January 13, 2025 6 min read

At Jun Knives, we don’t just craft extraordinary blades; we take great care in selecting the finest materials for each of our knife handles to ensure maximum comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re a professional chef, an outdoor enthusiast, or a collector of hand-forged Damascus knives, understanding the variety of handle materials we offer will help you choose the perfect knife for your needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the range of handle materials we use at Jun Knives, including Pakkawood, Tagayasan, Walnut Wood, Micarta, Antler, as well as other premium materials used in hand-forged Damascus knives like G10, Bone, Stabilized Wood, and Carbon Fiber. We'll break down the characteristics, benefits, care tips, and how each material enhances the overall performance and look of your knife.


Why the Right Handle Material Matters

When it comes to knives, the blade often takes the spotlight. However, the handle plays a crucial role in comfort, performance, and style. A great knife handle can improve your grip, reduce hand fatigue, and add a personal touch to your knife's overall appearance. Hand-forged Damascus blades are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and pairing them with the right handle material can elevate the knife’s functionality and beauty.

In our extensive range of handles at Jun Knives, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to create knives that are not only strong and functional but also visually stunning.


1. Pakkawood Handles: Durable, Stylish, and Functional

Pakkawood is a composite material created by layering thin sheets of wood, which are then soaked in resin and compressed. This results in a handle that has the elegance of wood with the durability and moisture resistance of synthetic materials.

Benefits of Pakkawood Handles:

  • Durability: Resistant to water, heat, and stains, Pakkawood handles are built to last, making them perfect for kitchen environments or outdoor tasks.
  • Comfort: The smooth yet textured surface ensures a secure grip while providing comfort during prolonged use.
  • Variety of Colors: Pakkawood handles come in multiple colors and patterns, giving you the ability to personalize the look of your knife.

Care Tips:

To maintain the integrity and beauty of Pakkawood, simply wipe it with a dry cloth after use. Apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil to keep it hydrated and prevent cracking.


2. Tagayasan Handles: The Ultimate in Strength and Beauty

Tagayasan, also known as Ironwood, is an incredibly dense and durable hardwood sourced from Southeast Asia. It is famous for its striking appearance and exceptional toughness.

Benefits of Tagayasan Handles:

  • Extreme Durability: Tagayasanis one of the hardest woods, resistant to wear and tear, scratches, and impacts, making it ideal for outdoor knives and heavy-duty tasks.
  • Unique Grain Patterns: Each Tagayasan handle is unique, with intricate natural grain patterns that make every knife a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
  • Longevity: With proper care, Tagayasan can last for generations, making it an excellent investment for those seeking long-lasting quality.

Care Tips:

To preserve the integrity of your Tagayasan handle, avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and heat. Wipe the handle clean and periodically treat it with mineral oil to prevent cracking.


3. Walnut Wood Handles: Classic, Elegant, and Timeless

Walnut Wood is a classic material known for its luxurious deep tones and intricate grain patterns. It combines beauty with strength, making it a popular choice for hand-forged Damascus knives.

Benefits of Walnut Wood Handles:

  • Natural Beauty: Walnut offers rich colors and stunning grain patterns, adding an element of sophistication to your knife.
  • Comfortable Grip: Walnut provides a natural, smooth surface that feels comfortable in the hand, even during extended use.
  • Eco-Friendly: Sourced from sustainable forests, Walnut is an environmentally conscious choice.

Care Tips:

To maintain the beauty of Walnut wood, clean the handle with a soft cloth after use. Periodically oil the handle with a food-safe oil to prevent the wood from drying out and losing its luster.


4. Micarta Handles: Strength, Comfort, and Reliability

Micarta is a composite material made by layering fabrics such as canvas or linen with resin. It is then compressed to create an incredibly strong and lightweight material. Micarta is perfect for high-performance knives that need to endure tough conditions.

Benefits of Micarta Handles:

  • Unmatched Durability: Micarta is resistant to moisture, extreme temperatures, and heavy wear, making it ideal for tactical, survival, and hunting knives.
  • Secure Grip: The textured surface of Micarta ensures a solid, non-slip grip, even when wet, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
  • Lightweight: Despite its strength, Micarta is lightweight, helping to reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Care Tips:

Micarta handles are low-maintenance but should be cleaned with a damp cloth and occasionally treated with a light oil to keep them looking fresh and prevent dryness.


