Best Knife Handles: Pros and Cons of Each Style

Even the simplest-looking knife has a lot of parts that affect its performance and maintenance. Before you buy a knife, you should understand the handle options and their strengths and weaknesses. There are many types of knife handles available, but most fall into three categories: metal, synthetic, and natural materials.

This guide categorizes popular knife handles and lists the pros and cons of each type. There are also tips on how to care for knife handles, and how each handle rates for durability, grip, and appearance.

Metal Handles

Metal knife handles are knife handles made primarily from metal materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and other metal alloys. These handles provide durability, strength, and often a sleek, modern aesthetic. They differ from handles made of wood, plastic, or composite materials in terms of weight, grip, and maintenance.

Aluminum Knife Handles

Aluminum is a very durable knife handle material. They are often anodized or coated with an oxide layer, for improvements in color, hardness, and protection. Aluminum is low-density, which means that the knife feels substantial in your hand, but not heavy.

There are different kinds of aluminum that might be used for knife handles. For example, one of the most common is the T6-6061 alloy, which offers plentiful tensile strength.

Aluminum is resistant to corrosion, though not to scratches and impacts. It has conductive properties that make it very cold to the touch in cooler weather. Aluminum handles can be very slippery as well, though a secure grip can be achieved with enough texturization.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Aluminum knife handles are pretty easy to maintain, although they are susceptible to scratches and dings, so you should be careful with them. They should never be washed in a dishwasher; rather, you should hand wash and dry them immediately after use. If they become discolored, polishing them can restore their shine.

Durability: Very good

Grip: Poor if untextured, secure if properly textured

Appearance: Available in varying colors and thicknesses

Aluminum Handle Pros

• Aluminum is very durable and will last for a long time
• The aluminum material makes the handle more lightweight than other metal handles
• This type of handle is resistant to corrosion

Aluminum Handle Cons

• Aluminum is susceptible to scratches, dents, dings, and other visible results of impacts
• These handles can become very cold in cooler temperatures, such as winter weather or inside a warehouse or freezer
  This can make them difficult to hold and use under such conditions
• Like other metal handles, aluminum handles can be slippery, making it easier to cut yourself. However, proper texturization can help achieve a more secure grip

Stainless Steel Knife Handles

Stainless steel knife handles are very durable and resistant to corrosion and impacts. However, they are heavy, so they should be avoided in heavy-duty knives. They are also slippery, which is why you often see them with ridges or other features designed to improve grip.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Stainless steel knife handles are easy to maintain, due to their durability. They should be hand washed and dried after use, and should not be left in humid places.

Durability: Very good

Grip: Very poor, but can possibly be improved with ridges and etching (though not completely)

Appearance: Beautiful sleek silver appearance

Stainless Steel Handle Pros

• Stainless steel is very durable and will likely last for a long time
• The stainless steel will also resist corrosion, and because of its strength, it will stand up to impacts as well

Stainless Steel Handle Cons

• This type of handle is very heavy, so it’s not recommended for heavy-duty knives or EDC (everyday carry) knives, which are used on a regular basis
• Stainless steel is slippery, so it may be hard to hold and use. This can increase the chance of accidental cuts
  Many manufacturers have tried to improve the grip by adding ridges or etching, but these features can’t completely correct the issue

Titanium Knife Handles

Titanium knife handles are known for their strength, durability, and lightweight nature. They resist rust and other corrosion better than any other metal handle. Titanium is not quite as light as aluminum, but it’s still much lighter than stainless steel. At the same time, it’s very sturdy.

Like aluminum, it can suffer scratches and dings, but it’s not as difficult to hold in the winter, due to its naturally warm feel. Anodizing the metal can give it interesting colors on custom knives, and it is also sometimes texturized through a process called bead-blasting.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Titanium knife handles don’t need much maintenance, though they can still incur scratches and dings, so care should be exercised. Like other metal handles, they should be hand washed and dried immediately after use.

Durability: Very good

Grip: Slippery, but improved through texturization

Appearance: Gray or silver utility appearance

Titanium Handle Pros

• Titanium is very strong and durable
• Titanium also offers the best corrosion resistance of any metal knife handle material
• This type of handle is lightweight and sturdy at the same time
• The metal has a warm feel to it
• Grip can be improved with texturization
• Anodization and bead-blasting offer customization options

Titanium Handle Cons

• The handle is a bit heavier than aluminum, but still more lightweight than stainless steel
• Titanium has a reputation for being invincible, but it can easily incur scratches and dings
• Like all metal handles, titanium can be slippery to hold. This can be improved through texturization, such as
  bead-blasting
• Titanium handles are much more expensive than aluminum or stainless steel handles

Synthetic Handles

Synthetic knife handles are made from man-made materials like carbon fiber, plastic, fiberglass, or resin. They are durable, lightweight, resistant to moisture and chemicals, and often textured for better grip, making them popular for kitchen, outdoor, and tactical knives.

