Application Of G10 Color Plate: G10 Tool Holder

Durable and beautiful... G10 may be the ultimate knife handle material

You'll often hear G10 mixed in with a variety of other materials, such as Micarta, glass-filled nylon, carbon fiber, and more. In this case, you'll also see misstatements like "G10 Micarta", which is generally incorrect, although so close to being correct. This raises a question-

What is the origin of G10?

The material G10 is more or less a generic brand name for a subset of insulating fiberglass composites. Because it is a standard material used in both civilian and military manufacturing, it is very consistent and must meet certain standards to be called G10. It's made similarly to Micarta, but instead of compressing actual layers of fabric, the G10 uses glass cloth to achieve a similar result-a grain-free, easy-to-mold material that's resistant to the elements and most chemicals. It first appeared on the radar in the 1950s, but it's arguably been the most used since 2000, thanks to the knife.

G10 usage and properties

G10 makes these glass cloth layers Colorful by alternately heating and compressing them. The first version of this product was a bit bland and, like Micarta, was developed to provide an insulating barrier for electronic devices. G10 material is not common in electronics today, but at the time, it was considered a very good material. It is now mainly used in tool handles, gun handles and accessories, robotics, 3D printing and some aerospace fields. It has good strength-to-weight ratio properties and is easy to form, making it ideal for modern manufacturing techniques. Unlike Micarta, it does not change color when wet and does not absorb water or chemicals. It is impermeable to salt water and is an excellent choice for any product that needs a strong grip in marine environments.

Advantages of G10

Durability is key to a knife handle. After all, it's your interface with a sharp, dangerous tool. If you don`t trust your handle material, you don`t trust your knife, it`s that simple. The G10 gives you a lot to rely on. Very strong and light, it is waterproof, corrosion-resistant and can be cleaned with ordinary cleaning products without ill effects. On a knife used for hunting or outdoors, it won't be bothered by blood, fat, or hasty cleaning methods. If the G10 had texture, it would provide reliable grip in all conditions. Don't like that your grip is too textured, maybe a bit sharp in some places? Just take some sandpaper and knock the edges off, then wipe them clean with mineral spirits. It will come out like new. G10 is the best material for tool holders because it meets all our needs from initial manufacturing to end-use maintenance. The G10 is a win-win material and it shows.

Disadvantages of G10

Because of G10's overwhelming advantages over most other toolholder materials, the drawbacks are largely a personal matter. Some people don't care about the look or texture of certain G10 products, and some don't care how ubiquitous the material has become. Wood, bone, and micarta all have large followings, but are generally less durable than the G10 and are generally heavier. These materials don't require regular maintenance like the G10, but that's a relatively subjective thing after all.

Great G10 handle knife

1. Butterfly 15500-3 Meatcrafter

Meatcrafter has been around for a few years, but it continues to evolve. This particular model features the company's SelectEdge technology, which results in an incredibly sharp blade. The 15500–3 model is visually appealing, featuring a green G10 handle with good-looking trim. This knife comes with a high-visibility orange Boltaron sheath. The authors have experience with the Meatcrafter series and find them to be a good fit for their niche. The blade profile isn't particularly thick, it's close to filet knife range, but is heavy-duty enough for handling large cuts of meat and large animals. This knife is not for cutting bones or doing camp chores. Rather, it is intended for end-of-life treatment of soft tissue only. The blade has a nice curve for deboning, but if you want to impress company, don't curve it too much or you won't have a clean look in the kitchen. Still, the $370 price tag is impressive on its own, if not wowing your guests with your dish.

2. Tops Sky Marshall

Tops is known for making some of the strongest and most powerful cutting tools on the planet. Few, if any, can be called under-engineered, but quite the opposite. Most gyro blades are thick and heavy and can withstand the worst abuse their owners can throw at them.