5. Antler Handles: Rustic Elegance with a Natural Touch

Antler handles are made from the shed antlers of animals like deer and elk. These handles provide a natural, rustic appearance that is both unique and functional.

Benefits of Antler Handles:

  • Distinct Appearance: No two antler handles are alike. Each has its own natural pattern and texture, adding a unique, rustic charm to your knife.
  • Lightweight and Strong: Antler is surprisingly lightweight and durable, offering both strength and comfort in your grip.
  • Natural Grip: The natural texture of antler provides a solid grip, especially during tasks that require precision.

Care Tips:

Avoid exposing antler handles to excessive moisture, which could cause cracking. Clean with a soft cloth and apply mineral oil to preserve the natural beauty and prevent dryness.


6. G10 Handles: Lightweight, Tough, and Modern

G10 is a modern, high-performance material made from fiberglass layers and epoxy resin. It’s extremely durable, lightweight, and resistant to water and heat, making it a top choice for survival knives and tactical blades.

Benefits of G10 Handles:

  • Durable and Impact-Resistant: G10 handles can withstand extreme conditions, making them perfect for outdoor and tactical use.
  • Secure Grip: The textured surface of G10 ensures a firm, non-slip grip even in wet or slippery conditions.
  • Lightweight: Despite being extremely tough, G10 is lightweight, making it easier to handle for long periods.

Care Tips:

To maintain your G10 handle, simply wipe it clean with a cloth. It is highly resistant to damage and does not require frequent maintenance.


7. Bone Handles: Traditional, Natural, and Refined

Bone handles are traditionally used in high-end knives due to their unique, smooth texture and natural beauty. Bone is often sourced from cattle or buffalo, making it both sustainable and reliable.

Benefits of Bone Handles:

  • Classic Appearance: The natural grain and smooth surface of bone handles give them a timeless, refined look.
  • Comfortable and Ergonomic: Bone provides a comfortable, ergonomic grip, ensuring ease of use during extended periods.
  • Unique Texture: Each piece of bone is unique, offering a one-of-a-kind appearance for each knife.

Care Tips:

Bone handles require regular cleaning and should be kept dry to avoid cracking. Applying a light layer of oil can help maintain the natural color and prevent drying out.


8. Stabilized Wood Handles: Strength and Beauty Combined

Stabilized Wood refers to natural wood that has been impregnated with resin to increase its strength and moisture resistance. It’s a fantastic material for adding unique color and texture to your Damascus knife.

Benefits of Stabilized Wood Handles:

  • Enhanced Durability: The resin treatment makes stabilized wood resistant to moisture and environmental damage, ensuring long-term use.
  • Stunning Patterns: The combination of natural wood and resin creates striking visual effects, adding elegance to your knife.
  • Eco-Friendly: Stabilized wood is made using sustainably sourced timber, making it an environmentally conscious option.

Care Tips:

Keep stabilized wood handles clean by wiping them with a dry cloth. Periodically treat the surface with oil to keep the wood looking fresh and vibrant.


9. Carbon Fiber Handles: Modern, Lightweight, and Strong

Carbon Fiber is a composite material that offers unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. Known for its high-tech appearance and superior durability, carbon fiber is increasingly popular in modern knife designs.

Benefits of Carbon Fiber Handles:

  • Lightweight and Strong: Carbon fiber handles offer incredible strength while being incredibly light, making them ideal for heavy-use knives.
  • Sleek, Modern Look: The modern aesthetic of carbon fiber pairs beautifully with the intricate patterns of Damascus steel blades.
  • Non-Slip Grip: The texture of carbon fiber ensures a secure grip, even in challenging conditions.

Care Tips:

Carbon fiber handles are low-maintenance but should be wiped clean and protected from harsh chemicals to maintain their sleek appearance.


Conclusion: Find the Perfect Handle for Your Damascus Blade at Jun Knives

Choosing the right handle material for your hand-forged Damascus knife is an essential part of creating a tool that is both functional and beautiful. At Jun Knives, we offer a wide range of premium handle materials, from the classic elegance of Walnut Wood and Bone to the modern durability of G10 and Carbon Fiber. Each handle type is carefully selected to complement the artistry of the Damascus steel blades  ensuring that your knife is not only a powerful tool but also a statement piece.

By understanding the unique characteristics and benefits of each material, you can make an informed decision that enhances your knife’s performance, aesthetics, and longevity. Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, or building your collection, the right knife handle can make all the difference.