Carbon Fiber Knife Handles

Carbon fiber knife handles are made of thin strands of carbon, which are then woven together tightly and set in resin. These types of handles are very strong and lightweight, but they can also be brittle and incur cracks from impacts.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Carbon fiber knife handles are strong, but they crack easily so you should be careful when handling them. Dishwashers can stress the handle and cause it to break apart, so it should be hand washed.

Durability: Cracks easily and breaks apart

Grip: Good, due to the texture of the carbon weave

Appearance: Variety of textures, colors, and patterns

Carbon Fiber Handle Pros

• Carbon fiber handles are stronger than steel, but only if they are not stressed in multiple directions
• These handles are very lightweight
• The carbon weave creates interesting patterns, due to the way the light reflects off of it
• The carbon weave also creates textures that improve grip

Carbon Fiber Handle Cons

• The handle is brittle and can crack under stress
• Knives with carbon fiber handles are more expensive, due to the labor-intensive process required to produce them

Micarta Knife Handles

Micarta is the brand name for phenolic resin knife handles. This handle material is strong, hard, and lightweight. It does not easily scratch or ding. However, the knife handle lacks texturization, making it slippery and difficult to use.

Some knife manufacturers add etching or other texturization to improve the grip, but this usually increases the price of an already-expensive knife.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Micarta knife handles will stand up to most scratches and impacts, so you don’t need to be especially careful. Hot water and soap is usually enough to clean dirty or stained Micarta handles.

Durability: Very good

Grip: Very slick and smooth, unless texture is added

Appearance: Typically black or gray, with a utility type of appearance

Micarta Handle Pros

• Micarta handles are tough, strong, hard, and durable
• These handles are lightweight to carry, hold, and use
• They are resistant to scratches, dings, and impacts, except from sharpened steel

Micarta Handle Cons

• Micarta handles are typically smooth and, depending on the surface finish, can be slippery when wet
• Sharpened steel can still cause damage
• Knives with Micarta handles tend to be expensive

G-10 Knife Handles

G-10 knife handles are similar to carbon fiber handles, though much more affordable. G-10 refers to a grade of Garolite, which is a laminate composite made of fiberglass. Layers of fiberglass cloth are soaked in resin, then compressed and baked under pressure. This process creates a knife handle that is tough, hard, and strong.

G-10 knife handles are also lightweight and easy to use. They normally contain patterns, such as checkering, that provide a secure and comfortable grip. They are non-porous, making them resistant to moisture. The only real downside of these types of handles is that they may not stand up to impacts very well.

Maintenance and Cleaning: G-10 knife handles will resist most moisture, but it is susceptible to impacts. Be careful when handling it and clean with hot soapy water.

Durability: Very durable, owing to strength and moisture-resistance

Grip: Secure and comfortable

Appearance: Can be one solid color or varying colors and effects, depending on the colors of the layers used

G-10 Handle Pros

• G-10 handles are tough and strong. This makes them durable and resistant to impacts
• Lightweight and resistant to moisture
• More affordable than carbon fiber and Micarta knife handles
• Lots of texture gives the handle excellent grip
• G-10 handles are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles

G-10 Handle Cons

• These handles come in a variety of styles but they look and feel like plastic
• They do not resist impacts

Zytel FRN Knife Handles

Zytel is a common brand name for Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN) handles. These handles are both strong, affordable, and are resistant to bending and abrasions.

While other handles can be brittle when stressed in multiple directions, FRN handles feature nylon fibers that are arranged randomly throughout the handle, resulting in a stronger handle in all directions. The handle is textured during the production process, but it still doesn’t achieve the grip that you see in other handles, such as G-10.

Maintenance and Cleaning: FRN knife handles are strong and will resist most abrasions and impacts. Soap and water should be enough to clean it.

Durability: Very good

Grip: Good, but still inferior to other handles

Appearance: Dark and textured

Zytel FRN Handle Pros

• FRN handles are strong and resistant to most stresses and abrasions
• A simple production and texturing process results in a more affordable knife

Zytel FRN Handle Cons

• The handle has a decent grip, but it’s not as secure as other handles
• It can have a feel similar to plastic

Juma Knife Handles

Juma knife handles are made from Juma, a material resulting from the mixing of a high-grade resin and a mineral base. It is very easy to machine and form into knife handles. It is also very easy to polish, which results in a strong, durable handle with a hard surface.

It resembles ivory in look and feel, and can come in a variety of colors and patterns. The main drawback of this type of handle is that it is very smooth and doesn’t offer much friction for grip. They are also quite pricey.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Juma knife handles have hard surfaces, so they will not incur scratches and dings easily. They also don’t require any special care. Regular washings will help them stay clean.

