Handle/Scale Materials
Handle materials play a critical role in a knife’s construction, ergonomics, handling, and character. At Spyderco, every material and texture is chosen with purpose—balancing weight, durability, grip, and aesthetics to optimize the goals of each design.
Almite
Almite coating, also known as alumite treatment, is a surface treatment for aluminum alloys where an oxide layer (Al2O3) is formed on the surface through an anodic oxidation process. This process is used to improve the aesthetics, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of aluminum products.
Anodized Aluminum
Aluminum anodizing is a process that creates a protective and decorative oxide layer on aluminum surfaces through an electrochemical reaction. This process allows for vibrant coloration and offers a combination of durability and aesthetic versatility.
Bi-Directional Texture™
This signature texture pattern consists of a series of molded, angled steps radiating out from a center and facing in opposite directions. Injection molded into fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) or fiberglass-reinforced co-polymer (FRCP), it offers an exceptional, non-slip grip—even with wet or gloved hands.
Carbon Fiber
Ultralight and incredibly strong, carbon fiber consists of graphite strands fused with epoxy resin. Offering high tensile strength, high chemical resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and excellent dimensional stability, its woven construction also gives it a dramatic, three-dimensional appearance. Carbon fiber may be smooth, machined to shape, or feature a peel-ply texture for enhanced grip security.
Carbon Fiber / G-10 Laminate
A durable, aesthetically pleasing material consisting of a surface layer of pure carbon fiber bonded to a base layer of G-10.
Caribbean B-Directional Texture™
This texture pattern is created by machining a pattern of parallel grooves into a base material perpendicular to its length. The grooves may be straight or curved, but significantly enhance the material’s surface texture for a more secure grip. When applied to materials with alternating color layers, it reveals the contrasting colors.
DIAMOND ARC™ TEXTURE G-10
An intricate, CNC-machined texture exclusive to Spyderco, this pattern adds a dramatic visual element to the base material and provides an enhanced, non-slip grip.
FRCP (Fiberglass Reinforced Co-polymer)
This lightweight, injection-moldable polymer is reinforced with fiberglass for enhanced strength and rigidity. It allows the use of complex, three-dimensional handle geometries and intricate textures while offering excellent strength. FRCP can be tinted to produce a broad range of both translucent and opaque colors.
FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon
FRN is a tough, injection-molded nylon thermoplastic reinforced with glass fiber. FRN offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, resilience to impact, and can be molded into complex shapes and textures—including our Bi-Directional Texture™ and Volcano Grip™ patterns.
G-10
G-10 is an epoxy-infused woven glass fiber laminate known for its rigidity, dimensional stability, and resistance to temperature and chemicals. A high-performance, low-maintenance material, it is available in a broad range of colors and can be machined to create intricate shapes and textures. It can be smooth or feature a peel-ply texture for enhanced grip traction.
Kraton®
A rubber-like thermoplastic polymer, Kraton provides a soft, tactile surface that enhances control, especially in wet or cold conditions. It is typically injection molded to create handles or handle inlays.
Micarta®
Micarta is a composite material made by layering linen, canvas, paper, or other materials with resin, then curing it under heat and pressure. Strong, lightweight, and readily machinable, it has a warm, organic feel. Its surface can be finished to be smooth, textured, or polished, and develops a natural patina with age and handling.
Natural Materials
These include stabilized woods, jigged bone, stag, horn, mother-of-pearl, abalone, leather, stone, and other naturally occurring materials. Natural materials add classic or artistic flair to knives and often give them very individual character.
Peel-Ply-Textured Carbon Fiber
This carbon fiber laminate is manufactured with a textured peel-ply top layer. After the part is machined to shape, this layer is removed to expose a textured surface that adds traction and depth to the high-tech material.
Peel-Ply-Textured G-10
This G-10 laminate is manufactured with a textured peel-ply top layer. After the part is machined to shape, this layer is removed to expose a textured surface that adds traction and depth to the high-tech material.
Polypropylene
The world's second-most widely produced synthetic plastic, polypropylene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in various manufacturing applications. It is extremely rugged and resistant to most chemicals and solvents.
Raffir® Noble
Manufactured in Denmark, Raffir Noble is a strikingly beautiful composite material that encapsulates metal mesh in a durable, translucent resin. Raffir Noble combines a smoke-colored acrylic with a mixture of brass and copper mesh. When machined and polished to create scales, it reveals a stunning, semi-transparent, three-dimensional pattern with amazing visual depth and character.
Stainless Steel
An iron-based alloy containing a significant volume of chromium, stainless steel offers improved resistance to corrosion. As a handle material, it provides strength, heft, and durability, as well as a canvas for aftermarket engraving and embellishment.
Titanium
A premium non-ferrous metal prized for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and light weight, titanium’s properties may be further enhanced with the addition of other alloys. In knives, it is commonly used in clips (Salt® Series), liners, and handle scales.
Volcano Grip™
One of Spyderco’s signature texture patterns, the Volcano Grip texture consists of a grid of small, raised squares with a recessed dimple in the center of each. Found on Spyderco knives featuring injection-molded FRN handles, it offers secure, slip-resistant control during use.
