Let's Take A Look at A Few

If you're looking at the variety of handles available on Gerber knives, you probably realize there are many different materials to choose from. And every one of them have their own advantages, though the general purpose of a knife handle is to create a solid grip and ensure your knife is manageable.

All Wood

Wooden knife handles are often the most attractive, as well as being comfortable to hold. But they can be harder to care for and require extra maintenance to ensure they last. In addition, wooden handles may crack or warp after excessive use or exposure to the elements.

Some of the more exotic woods used in knife manufacture today are especially beautiful so wooden handles are still a great choice for collectible knives, those you don't plan to use every day, and those you like well enough to invest the extra effort in to care for them.

Need Texture

If you're concerned about a more secure grip or need a knife for camping, hunting or fishing, or one that will be secure even when wet, you definitely want to look for a texturized grip. There are a variety of materials available that will give you a solid grip, be easy to maintain, resist wear and corrosion, and still make an attractive knife.

What's Preferred

There was a time when knife handles were smooth plastic or celluloid. Such knives are still available today and very collectible, but because the grip isn't as secure and can even be slippery if the knife gets wet, this is no longer a common knife handle material. Most users prefer a knife handle made with an overmold plastic like the fiberglass-filled nylon with TPV overmold you find on the Gerber LMF II.

This handle has a smoother look than say the Gerber Yari II, but it still offers a strong grip that you can feel due to the inbred texture on the ergonomically designed handle. And this is only one of many such knives that Gerber makes that are designed for a solid, secure grip.

Micarta

Another popular synthetic often used in knives is Micarta, a linen and paper composite used in such tactical knives as the Gerber Armor Tanto. Micarta is designed to stand up against extreme temperatures and resist corrosion and even abuse by users. All features which work together to make it an increasingly popular choice for a knife handle.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel and other metal knife handles are all the rage right now as you can see by browsing our site. However that's true for a number of reasons, not the least of which is their strength and nearly unlimited durability. Both stainless steel and titanium, which is another popular choice for metal knife handles are lightweight and resist wear and corrosion. But both are also made to hold strong under pressure and heavy use. A sometimes lethal combination that's especially popular in military and tactical knives.

Classics

When looking at knife handle materials, you can't overlook the classic stag handles. Made from deer antlers that are found where deer have naturally shed them, stag handles are sometimes more expensive than man-made materials which make them popular for collectible knives. But they're also sturdy and withstand the elements well so you'll often find knives like the Gerber Stockman that folks have carried for many years and they're still going strong.

Your Turn to Choose

As you can see there are a number of different knife handle materials, each with its own purpose and positive features. The only problem is choosing one over another. But then, why choose. There's a Gerber knife made from every material mentioned. Just get one of each and you can't lose.