The Versatility of Micarta Makes It a Great Option for Most Types of Knives from Fixed Blade Bushcraft to Gentleman’s Carry Pocket Knives
Everyone has a preference, and for a lot of people it’s Micarta. For good reason. It’s tough, comfortable material that usually gives knives a natural look that ages well.
There are downsides to it. It’ll soak up oil and moisture and take a kind of patina that not everyone is a fan of. And just about every company makes it a little different, which means the grip and texture and vary wildly from knife to knife.
On one side there’s Micarta so packed with resin you don’t feel any of the cloth material, while the other extreme is a handle so dry we have to wonder if they treated it at all.
I’ve tried to put together a list of knives with all different kinds of Micarta in them. There’s a good range of of smooth to dry handles in here, but it’s mostly canvas and linen Micarta out there as far as materials go. I’m always looking out for other decent knives in denim Micarta though, so I’ll probably be updating this every six months or so.
Our Top Picks For Fixed Blade Knives With Micarta Handles
| Buck Compadre Camp |
| Esee 4 |
| LionSteel T5 |
| Buck 119 Special Pro |
| Sencut Waxahachie |
| Off-Grid Ridgeback |
| White RIver Knives Exodus 4 |
| Bradford Knives Guardian 3 |
| TOPS Mini Scandi Knife |
| Buck Selkirk |
| Enzo Trapper |
Our Top Picks For Folding Pocket Knives With Micarta Handles
| Buck 841 Sprint Pro |
| Buck 110 Slim Pro |
| Benchmade Weekender 317-1 |
| Boker Plus Kwaiken |
| Benchmade Proper 319 |
| Boker Optima |
| Boker Pipsqueak |
Fixed Blade
Micarta has become the darling for a lot of survivalists over the years. It feels like there are a lot more fixed-blade designs with Micarta scales than folders, although I haven’t exactly done a thorough count.
It would make sense, though. Micarta is incredibly tough and ages well, and the grippiness and comfort that comes along with it pairs well with heavy tasks like batoning and clearing brush.
Buck Compadre Camp
| Overall Length: | 9.5″ |
| Blade Length: | 4.5″ |
| Steel: | 5160 w/ Cerakote Coating |
| Blade Style: | Drop point |
| Handle Length: | 5.0″ |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta |
| Grind: | Hollow |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Leather sheath |
| Price Range: | $100 – 108 |
This is one of the most versitile and comfortable fixed blade knives we’ve tried.
The handle is drier so there’s a lot of natural grip, and there’s just enough contouring in the handle to form to the hand without feeling intrusive. Also the way the pommel angles out does a lot to keep the hand from slipping.
The steel is about as soft as you can get on a knife and it still be functional, but it takes a razor edge, and Buck’s heat treat on it is pretty solid. It’s great for skinning, starting fires, and (up to a point) splitting and carving wood.
The only potential problems are the thin tip which could pose a snapping risk if you aren’t careful, and 5160 steel is more prone to rust than most other steels in its grade. That shouldn’t be a big issue so long as the coating holds up, though.
If you want to know a little more, check out our full review.
Esee 4
| Overall Length: | 9.0″ |
| Blade Length: | 4.5″ |
| Steel: | 1095 |
| Blade Style: | Drop point |
| Handle Length: | 4.5″ |
| Micarta Type: | Linen Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Molded sheath |
| Price Range: | $100 – 150 |
The scales on this on definitely on the dry side, which I’m a fan of except for what I’m chopping.
ESEE knives have actually become a little infamous with some people for not being all that comfortable. Flat scales can be a little harsh that way, but they also make the knives easier to pack, which is a relevant concern when you do as much long-term wilderness travel as the designers at ESEE do.
The ESEE 4 is right in that size range that’s easy to carry and well balanced, but still big enough to chop into some logs and heavier brush or branches.
They make bigger knives that are probably better for trail blazing, and smaller knives that make nice carving buddies or fixed-blade EDC options, but if I’m only taking one ESEE on a hunting or camping trip, it would be the ESEE 4 (Update: Just dropping in from the future to say that the ESEE Pinhoti would now enter serious consideration for me).
One of the big appeals of an ESEE, though, is the adaptability. The 1095 steel blades are easy to grind to a finer edge, and the scales are easy to remove and replace. And ESEE now makes a ton of different handle options including G10 and Micarta in round and flat variation in a whole mess of colors.
If you want to see more of me both praising and complaining about the popularity of this thing, check out our full review of the ESEE 4.
