Aluminum Handles

[ugaarguy]

In a recent thread another member and I were discussing blade steels to try to help another member better understand the differences in some of the premium / super premium steels. I brought up the soon to be released M390 blade versions of the aluminum handle Kershaw Link and Dividend liner lock folders. I opened that at $80 (current pre-order price at Knife Center) to get a quality a US made folder with that steel, they should make an interesting alternative Spyderco's plastic handled Native 5 LW back lock and Manix 2 LW caged ball bearing lock folders with s110v blades. Those two Spydercos are both US made, and (someone please correct me if I'm wrong) are the lowest cost entries to s110v blade folders at their $130 price point. The other member agreed that the M390 Link and Dividend do indeed look to be excellent values, but he opined that aluminum was not a premium handle material.

However, the standard Benchmade 940 Osborne uses aluminum scales over steel liners. The Microtech Sigil has an aluminum front scale. The ZT 0770 uses aluminum for both sides of its handle, with an inset steel liner lock. Heretic and Brous both use aluminum handles on several of their folders. The Lionsteel SR series uses aluminum monoframes. Given, those higher priced knives I just listed have more complex / detailed machining on their aluminum scales, and they have more complex locks.

So, here are my questions for those who wish to discuss this:

Do you think aluminum is a premium material for knife handles?

Does it depend on the level of machining and quality of finish rather than just if a handle is aluminum or not?

Do you think aluminum is (or can be) a premium handle material in reality, but it's just perceived not to be a premium material?

 

[JohnKSa]

Aluminum CAN be a premium knife handle material under some circumstances. If the handle isn't intended to be subjected to hard use and employs good machining and finish quality it could be a premium handle material. If you're going to carry it in a pocket or clipped to a pocket without anything else in the pocket (like keys) and intend to use the handle only as a knife handle then if it was well-made to begin with it will stay looking nice.

If the handle is subjected to more routine uses or isn't pampered (used to open doors, to flatten staples or for other very light hammering uses, carried in a pocket with keys, placed on a nightstand with a marble top, allowed to rub against a jeans brad, etc.) then aluminum probably won't hold up well and no matter how nicely it's finished and machined, it will soon look like crap.

 

[Old Dog]

I don't believe it's a "premium" handle material under any circumstances. Unless the knife is going to be kept in a display case, aluminum will show wear, fine scratches and eventual discoloration. (I need look only at the wear on some of my most-carried aluminum-framed pistols.)

 

[Yo Mama]

There are only so many materials to choose from in making handles. Steel is way to heavy. G10 is cool but not as sttong as metal. Titanium is only expensive to work with as it's actually a cheaper metal to buy. So your left with aluminum as one of the only alternatives.

Aluminum is strong and lightweight. Then you annodize and bring out the true character in it. Bare aluminum is not nearly as scratch resistant but you annodize and a level of protection forms.

I find the finishing and machining matters but overall yes aluminum is acceptable on a high end knife to me.

 

[JShirley]

G10 is cool but not as strong as metal

I believe per weight it's actually stronger. FRN is less strong than G10, and Sal Glesser told me the FRN knives they've tested to destruction were stronger than the steel handled ones.

My big problem with aluminum handles is that they don't provide as good a grip as so many other materials.

 

[JohnKSa]

G10 seems to hold up very well to hard use. The texture tends to smooth over time with hard use and may not smooth evenly, but the appearance stays pretty nice and the texture remains functional even after a lot of use. Subject aluminum to the same kind of use/abuse and it will remain functional, but it will look pretty bad where the anodizing wears or chips. I'd pick G10 over aluminum in a heartbeat.

The only thing I really dislike about G10 is that in a pocket clip knife, G10 scales are often rough enough that it's difficult to get the knife clipped/unclipped and the G10 wears the pocket material rapidly.

 

[dh1633pm]

I am not as worried about scratches. It is foremost a work tool. I just want it to last. As in not break or bend. What I would worry about is cold and grip. When it gets to about 30 or so, to use the knife with bare hands might be too much. Slipperiness would also be a concern when dealing with blood or other things wet. I do like the look of metal on a knife.

 

[JShirley]

I really loved my Spyderco Salsa...except for the aluminum scales.

 

[Fiv3r]

I don't think aluminum is bad, but once I handled titanium, aluminum just wasn't my thing.

