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 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 month or so.
Great Fixed Blade and Folding Knives with Micarta Handles
Fixed Blade Knives with Micarta Handles
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 of the Buck Compadre.
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 horizontal carry 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 V2
| Overall Length: | 10.25” |
| Blade Length: | 5.5” |
| Steel: | Cryo D2 |
| Blade Style: | Spear point |
| Handle Length: | 4.75″ |
| Micarta Type: | Micarta (various) |
| Grind: | Scandi or Flat |
| 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 the Bradford Guardian 3 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.
Joker Bushcrafter
| Overall Length: | 8.6” |
| Blade Length: | 4.1” |
| Steel: | Bohler N695 |
| Blade Style: | Drop point |
| Handle Length: | 4.25″ |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Build: | Full tang |
| Carry System: | Leather sheath |
| Price Range: | $100 – 120 |
The Joker Bushcrafter is in a similar size category with the Selkirk, but the price shoots up a little bit. That has a lot to do with the Bohler N695 steel, which is a lot harder than 420HC. This results in better edge retention but worse corrosion resistance.
The Bushcrafter is an impressive fixed blade at its current price point of around $100. It features a higher end steel, an excellent leather sheath and great overall fit and finish. However, the nicely contoured Micarta handle may be my favorite thing about this knife. The Micarta is just dry enough to be grippy without being to gritty and distracting.
We liked this Spanish made knife so much we included in our article on the Best Bushcraft Knives at Any Price Point.
You can learn more about this budget friendly outdoor fixed blade by checking out our Joker Bushcrafter Review.
Folding Pocked Knives With Micarta Handles
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.
Kizer Comet
| Overall Length: | 6.9” |
| Blade Length: | 2.9” |
| Steel: | 54CM |
| Blade Style: | Clip point |
| Micarta Type: | Denim Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Carry System: | Tip-up clip |
| Price Range: | $85 |
Both versions of the Kizer Comet are successful from aesthetic point of view thanks in part to the brass bolsters, but they really impressed us once we got our grubby little hands on them, and began cutting, slicing and fidget flipping like it was the first knife we ever owned.
The 154CM steel blade held up well to our abuse, and it was easy to sharpen. The size and shape of the blade makes it one of the best we have tested for detail work like whitling or carving.
The denim Micarta handle features a fairly neutral shape that doesn’t lock your hand into one position. This is another reason we like this knife for detail work. The Micarta is textured just enough to help with the grip, but not enough to feel weird.
The detent could stand to be dialed back a bit, but this small flaw is not enough to prevent this knife from being a regular part of our EDC rotation.
You can learn more about the Kizer Comet by checking out our review here.
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.
Vosteed Racoon
| Overall Length: | 7.6” |
| Blade Length: | 3.25” |
| Steel: | Sandvik 14C28N or Nitro-V |
| Blade Style: | Drop Point |
| Handle Length: | 4.875″ |
| Micarta Type: | Linen Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Carry System: | Tip-up clip |
| Price Range: | $60 -100 |
The Vosteed Racoon is a popular pocketknife available with a variety of blade steels and handle scale material. It is nice to have options, but I think the Micarta handle version of the Racoon is the best version.
This handle seems to be just the right size and shape to accommodate different hand sizes. It is also a good option for hard use thanks to its overall lack of hot spots (after it was updated) even when using a decent amount of force for hard use tasks.
The tall drop point blade of the Racoon is available in two different steels. I tested both, and the Nitro-V had a slight edge in the edge retention department. However, both steel types are tough and can handle heavy use.
You can learn a bit more by checking out our Vosteed Racoon Review.
Kershaw Federalist
| Overall Length: | 7.5″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.25” |
| Steel: | CPM-154 |
| Blade Style: | Clip point |
| Handle Length: | 4.25” |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Lock Type: | Double-detent slip joint |
| Price Range: | $70 – 114 |
Leave it to Kershaw 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. Fortunately, it is thin enough to leave plenty of room in the pocket.
The CPM-154 steel, clip point blade of the Federalist was designed for actual use. Everything about this knife was made with cutting, carving and slicing in mind. The handle is one of the most user-friendly slip joint handles I have ever tested. The finger choil provides a little added hand security without being restrictive, and the canvas Micarta is super grippy even when wet.
The Federalist is so popular at the Nothing But Knives office, we added it to our Best Slip Joint Knives article.
You can learn more about this knife by spending some quality time with our in-depth Kershaw Federalist Review here.
Kansept Tuckamore
| Overall Length: | 8.125″ |
| Blade Length: | 3.5” |
| Steel: | COM-20CV |
| Blade Style: | Sheepsfoot |
| Handle Length: | 4.55” |
| Micarta Type: | Canvas Micarta |
| Grind: | Flat |
| Carry System: | Pocket Clip |
| Price Range: | $175 – 300 |
OK this pick may be cheating a bit. The Tuckamore technically has Micarta inserts in a titanium handle, but the end result is a huge improvement over all the titanium only handles out there. I really hope this becomes a more standard in titanium knife manufacturing.
The Sheepsfoot blade of the Tuckamore makes it a good option for any hard use situation were accidental piercing may be a possibility. This blade shape is especially popular with boaters.
The Tuckamore offers a premium materials and performance at a better price than a lot of its competitors.
Check out our Kansept Tuckamore Review to learn more about this high-end pocketknife.
