Benchmade Handle Materials
Understanding grip, comfort, durability, and long-term wear
A knife’s performance doesn’t stop at the blade. The handle—often referred to as the scales—plays a major role in how a knife feels in hand, how secure it is during use, and how it holds up over time.
Benchmade selects handle materials based on the intended purpose of each knife. Some prioritize lightweight strength, others focus on rigidity, grip, or visual character. This guide provides a clear overview of the most common materials you’ll encounter and what to expect from each.
How Handle Materials Differ
Handle materials vary widely in strength, texture, weight, and resistance to wear. While some materials are designed to disappear in the pocket, others emphasize control, durability, or premium appearance.
Understanding these differences helps explain why certain materials appear on everyday carry knives, while others are reserved for outdoor, tactical, or collector-focused designs.
Common Benchmade Handle Materials
Material |
Description |
|---|---|
Grivory® |
Glass-filled thermoplastic composite that is lightweight, durable, and widely used in aerospace and automotive applications. Offers excellent toughness with broad color options. |
G10 |
Laminated fiberglass composite cured under heat and pressure. Extremely rigid, weather-resistant, and commonly used in tactical and hard-use knives. |
CF-Elite® |
Carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic offering increased rigidity and reduced weight compared to Grivory. |
Valox® |
Lightweight glass-reinforced thermoplastic known for strength, rigidity, and impact resistance. |
Carbon Fiber |
Woven carbon fiber composite offering an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and a clean, modern appearance. |
Marbled Carbon Fiber |
Randomly layered carbon fibers creating a swirling pattern. Lightweight with distinctive visual depth. |
Aluminum (6061-T6) |
Aircraft-grade aluminum anodized for durability. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and solid in hand. |
6Al-4V Titanium |
Aerospace-grade titanium alloy offering exceptional strength at roughly half the weight of steel. Used in premium Benchmade models. |
Micarta |
Fabric-and-resin composite with excellent grip and tactile feel. Develops a unique patina with use. |
Richlite |
Layered, resin-infused paper material that is lightweight, sustainable, and offers a soft matte texture. |
Stabilized Wood |
Natural wood infused with resin to improve strength and resistance to moisture and temperature changes. |
Santoprene® |
Rubber-like thermoplastic elastomer offering excellent grip, flexibility, and comfort in wet conditions. |
Factarbon® |
Carbon fiber combined with dyed resin to create lightweight strength with bold color patterns. |
Choosing the Right Handle Material
Each Benchmade handle material is selected to support a knife’s intended role. Lightweight materials work well for everyday carry, while more rigid or textured options are preferred for demanding use.
Use Case |
Recommended Materials |
|---|---|
Lightweight Everyday Carry |
Grivory®, CF-Elite®, Valox® |
Tactical or Hard Use |
G10, Micarta, Aluminum |
Premium Feel or Visual Appeal |
Carbon Fiber, Marbled Carbon, Titanium, Factarbon® |
Outdoor or Wet Environments |
Santoprene®, Stabilized Wood, Richlite |
Sustainable Options |
Richlite, Stabilized Wood |
Material Wear & Appearance Expectations
All handle materials age differently depending on use. Some remain visually consistent for years, while others develop character through patina, light scuffing, or surface polishing.
It’s also important to note that color and texture can appear different on screen than in person. Lighting, finish, and natural material variation all affect appearance.
Material |
Wear Over Time |
Color Variance |
|---|---|---|
Grivory® |
Minimal wear; may develop slight sheen. |
Moderate variation depending on lighting. |
G10 |
Maintains structure; may smooth in contact areas. |
Low variation. |
Micarta |
Darkens and develops patina with use. |
High — appearance evolves over time. |
Carbon Fiber |
Holds finish well; may show light surface marks. |
High — weave reflects light differently. |
Titanium |
May develop scratches or stonewashed character. |
Low. |
Stabilized Wood |
Grain deepens slightly with age. |
High — natural variation. |
Santoprene® |
Maintains grip; may smooth in high-friction areas. |
Low. |
Factarbon® |
Durable with long-lasting color. |
High — resin patterns vary. |