Add a Comment

Featured Comment by Jeremy B. Buchanan on September 3, 2015 at 19:50

Ron - I did a little research as well, on the difference between G-10 and Micarta. From what I gather, the G-10 can be polished to a smoother shiny finish, but the Micarta can't. Either way, I like both and I really love the feel of the Colonial. Sound unanimous here. It will be hard to beat this knife. I can't wait to test mine out in the woods this weekend. Thanks for the info. Ron.

Comment by John Bamford on September 3, 2015 at 12:05

Great looking knife Ron it looks like it would cope with just about any job you could ask of it .

Comment by Ron Cooper on September 3, 2015 at 4:35

Since I honestly didn't know the difference between G10 and micarta, I went searching for an answer. Here is one of the best explanations that I came across. It's from Knife Center Handle Materials <-----Knife Handle Materials

G-10
a fiberglass based laminate. Layers of fiberglass cloth are soaked in resin and are compressed and baked. The resulting material is very hard, lightweight, and strong. Surface texture is added in the form of checkering. G-10 is an ideal material for tactical folders because of its ruggedness and lightweight. It is usually available in black.

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, strong, as well as having a touch of class (thus dressier than G-10). 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.

Now, after reading these definitions, I still doubt that I could distinguish the difference between these two similar yet different materials? And, as pertains to this particular knife, for my purpose it really doesn't matter. I only know that the handle of the Colonial Defiant is one of the most ergonomically comfortable handles that I have ever been privileged to hold in my hand. I don't think I have ever held a more comfortable fixed blade knife before. And that's saying something! 

Comment by Ron Cooper on September 2, 2015 at 23:47

Jeremy,

Thank you for pointing that out to me about the handle being G10. And it just goes to show how limited my experience is with these different materials. I usually think of G10 as being more textured and micarta as being smoother. You learn something new everyday, I guess. Thanks! Like I said, Colonial's website makes no mention of what the handle is made of. I was just guessing.

And, Lantz! I agree with everything you've said. It really is an amazing knife and feels really good in my hand! 

Featured Comment by Charles Sample on September 2, 2015 at 21:52

Ron

Colonial is wrong on their web site about the weight.  I weighed mine on my wife's food weighing scale.  It weighs 13.3 ounces.  That is just the knife.

Featured Comment by Jeremy B. Buchanan on September 2, 2015 at 20:45

Ron - I also have one of these knives and it has not been far from my hand, except while I am at work (where I am not allowed to have it). As for the handle material, here is what Steve said in one of the earlier statements about the knife: "CE=-400 now available, will send 12 out to the first that respond-154 CM, G-10 handle, made in USA by Abe Elias, The DEFIANT,   $200.  Limited to 600 pieces" I only questioned your statement because of what he said. I am not saying this to say that you are wrong, just pointing out the fact that we need to do a little post the difference, because I didn't know either.

Comment by Ron Cooper on September 2, 2015 at 17:11

The handle material appears to be micarta. It is very smooth and extremely comfortable. In fact, it is so comfortable I have found it difficult to put down. Since receiving it on Monday it has established nearly permanent residence in my right hand. Perhaps these photographs will allow the viewer to determine whether it is G10 or micarta?

I'm guess it's canvas micarta? What say you?

Comment by Ron Cooper on September 2, 2015 at 17:00

Jeremy,

Look in the upper right corner of the collage and you will see my description.

To the best of my discernment it appears to be micarta? At least that's what I put in the picture. Colonial's website does not make the distinction: Bushcraft Defiant Model CE 400

Featured Comment by Jeremy B. Buchanan on September 2, 2015 at 16:50

Great looking collage Ron. Is the handle Micarta or G-10?

Comment by Ron Cooper on September 2, 2015 at 3:09

Simply uttering the name, Defiant, causes trees to tremble!