I am considering using some G10 handle material but I am not familiar with it's properties. Can anyone tell me about it, how to work it, finish it, etc? Thank you all

Treat it just like micarta. The fabric in the matrix is fiberglas instead of canvas or linen.

Thanks for the question, and, the answer.

G-10 is a little different from Micarta in that the fabric is fibreglass ie.- very hard, the resin is epoxy - a bit softer. Micarta has a fabric weave of cotton, linen / canvas and a resin (phenolic) which is actually quite hard. It is easier to get a "flat" surface finish with Micarta, while on G-10 you tend to get the underlying weave show up more because the epoxy filler wears down a bit quicker. The trick is to use a HARD backing for sanding only till the final stages of finishing. If you do the hard work and go up through 1200 and 1500grits in abrasives, and then buff with a white compound - G-10 polishes beautifully - literally like glass.

The glass fibre wears down tools a lot quicker than Micarta. I mean QUICK. The only thing worse is maybe carbon fibre and titanium ! Use a bimetal blade to cut on the bandsaw and clean the flaky crap that forms on the bandsaw blade. Stick a piece of wood again the blade and the flakes will fall off. I don't need to tell you to wear a good respirator or have EXCELLENT exhaust systems going. Many also find the glass fibre particles quite irritant (I do) so wear a long sleeve shirt as well.

G10 is top stuff and Texas Knifemakers Supply have it listed as Tex-Tuff in some funky colours too. Masecraft also have a number of unusual colours. You can see some of the results - blue G10, Burgundy Tex-Tuff, light green G-10, on my website http://www.jcbknives.com

Cheers. Jason.

Jason,

When I click your web address at the bottom of your post it goes to "Redskin Racing." Is that you? No mention of knives or G-10...?

Just thought you might like to know, but maybe that's the way it is supposed to be?

Best,

Steve

There is a period at the end of his link, that is what is sending you to the wrong site. Just checked it out:)

Dogman nailed it. I just fixed it for him.

Sounds too itchy to me!!!

Too excited when I type, I keep putting that period at the end of my wed address. Fixed it now, but have to watch out for next time.

I used to get this weird, mysterious itch on my forearms after working some handles and I couldn't work it out until one of the previous threads about G-10 talked about the itch problem.

I understand the problem can be serious as the fibreglass particles get caught under the skin and result in an ongoing rash - not severe but irritating.

But given that I now wear head to toe cover when grinding, its not a problem, but remember to vacuum the whole work area afterwards. I don't think its a specific problem with G10. Same precautions apply to bone, MOP, Micarta, horn etc. I thinks thats everything ...

Cheers. Jason.