LionSteel T5
| Overall Length: | 9.875″ |
| Blade Length: | 5.0″ |
| Steel: | Niolox |
| Blade Style: | Drop point |
| Handle Length: | 4.875″ |
| Micarta Type: | Linen Micarta |
| Grind: | Sabre |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Leather sheath |
| Price Range: | $165 – 185 |
The T5 is an extremely tough survival/tactical knife hybrid from Lionsteel which is a well respected Italian knife company known for their durable knives and practical designs.
The T5 handle is made from a single piece of Micarta rather than two separate micarta scales most of the knives in this article (or most knives in general). The result of this is an extremely comfortable and grippy handle that is perfect for survival or bushcraft tasks.
The texture of the Micarta itself is on the smoother side, but they’ve put some some line grooves into it that help keep a sturdy grip.
If you want to see more pictures of this great looking knife or read a bit more about it, check out our lionSteel T5 review.
Buck 119 Special Pro
| Overall Length: | 10.25″ |
| Blade Length: | 5.75″ |
| Steel: | CPM-S35VN |
| Blade Style: | Clip point |
| Handle Length: | 5.125″ |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta |
| Grind: | Hollow |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Leather sheath |
| Price Range: | $189 – 199 |
The Buck 119 is an American classic, and generally fun to have even if you don’t us it regularly.
The handle is very smooth. Buck almost always makes their Micarta handles more plastic-y feeling (the compadre is a happy exception). But the handle width and the guard both help keep your grip secure.
Normally this classic design is in Buck’s BOS 420HC steel and a phenol handle, but they released Pro versions of a lot of their old designs starting in the 20-teens with S35VN steel and Micarta.
The upgraded steel means the Special Pro version has better edge retention and improved corrosion resistance. The new Micarta handle is little more more grippy and quite a bit more durable than the previous polymer handle.
These improvements do come with a significant price increase, but it still well priced for an American made Bowie knife made from premium materials.
Sencut Waxahachie
| Overall Length: | 7.88″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.7″ |
| Steel: | 9Cr18MoV |
| Blade Style: | Clip point |
| Handle Length: | 4.18″ |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Kydex sheath |
| Price Range: | $50 – $65 |
The Sencut Waxahachie is one of the more surprising budget fixed blades we’ve tested here at Nothing But Knives. It is not made by a well known brand (Sencut is the budget branch under Civivi), and its blade is not stamped with the name of some sexy new super steel. However, it sports a practical design, and it ships with a sheath that extremely versatile.
The Micarta also sits in a good middle ground between smooth and dry so it has some “stickiness” but does grate on the skin too much and make blisters when you have to put to a lot of heavy work.
Plus it can carries horizontally, which is pretty much always our preference.
You can see some more photos and read some more of our observations about the Waxahachie by checking out our Sencut Waxahaxhie Photo Tour & Review.
Off-Grid Ridgeback
| Overall Length: | 9.7” |
| Blade Length: | 5.2” |
| Steel: | Sandvik 14C28N |
| Blade Style: | Spear point |
| Handle Length: | 4.5″ |
| Micarta Type: | Micarta (various) |
| Grind: | Scandi |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Kydex sheath |
| Price Range: | Around $90 |
The Ridgeback is one of the best bushcraft knives we have tested under $100.
This knife is an excellent chopper, and the Micarta handle is on the drier side and shaped perfectly for hard work.
It is an excellent camping knife especially if you are into building your own shelter or spending days at a time in the wilderness. In short it is a handy knife to have in a campsite, but it is capable of much more intense outdoor excursions if you are feeling adventurous.
The kydex sheath of the Ridgeback holds the knife snugly with no rattle, and it is Tek-Lok compatible if that is your thing. We spent a few weeks testing out the Ridgeback and taking photos for our in-depth review.
White River Knives Exodus 4
| Overall Length: | 8.5″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.88″ |
| Steel: | S35VN |
| Blade Style: | Drop point |
| Handle Length: | 4.5″ |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Kydex |
| Price Range: | $175 – $190 |
At first glance the Exodus 4 almost looks like a small kitchen knife, but this is a mirage that quickly dissipates upon closer inspection. The thick spine, dry Micarta handle scales and the compact kydex sheath are proof that this knife was designed for tough outdoor use.
I was surprised to see that the Exodus 4 ships with a horizontal carry only sheath. That is my personal preferred method of carry for small fixed blades, but it is something to keep in mind if you prefer vertical carry.
The fit and the finish of the Exodus 4 is superb. That is to be expected with a knife at this price point, but White River Knives really went above and beyond when putting the finishing touches on this American made knife.