For 70 bucks, of course. I generally buy in the ZT price range, and I'm more of a Ti or carbon fiber fan.

 

[crcr29683]

My Benchmade 470 emissary has aluminum handles. They do show wear from everyday carry.
I like how the smooth surface aids my drawing it from my pocket. While I like aluminum for use on a light duty gentleman’s folder, I do think it would be too slick for anything heavier.
As to whether or not it’s a premium material, I can only say that Benchmade must think so. They weren’t giving away emissarys when I bought mine.

 

[hso]

I don't think Al can be a "premium" handle material under any circumstances, because it is relatively inexpensive, common in all the alloys used and easily worked, but it is a fine handle material.

 

[nettlle]

My preferences for pistol grips and knife scales are pretty much the same. They must feel warmer than metal in the winter, not slippery when wet, and look nice. Micarta and wood do this well.

 

[ugaarguy]

Folks, sorry for my delay in getting back to this thread, and thanks to all for the thoughts shared.

I don't believe it's a "premium" handle material under any circumstances. Unless the knife is going to be kept in a display case, aluminum will show wear, fine scratches and eventual discoloration. (I need look only at the wear on some of my most-carried aluminum-framed pistols.)

G10 seems to hold up very well to hard use. The texture tends to smooth over time with hard use and may not smooth evenly, but the appearance stays pretty nice and the texture remains functional even after a lot of use. Subject aluminum to the same kind of use/abuse and it will remain functional, but it will look pretty bad where the anodizing wears or chips. I'd pick G10 over aluminum in a heartbeat.

Those are things I've noticed as well. If wear resistance and maintaining good appearance are criteria for a premium material, then aluminum certainly fails in that regard.

The only thing I really dislike about G10 is that in a pocket clip knife, G10 scales are often rough enough that it's difficult to get the knife clipped/unclipped and the G10 wears the pocket material rapidly.

That's one of the reasons I've gravitated toward frame locks over any other lock mechanism. As a righty the steel or titanium frame is on the clip side, against my pocket, and the G10 or carbon fiber show side scale sits in the loose part of the pocket. I find that arrangement to offer the best mix of grip for usability while still offering a smooth draw that doesn't wear out my pant pockets.

don't think aluminum is bad, but once I handled titanium, aluminum just wasn't my thing.

For 70 bucks, of course. I generally buy in the ZT price range, and I'm more of a Ti or carbon fiber fan.

After buying a ZT with a Ti frame lock and CF scale over Ti liner on the opposite side I'm firmly with you there. Sometimes I want to buy a lower price point knife just to try a different steel, or just to have a different folder to fidget. Sometimes I give in to the temptation, and it usually results in disappointment. So, I usually just move on.

I don't think Al can be a "premium" handle material under any circumstances, because it is relatively inexpensive, common in all the alloys used and easily worked, but it is a fine handle material.

That's a well reasoned explanation.

It seems to me from my own observations and reading the responses here, that aluminum isn't truly a premium handle material like titanium, carbon fiber, and G10 are; but that aluminum is used on many knives with premium price points.

 

[Cowhide Cliff]

I don't consider it a premium handle material but I do think it's a very good choice of handle material for a edc or working knife. Sure it may show some wear but no more than most other options like G10, Micarta, or wood. It's lightweight, strong, inexpensive, good choice for a working knife IMO.

 

[Old Dog]

Even the titanium scales on a couple of my ZT's show wear and fine scratches.

Have become a huge fan of G10, linen Micarta and carbon fiber ... oh, and good burled wood ... or leather washers ...

 

[JohnKSa]

Ok, how about this for throwing a wrinkle into the discussion?

http://www.ruanaknives.com/

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Ok, how about this for throwing a wrinkle into the discussion?

http://www.ruanaknives.com/

Yep...

 

[greyling22]

My Benchmade 470 emissary has aluminum handles. They do show wear from everyday carry.
I like how the smooth surface aids my drawing it from my pocket. While I like aluminum for use on a light duty gentleman’s folder, I do think it would be too slick for anything heavier.
As to whether or not it’s a premium material, I can only say that Benchmade must think so. They weren’t giving away emissarys when I bought mine.

Benchmade thinks everything is a premium material, given the pricing. Don't get me wrong, I have a couple benchmade, Bute whew, they are proud of their stuff.