Micarta - More info?

[BleedingFinger]

When I bought my Calypso Jr Micarta tonite, the dealer couldn't tell me what exactly Micarta was, although he did show me the catalog which stated that it would be used until it was gone (some type of limited production run I assume?). I looked at the Materials page on the website here, and so now I understand that the Micarta is a linen/paper and epoxy composite material. My questions: What is the purpose of using the Micarta? Is it merely cosmetic, or is it functional (if so, why?). Why was there a limited production run of the actual Micarta substance? Should I keep this knife as a collectors item? (If so, that means I'd have to buy another Spyder - you know, for actual day-to-day usage <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Thanks for answering these questions, and for any other info you would like to share.

[bell]

BF,
Very good question. I join you in waiting for a good answer.

[Sword and Shield]

Hi BleedingFinger! Welcome to Spyderland! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Here's to hoping your nickname changes! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

The benefits of Micarta are legion. Firstly, it's nearly impervious to temperature change, making it great for desert areas.

Second, Micarta is incredibly tough. While other materials shatter, it just scuffs a little bit.

Third is related directly to second. When FRN or bone is damaged, repairs often mess up the handle. Light sanding on Micarta will undo most damage.

Micarta is unusual in Spyders as it's expensive, and Spyderco tries to keep prices low. Hold onto the Calypso Jnr. Micarta makes it a little hard to find.

Hope this helps! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

[BleedingFinger]

Thanks for the info! I am very seriously thinking I am going to get another Spydee for everyday use, and keep this one pristine.

My name might have to change, though, since now I am TwoBleedingFingers...

Can't stop playing with my Spyderco... <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[bell]

Thanks S&amp;S,
I really like my Calypso Micarta. What I dont understand is this: if micarta is a compsite of linen, a glue binder, etc. it is probably manufactured in huge sheets and must be relatively inexpensive to produce. Why then is it expensive in the Spydie models or any other knife. It must cost less than extruded aluminum.

[Sword and Shield]

Bell- the reason Micarta is expensive is this: The stuff's tough to work! While the material itself is fairly easy to cut, the dust has a nasty habit of building up in the lungs of people working on it. I wager a large amount of the cost goes into fans and filters to keep dust down.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

[bell]

Roger. Thanks S&amp;S.

[panguero]

The epoxy resin, and fine grade linen are much more costly as a material than the injection molding grades of nylon (FRN). S&amp;S has given a lot of good info. Also, the micarta has to be protected and or buffed to a high luster, and the FRN is just what it is; a dull looking molded scale with gripping features. Very Functional!
The machine tool wear and machining operations;(routers), the CNC Mills used to carve these micarta sheets into knife scales are labor intesive; not to mention it eats cutters, and creates a dust hazard. With FRN, get pellets out of a sack or barrel, fill a hopper in an automatic machine, close a mold, shoot the part(knife handle), open the mold, de-flash it(maybe) and install. The micarta sheets are bought and inventoried, protected from scratches when rough cut to blanks, machined, hand fit, and cleaned-up and then polished. Lotta work.

So It is labor, and as S&amp;S said, capital equipment that drives the costs.

And I just ordered a LTD edition Jester in Micarta!!! Yes, I love that stuff...

[bell]

I like it too Sharp 1. Would like to see more of it in Spydie models. Thanks for the info.