Bradford Knives Guardian 3
| Overall Length: | 6.75″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.5″ |
| Steel: | Nn90/Magnacut/CPM-3V |
| Blade Style: | Spear point |
| Handle Length: | 3.25″ |
| Micarta Type: | Linen Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Leather sheath |
| Price Range: | $110 – 190 |
It’s hard to overstate just how good and loved this model has become. Bradford makes knives the way Toyota made trucks in the 90s. They’re solid and tough, but so well designed and sized that they handle like a dream, and there’s almost nothing you can do that will ever break them. The Guardian 3 has been the favorite of the Guardian series for a long time now, and frankly there’s not much sign of something taking its place soon.
It’s probably the most comfortable fixed blade knife in its size range and the leather sheath looks great and sits on the belt you rarely ever notice it after it’s been on for a few minutes. The grind and edge are just about perfect for whittling and carving wood, and it has a lot more chopping power than anyone has a right to expect from a 3.5″ blade. The only complaint I’ve ever had about the Guardian 3 is that it’s hard to strike a spark off a ferro rod with it.
Check out our full review of it here.
TOPS 3 Pointer
| Overall Length: | 6.5″ |
| Blade Length: | 3″ |
| Steel: | 1095 |
| Blade Style: | Drop point |
| Handle Length: | 3.5″ |
| Micarta Type: | Linen Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Kydex sheath |
| Price Range: | $100 – $125 |
The TOPS 3 Pointer was released to minimal fanfare, but it has grown in popularity in the short time it has been on the market.
Designed to be carried around the neck or on a belt, this is a pretty easy blade to pack around, but they’ve also made the handle pretty comfy to hold. This knife’s toughness and versatile sheath make it a good choice for camping, but with the tall blade and grippy handle scales, this is really best for skinning and finer work like feathering.
Buck Selkirk
| Overall Length: | 9.5″ |
| Blade Length: | 4.625″ |
| Steel: | 420HC |
| Blade Style: | Drop point |
| Handle Length: | 4.875″ |
| Micarta Type: | Linen Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Kydex sheath |
| Price Range: | $65 – 80 |
We’re always looking for an excuse to sneak this knife into our articles. It’s ended up being one of our favorite carries for camping, and anytime we pick up a new bushcraft knife we tend to compare it to the Selkirk.
It has a similar range of usefulness to the original BOB knife or the Esee 3 but in a slightly smaller package, and with a much smaller price tag. Plus, you could definitely argue Buck’s BOS 420HC steel is as good if not better in some ways for hunting than 1095.
If you’d like to hear us gush about it more, check out our full review of the Selkirk.
EnZo Trapper
| Overall Length: | 8.25″ |
| Blade Length: | 4.0″ |
| Steel: | N690 |
| Blade Style: | Drop point |
| Handle Length: | 4.25″ |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Leather sheath |
| Price Range: | $100 – 175 |
The EnZo Trapper is in a similar size category with the Selkirk, but the price shoots up quite a bit. That has a lot to do with the Bohler N690 steel, which is a lot harder than 420HC.
It functions about the same as VG-10 in terms of edge retention and corrosion resistance, so you could think of this as a very tough kitchen knife. That’s partially hindered by the flat grind, but where it loses a little bit of slicing ability for smaller things like cutting food or feathering, it gains a lot of toughness for harder bushcraft tasks.
Folding Pocked Knives
When you see Micarta on a folder, it’s usually some kind of limited edition or update on an older model, which makes this a hard section to fill out. But when you get a good folder in Micarta it really turns into a special thing.
Just about all of them are designed as gentleman folders, but the toughness gained from the scale choice adds a lot of usefulness to these things.
Buck 841 Sprint Pro
| Overall Length: | 7.5″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.125″ |
| Steel: | CPM-S30V |
| Blade Style: | Clip point |
| Handle Length: | 4.375″ |
| Micarta Type: | Burlap Micarta |
| Grind: | Hollow |
| Carry System: | Tip-up clip |
| Price Range: | $100 |
This is an update of one of Buck’s more modern designs. They slapped burlap Micarta and S30V steel onto a flipper, then ground in some wild texturing to the spine of the blade.
While I’m not a fan of how the new spine looks compared to the non-Pro version of the Sprint, the update in materials was much needed. It was a snappy workhorse before, but with harder steel and tougher (and better looking) scales the Sprint becomes a much more streamlined EDC knife with good ergonomics.
If you want to learn more about this knife check our our in-depth Buck Sprint Pro review.
Buck 110 Hunter Sport
| Overall Length: | 8.75″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.75″ |
| Steel: | CPM-S30V |
| Blade Style: | Clip point |
| Handle Length: | 5″ |
| Micarta Type: | Linen Micarta |
| Grind: | Hollow |
| Carry System: | Tip-up clip |
| Price Range: | $75 – 100 |
It’s harder to get away from the 110 design these days. Buck has really pushed this design to the edge with all its updates. Some of their new releases had rocky starts, they turned into solid modern EDCs once the wrinkles were ironed out.
