Black Burlap Micarta® / Phenolic • Alpha Knife Supply

Black burlap phenolic is a laminate of burlap fabric and black phenolic resin. The burlap threads are thick and the weave is coarse. Burlap has the coarsest weave of all the phenolic laminates.

Phenolic Laminate

There are several types of phenolic laminate. The material consists of layers of fabric or paper and phenolic resin. The layers are pressed together under very high pressure and heat. The finished composite material is an excellent handle material. It is lightweight, strong, looks good and is inexpensive. However, phenolic does have flaws. Paper phenolic will sometimes chip on the edges when being cut. This is the nature of the material. If chipping bothers you, do not buy paper phenolic.

Dimensional Stability
Phenolic is not as dimensionally stable as people think. We had a .500” x 36 x 24” sheet of natural canvas that was left outside leaned against a shed. After a few months, the sheet had a significant curve. Phenolic sheet also has runout. We rarely see a sheet that is straight and/or has consistent thickness.

Moisture Absorption
Another flaw is it will pick up moisture. We had an emergency ax we kept in our truck. The handle scales are natural canvas. After a windstorm, we used the ax to clear branches. The ax was held with bare, sweaty hands. After the work was complete, the ax was put back in the truck and was not used for a few months. The next time the ax was needed, the phenolic scales were moldy. The sweat and dirt from working had soaked into the phenolic and mold started growing.

Color Darkening
Over time, phenolic will get darker and/or change. Especially natural phenolic. The color changes are not a problem unless you are trying to match a previous color. We’ve noticed maroon and olive drab green get darker over time. Ivory starts off as light off white and gradually darkens to an aged ivory color. Natural phenolic changes the most. It is very light when first cut and gradually changes to brown, dark brown or even a very dark burgundy. If you are concerned about the color getting darker, use black phenolic.

Phenolic is a great handle material as long as you are aware of and work within its limitations.

If you return phenolic for any of these reasons, there is a 50% restocking fee.

The material we identify as Micarta is made by Norplex. Any phenolic laminate that is not made by Norplex should not be called micarta.

Bowie Blocks™

At a show in April 2004 we introduced the Bowie Block™. The response was great and we've stocked the blocks since that time.

A Bowie Block™ is a block of handle material with a unique shape. Rather than being a rectangular block, the material is cut at an angle on one side. The shape allows knifemakers to make a handle that drops at the back. The shape of the block minimizes waste and cost.

The width column has two measurements. The first measurement is the narrow end of the block. The second measurement is the wide end of the block.

Black Burlap – Scale	.125 in	11.6 in	2.0 in	$12.80	- +	✓	MSBB-0125-116020	2
Black Burlap – Sheet	.125 in	11.6 in	5.0 in	$23.50	- +	✓	MSBB-0125-116050	6
Black Burlap – Sheet	.125 in	11.6 in	6.0 in	$26.30	- +	✓	MSBB-0125-116060	4

Black Burlap – Scale	.290 in	11.6 in	2.0 in	$31.60	- +	✓	MSBB-0290-116020	9
Black Burlap – Scale	.300 in	11.6 in	2.0 in	$31.60	- +	✓	MSBB-0300-116020	1
Black Burlap – Scale	.310 in	11.6 in	2.0 in	$31.60	- +	✓	MSBB-0310-116020	25

Black Burlap
Micarta® / Phenolic

See All Handle Materials By Thickness:

Black Burlap Information

Phenolic Laminate