Sky Marshal is one of those items that you buy once and use forever. Short of being thrown into a flaming furnace, there's little that can stop this brawny sky cop. The knife has a tangent point and rear serrations plus an intimidating 1/4" spine. The knife is all black with a black G10 handle. It's both an attractive conversation piece and a core tool. The blade The profile has a lower point and a specially contoured handle with a deep and secure finger hole to give it extra strength when stabbing. The Sky Marshall retails for $210 and comes with a black Kydex strap jacket.

3. Tops Muley Combo Tops Muley Combo

Tops` other G10 grip set is the new Muley series, designed specifically for hunting with tough blade materials. The Muley series is made for hunting, and is best purchased as a double-sheath set ($500), but each knife can be purchased individually if you prefer. One is a standard knife, while the other is a knife-handled saw with a gut hook for handling bones and bullets. The combo doesn't take up much space and gives the owner a lot of versatile tools in terms of weight and durability. Backcountry hunters don`t always make off with pack animals or four-wheelers, so when ounces count, having a multi-purpose tool is important. A specialized saw takes up space in your backpack, and a hooked knife can become a burden when splitting firewood or peeling bark. In this set you get the best of everything, each made from super tough, easy-to-clean 154cm. The G10 grip is lined in orange, which is both stylish and eye-catching. As field tools, the Muley combo here is hard to beat, and I look forward to putting them to use in the coming years.

4. LT Wright Apex

Lieutenant Wright is synonymous with weapon quality. The Apex is an interesting knife not only structurally, but also in appearance and finish. It features a black G10 grip with an eye-catching bright green lining and a bright saber-ground A2 steel blade virtually wrapped in a brown leather sheath. The shape of this knife is like that of many work knives, and the overall aesthetic is similar to the Puuko, but it has one interesting thing worth mentioning. The blade and spine are reversely curved, giving the blade a deep belly, and the handle has a unique upswept profile that is reminiscent of traditional Japanese sword and katana silhouettes. This fun knife is perfect for any task, from kitchen chores to outdoor labor, breaking up the game as a regular EDC knife. The Apex is a fascinating product that's worth a second look, and with a retail price of less than $200, it won't break the bank.

5. Toor Jank Shan

One of the more interesting knives recently released, the Newer Tool or Qiu Jian handle is part EDC knife, part kalambit, part self-defense tool, and all made in the USA. The knife is beefed up from the original version and is thicker in more places and more ergonomic in others. The most visually appealing variant on the Toor website is the black blade with an eye-catching white G10 handle panel. This knife has an easy-to-maintain straight edge and can be used in many ways with or without a ring. The tip is aggressive and easily penetrates most common clothing and jacket materials. While not a true karambit as it lacks signature curves, it should translate easily to design lovers while offering everyday practicality that lacks a hooked tip. The Qiu Jian knife handle retails for $195, includes a Kydex sheath and is compatible with a variety of mounting interfaces.

6. Kizlyar Supreme Hamm

The Hammy from Russia is a cute little blade with a cute little hamster engraved on it. Although it's small, the hammy lives up to its name - a tough, resourceful little creature that can slap several features on its cheeks... or rather, its small, portable form. Equipped with a bright orange G10 scale, the Hammy is a highly visible work tool. The blade profile is designed for general cutting tasks, and the handle profile maintains comfort over long-term use. The Hammy is the least expensive of the bunch at just $99, but it`s the best in its class and will probably be the knife in this group that you use the most every day. Hammy comes with a multi-position leather sheath and an adorable hamster graphic.

7. Esee 5

The Esee 5 is not a new knife, but it is so well known and legendary that it has to be mentioned when talking about the G10. There are many models in the Esee 5 series, but the one that stands out is the all-orange model with black-orange G10 handles. This knife has a very practical grip texture that is visible in many different light conditions and is very easy to maintain. The Esee 5 is a weatherproof machine that is a popular choice among bushcrafters, rescuers, hunters and many military personnel due to its wide range of features. The G10 handle on this knife also comes in other colors, and due to its popularity, there are a ton of other G10 options available in the aftermarket through reputable retailer The Knife Connection. TKC offers a full range of G10 grips for most of the Esee range, if you're looking to change the color or give your trusty blade a little more personality.