The 110 Sport isn’t as tough in the blade as the original, but it’s a lot easier to carry and holds an edge longer. And where the blade carries a slightly higher risk of chipping, the Micarta handles are much better at handling dirt and moisture than the original wood handle. So even though Buck has kind of turned this into a gentleman folder for trendy knife people, it still serves just fine as a camping knife.
We included some more observations and photos in our Buck 110 Hunter Sport Photo Tour and Review if you have some time to kill.
Benchmade Weekender 317-1
| Overall Length: | 8.625″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.0” / 2.0” |
| Steel: | CPM-S30V |
| Blade Style: | Clip point / drop point |
| Handle Length: | 4.0” |
| Micarta Type: | Linen Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Locking System: | Slip Joint |
| Price Range: | $225 – $250 |
The Weekender surprised us when it was announced in January of 2022. This classic looking slip joint represented a design detour from the typical Benchmade modern looking tactical folding knives that have filled their catalog for the last few years. It was nice to see them pay homage to knife history with a well designed slip joint that deserves to be an American classic.
The dry Micarta scales of the Weekender fill the hand nicely, and the texture makes the knife easy to grip regardless of which blade is open. The Micarta scales are dry enough that the handle will soak up hand sweat and dirt over time, but that is a fun feature of dry Micarta scales that make each knife unique.
The toothy edges of the Weekender’s blades are great for carving or whittling. The included bottle opener is an added bonus that helps to justify the Weekender’s unique name. We liked the weekender so much we spent a few weeks testing it out for an in-depth review.
Boker Plus Kwaiken
| Overall Length: | 8.375″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.5″ |
| Steel: | AUS-8 |
| Blade Style: | Trailing point |
| Handle Length: | 4.875″ |
| Micarta Type: | Linen Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Carry System: | Tip-up clip |
| Price Range: | $85 – 127 |
Boker is really pushing to capitalize off the popularity of this design, but they’re doing a pretty damn good job of it. The Kwaiken is a flipper adaptation from a fixed-blade by designer Lucas Burnely.
The looks of this knife alone have done a lot to make it popular. It has the kind of viciously elegant aesthetic that nerds with gentleman folders like to pack around. But that big curve of the blade from the upswept design this a genuinely great cutting tool. It’s not a rough and tumble knife for smacking into wood, but for an urban EDC you could do a lot worse.
Benchmade Proper 319
| Overall Length: | 6.69″ |
| Blade Length: | 2.86″ |
| Steel: | CPM-S30V |
| Blade Style: | Sheepsfoot |
| Handle Length: | 3.83″ |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Carry System: | |
| Price Range: | Around $120 |
Leave it to Benchmade to come in with the slip joint Micarta knife. This is an unusually old school design with a nail nick open and not a pocket clip in sight. You have to carry this thing all the way in your pocket.
If that’s not your style, though, this becomes a very nice key ring knife, which was possibly Benchmade’s intention in the first place. Whatever the original idea was, this is probably the best knife on here from a legal standpoint thanks to the locking system and size.
Boker Optima
| Overall Length: | 8.125″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.375″ |
| Steel: | 440C |
| Blade Style: | Clip point |
| Handle Length: | 4.75″ |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta w/ steel bolsters |
| Grind: | Hollow |
| Carry System: | |
| Price Range: | $175 – 215 |
This is another old school design with a bit of a modern bent. Boker took this old style build for general outdoor tasks and gave it an interchangeable blade structure. Once you get the sheath and saw blade for it, the Optima turns into a pretty handy hunting tool. There are a lot of handle options for this knife including bone and wood, but it’s hard to beat out Micarta for the way it handles moisture and age.
The Optima name covers a lot of ground within Boker, so when you’re looking to pick it up, keep an eye on the blade. They make a different modernized version under the Boker Plus branch with G10 scales. So long as you see the tree on the blade though, you’re getting the old school German Optima.
Boker Pipsqueak
| Overall Length: | 6.125″ |
| Blade Length: | 2.5″ |
| Steel: | CPM-S35VN |
| Blade Style: | Drop point |
| Handle Length: | 3.625″ |
| Micarta Type: | Titanium w/ Canvas Micarta scales |
| Grind: | Hollow |
| Carry System: | Tip-up clip |
| Price Range: | $230 – 260 |
Now this is a skinner. Of all the knives on here, this is the only decent Micarta-scaled knife I’ve found so far with a design that really feels like it was just made for skinning.
Designed by Neil Blackwood, this gets touted as a tactical folder by a few vendors, but that seems like a stretch. It’s definitely a tough blade considering its compact build, but with the hollow grind and that little bit of recurve, this is a solid folder to take on a big game hunt.
