Case knives are available in a wide variety of handle materials, ranging from natural materials like bone, stag, and wood to modern synthetics, composites, and aluminum. Each material offers its own appearance, feel, durability, and maintenance requirements, allowing you to choose a knife that fits your style and intended use.
Material Categories
Natural Materials
Natural handle materials are valued for their unique appearance. Since they come from natural sources, no two handles are exactly alike.
Examples:
- Bone
- Stag
- Buffalo Horn
- Mother-of-Pearl
- Wood
- Abalone
- Ivory (legacy/vintage)
Synthetic Materials
Synthetic materials provide consistent color, durability, and low maintenance.
Examples:
- Delrin®
- Kirinite®
- Synthetic composites
Performance Materials
Designed for durability and everyday use.
Examples:
- G-10
- Micarta®
- Carbon Fiber
- Canvas Laminate
How to Identify Handle Materials
Every Case knife includes a pattern number.
The first character(s) in the pattern identifies the knife's handle material.
| Code | Material |
|---|---|
| 1 | Solid Hardwoods |
| 2 | Smooth Black Synthetic or Thermoplastic Rubber |
| 3 | Smooth Yellow Synthetic |
| 4 | Smooth Synthetic (Various Colors) |
| 5 | Genuine Stag |
| 6 | BoneSmooth/Jigged Bone (Various Colors), Jigged Synthetic (Various Colors), or Jigged Laminated Hardwood |
| 6.5 | 6.5 BoneStag |
| 7 or P | Wood or Laminated Hardwood |
| 8 | Genuine Mother-of-Pearl, Abalone, or Paua |
| 9 | Imitation Mother-of-Pearl or Corelon |
| 10 | Micarta®, G-10, or Kirinite® |
| I | Ivory, Imitation Ivory, or Mammoth Ivory |
| EX | Exotic Materials |
| M | Stainless Steel or Aluminum |
| BH | Buffalo Horn |