Durability: Very good

Grip: Smooth with no texturization

Appearance: Colorful

Juma Handle Pros

• Juma handles are strong, durable, and
  hard.
• They are colorful and highly
  customizable.

Juma Handle Cons

• Juma handles are very smooth and slippery. There is typically no texturization available
• Despite the simple manufacturing and polishing process, these handles can be expensive

Kraton Knife Handles

Kraton knife handles are made of a rubber-like polymer. They are soft and comfortable, yet very strong as well. They have a secure, textured grip. They are resistant to heat, weathering, and extreme temperatures. However, they still absorb water and moisture.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Kraton knife handles may resist most impacts, but they are susceptible to moisture. Hand washing and drying immediately after use will keep them clean and functional.

Durability: Very good

Grip: Very good

Appearance: Not very flattering, since it looks like black rubber

Kraton Handle Pros

• Kraton handles offer a very comfortable grip
• The material is very strong and durable. It is resistant to many conditions, like heat and temperature

Kraton Handle Cons

• The handle absorbs and retains moisture
• It will also look like black rubber and cannot be “dressed up”

Paracord Knife Handles

Paracord knife handles involve wrapping a knife tang with paracord, which is a tough material used in hunting, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. These handles really have one main benefit: in an emergency, you can unravel the paracord for your own use.

The downsides outweigh this benefit, though. The handle has poor grip, since paracord is pretty slick. Depending on how the cord is wrapped, the handle can be uncomfortable to hold and could even cause blisters. It is not very durable and requires lots of maintenance.

If you ever do remove the cord, the handle becomes painfully uncomfortable.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Paracord knife handles are pretty fragile. They should be maintained carefully and kept dry and clean. If they do get dirty, they should be hand washed very carefully.

Durability: Very poor

Grip: Very poor

Appearance: May be appealing to some, but most agree that it’s not particularly attractive

Paracord Handle Pros

• The paracord can be removed in an emergency. However, this leaves the knife bare and unusable

Paracord Handle Cons

• Paracord handles are uncomfortable to use and have little to no grip. Once the paracord is removed, they become even more uncomfortable
• The knife could cause blisters during normal use and slips could cause accidental cuts
• The handle is not very durable. It requires careful maintenance and cleaning, and even then, it may not last very long

Natural Knife Handles

Natural knife handles are made from organic materials like wood, bone, horn, or antler. They offer a traditional look, comfortable grip, and unique patterns but may require more care to prevent damage from moisture and wear.

Animal Horn Knife Handles

Horn knife handles are typically made from the horns of naturally deceased animals, most commonly sheep, cow, and buffalo. They are very similar to bone handles. Variations may include those made of antlers and tusks. They are often seen on hunting knives.

Their main benefits are aesthetics and affordability. They are not very practical for everyday use, though. They are slippery with minimal texturization. They are also not too durable, due to their porous nature which causes them to absorb and retain water. They crack and are susceptible to many external conditions, including moisture, temperatures, and light.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Horn knife handles require quite of bit of care, since they are not very durable. They should be dried immediately after hand washing.

Durability: Poor

Grip: Too smooth and slippery

Appearance: Natural beauty, with options for different colors

Animal Horn Handle Pros

• Horn handles are very aesthetically pleasing
• There are options for customization, including dying the horn to produce different colors
• They make a hunting knife more natural-looking
• They are an affordable knife handle material, though this could vary depending on the type of horn used. The more exotic the animal, the higher the price of the handle

Animal Horn Handle Cons

• Horn handles are very slippery. They are often left smooth, without etching or other texturization
• They are porous and absorb water, though not as much as bone handles
• They can suffer from cracks
• They are susceptible to any changes in temperature, light, and moisture

Animal Bone Knife Handles

Bone knife handles are most commonly seen on pocket knives and hunting knives. The bone in the handles is sourced from animals that passed away naturally. The animal used varies widely, but the most common type of bone used is from cows.

Bone handles are seldom sought for their durability or function. Rather, they are seen as traditional, affordable, and beautiful. They can have a natural appearance or may be dyed to produce various colors. Aesthetics aside, there are some downsides to bone handles.

They are slippery, though this can be improved with texturing. They are also porous and retain moisture, which compromises the integrity of the handle. They are susceptible to deformation and cracking as well. In addition, temperature changes and even light can alter the handle. This all adds up to a knife handle that will not be very durable or practical.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Bone knife handles are similar to horn handles in that they need special care. Be careful handling them, don’t leave them in humid conditions, and keep them dry. They should be hand washed and dried right away.

