Thread: G10, what the hell is it...

...or more specifically, what is the strength of G10 compared to say Brass or maybe say a good knife or razor steel? What was it specifically developed for? Is it on a par with carbon fiber? What is its ability to resist the effects of extreme heat, say 500 F ? What is its melting point? This could go on forever.

I did google G10 but I only found what it was made from so if anyone can answer my questions and more please respond.

Well, in knives, G10 is one of the better steels (I know that for most of their knives, Spyderco uses nothing but G10 [unless it needs to fulfill other parameters] and Spyderco makes HELLACIOUS knives)

G10 is one of those steels that doesn't excell at everythign, but isn't mediocre at anything.

Like, where some steels have (on a scale of 1-100) a 100 in rust resistance, some have a 100 in edge retention, some have 100 in sharpen-ability... G10 would have a 75 in everything... Rather than being a Jack of all trades, it's a beast of all trades.

G10 has very nice corrosion resistance, and is quite easy to sharpen, while still holding a nice, keen edge for a good long time.

I still prefer Carbon Steel, as it is the easiest to sharpen, and holds the edge well, and I can't say anything about g10 in razors, as I've only used it in knives...

Hope that helps?

Actually I was referring to this stuff:G10 FR4, Micarta®, Garolite, Copper Clad, Tube, Rod - JJ Orly.
Its usually used for scales.
I didn't know there was a steel known as G10.

My bad, I was thinking of VG10. VG10 is the steel Spyderco uses on their good knives...

Fortunately, however, I have a Spyderco Endura 4 with VG10 steel blade, and G10 scale handles...

G10 is like plastic on steroids... It's made from glass woven fabrics that have an epoxy resin fused into them during the making, making them less likely to corrode, and able to take a good beating. It's used a lot in electronics and dive knives because it's water absorption is almost zero, making it good scale material, because it will take a whole lot to warp it. It's also almost completely moisture/climate resistant, so it can be stored in the bathroom, or the boiler room, hell, put it in the freezer.

That about covers it... Any other questions?

(I frequented a whole lotta knife forums before transfering that collecting passion to Straight Razors)

Originally Posted by JMS

...or more specifically, what is the strength of G10 compared to say Brass or maybe say a good knife or razor steel? What was it specifically developed for? Is it on a par with carbon fiber? What is its ability to resist the effects of extreme heat, say 500 F ? What is its melting point? This could go on forever.

Compared to Brass, or other steels, G10 takes more to chip or deform, and any deformation it takes will probably flex back... Like the scales won't warp if you grip them too tightly... It was specifically developed, mostly for electronics, for the aforementioned reasons, but it's been adopted elsewhere. Carbon fiber's excell in different areas, but for Scales, G10 would probably be better... I'm not sure about the extreme heat part, but they do make something called FRN G10, which means Fire ResistaNt G10... So I think it would deal well with heat... I do not know the melting point however

Where are you Max?

Originally Posted by JMS

Where are you Max?

Are you asking what the Max heat resistance is? Or are you trying to get the attention of someone named Max?

Originally Posted by ShavedZombie

Are you asking what the Max heat resistance is? Or are you trying to get the attention of someone named Max?

Maximillian uses G10 when making scales quite often. I figure he knows of what he speaks. Alex also uses G10 now and again!!

Where are you philadelph??

Ah, Mea culpa

Good luck with the research

G10 is used extensively in the electronics industry because its water absorption is extremely minimal and it is not electrically conductive, G10 is most commonly used in PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) applications. It exhibits superior mechanical and dimensional stability and doesn't shrink. Also used for several electric and electronic applications,

It has max working temperature ratings up to 150 degrees C. In addition to these properties, G10 has excellent dielectric loss properties, and great electrical strength.

G10 is scientifically manufactured with specialized industrial grade epoxy, electrical grade, non-alkali glass cloth, catalyzed and formed under heat and pressure.

1. Electrically Insulating
2. Flame Retardant
3. Good Processability
4. High Strength

There's also G11 which has even a better temperature ratings and strength.

I'm sure Alex will add what I missed or has info about.