while the 1620VIB features Kershaw’s colorful Rainbow coating of scratch-resistant titanium-oxide. For added convenience, all Scallions come with a removable pocket clip.
Whichever Scallion you choose, you’ll get a knife that’s sure to please-not only in great looks, but also in performance and features. The Scallion measure 3.5 inches closed and weighs just 2.3 ounces. It is made in the USA and built to uphold Kershaw’s high standards of quality and performance. Like the tasty shallot it’s named for, the new Kershaw Shallot is sure to make your mouth water for more. The Scallions retail from $59.95 to 89.95 .
The Scallions are built to maintain Kershaw Knives worldwide reputation for quality and innovation. The company prides itself on using the highest quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques to produce knives and other cutting tools that are prized throughout the world.