Durability: Very poor

Grip: Slippery and only improved slightly with texturization

Appearance: Beautiful and customizable

Bone Handle Pros

• The main benefit of bone handles is their beauty
• Bone handles are also very affordable
• They can take on many colors and patterns

Bone Handle Cons

• Bone handles are very slippery, making them difficult to use
• They are not very durable. This is because they are porous, retain moisture, sustain cracks and deformities, and are affected by temperatures and light

Abalone Knife Handles

Abalone knife handles are made from the shells of mollusks and are considered a variation on Mother-of-Pearl handles. The colors and patterns vary from one handle to the next, since each mollusk shell is unique.

Knife handles made of Abalone are more affordable than Mother-of-Pearl handles and just as beautiful, but they are not very durable. They are very thin, which makes them brittle. They also can be very slippery, similar to Mother-of-Pearl.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Abalone knife handles are very fragile and should be handled with care. They will resist water due to their slippery nature, so cleaning should be fairly straightforward.

Durability: Poor

Grip: Very poor

Appearance: Beautiful, unique designs

Abalone Handle Pros

• Abalone handles are colorful and unique, varying from one shell to the next
• They may still be pricey, but they are not nearly as expensive as Mother-of-Pearl handles

Abalone Handle Cons

• Abalone handles are not too durable, owing to their thin, brittle nature
• The handle is slippery and smooth

Wood Knife Handles

Wooden knife handles vary greatly. There are many different types of wood used, including:

• Black walnut
• Birch
• Burl Wood
• Pakkawood

Each of these woods comes with their own benefits and drawbacks. There are certain qualities that all wooden handles have in common, though. They are generally durable, beautiful, and affordable. They are comfortable to hold and provide a secure grip, though this could vary depending on the wood used.

On the downside, most types of wood are porous and absorb moisture easily, making them unstable and less durable.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Wooden knife handles, regardless of the type of wood used, requires special care. They are mostly durable, but will absorb water and hold on to it. They should be dried right after washing.

Durability: Good, except when wet

Grip: Secure and comfortable

Appearance: Beautiful and natural-looking, lots of variety

Wood Handle Pros

• There is a wide variety of wooden handles available
• They have a beautiful, traditional look to them
• They are generally durable when kept dry
• Wood is one of the most affordable materials for making knife handles
• Their grip is secure and comfortable

Wood Handle Cons

• The durability of wood handles is decreased when the handles become wet
• Some wood handles can absorb water more easily and are less durable when used for heavy cutting in the kitchen and outdoors

Mother-of-Pearl Knife Handles

Mother-of-Pearl knife handles get their name from the substance they are made of. Mother-of-Pearl is found in mollusks, such as oysters, and has the capacity to turn into pearls one day.

It’s an expensive material, but it’s easy to manipulate for the production of knife handles. It’s strong and durable, and gives knives a sense of luxury. They can be slippery, though.

There are some variations on Mother-of-Pearl, such as the expensive Black Mother-of-Pearl and the cheaper abalone.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Mother-of-Pearl knife handles are pretty durable, but should still be maintained carefully due to their high price tag. Their slippery nature will make them easy to clean.

Durability: Good

Grip: Very slippery with no texturization

Appearance: Beautiful and natural

Mother of Pearl Handle Pros

• The process to produce Mother-of-Pearl handles is not as labor-intensive as with other handles
• The handle is strong and durable. It can give a knife a high-end appearance

Mother of Pearl Handle Cons

• Mother-of-Pearl handles are very expensive
• They are very slippery and usually contain little to no texturization to improve grip

Leather Knife Handles

Leather knife handles are mostly seen on classic hunting and military knives. They are affordable and offer a beautiful, traditional look. They also have an excellent grip.

However, they are not recommended for everyday use. This is because they are not very durable. Leather absorbs moisture very easily and can become damaged. They are also not as strong as other types of handles. They are best used to accent more durable handles.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Leather knife handles are not durable and absorb moisture easily, retaining it for a long time. Be careful not to scratch the leather and dry the handle immediately after hand washing it.

Durability: Poor

Grip: Very good

Appearance: Attractive, vintage look

Leather Handle Pros

• Leather handles are beautiful and traditional
• They come in a wide variety of colors and textures
• They can offer a traditional or vintage look
• They have a natural texture due to the way they are wrapped around the knife tang, which provides a secure grip

Leather Handle Cons

• Leather handles absorb water easily
  They also retain the water for a long time
• They are not very strong and can incur damage
• They have limited durability

The Best Knife Handles Depend on the Task

To find the perfect knife for your needs, you need to pay attention to the quality of the steel in the blade, shape of the blade, and extra features you might need. However, you should not forget about the knife handle material.

Choose the material that will be best for you and your purposes. Remember that a beautiful handle may be hiding difficult maintenance or a short lifetime. By knowing what will serve you best, you can choose the handle, and knife, that you will love for years to come.

Hunting Knife Options