In the knife world people often talk down on injection molded plastic handles. These are often called things like FRN or Grivory (among other acronyms and trademarks), but they’re all a plastic injection molded to the handle shape with some sort of supporting material added (like fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.). People online often criticize these types of handles and claim they feel cheap, are less durable, and other such nonsense. Well in this article I’ll give you 5 solid reasons why I love plastic handles on knives and think they deserve more appreciation in the community.
1: They’re ergonomic
Due to being manufactured using injection molding, this type of handle can have significant curvature at the edges (or even across the whole surface). These smooth corners and edges make the knife more comfortable to hold, especially in extended or heavy use. This is in contrast to most G10 handles (which, by the way, is just as synthetic as this type of handle) which usually have sharp corners along the entire edge of the handle and little contouring. What it really comes down to is that it’s easier to make a mold have more contour and curvature then inject into that countless times than it is to grind the same contour and curvature into a handle material that isn’t produced by injection molding. A comfortable handle is a huge part of what makes using a knife enjoyable, so I think this is a major “pro” for injection molded handles.
2: They offer great traction
One of the things people look for in a user knife handle is good traction. People in promotional or review videos often comment on the texture of a knife handle and its affect on the user’s ability to hold the knife in use, even when the user’s hands are wet. Now, I have very rarely found this to be a point of practicality. Only in unusual circumstances where my hands are very cold, very wet, or both have I found a knife’s handle texture to be the deciding factor in whether or not I can keep hold of it and manipulate it effectively. Moreso I think that is a function of the handle shape. That said, injection molded handles often offer much more aggressive texturing than other handle options. This more aggressive texture is possible because the injection process allows for more void areas in the handle than would be feasible in other handle types. While I personally don’t find myself using knives in a way where I need extreme traction all that often, I think it’s a positive trait of injection molded plastic handles for those who do need or want better texture.
3: They allow for unique patterns and colors
One of my personal favorite things about injection molded handles is that they offer basically endless possibilities of pattern and color combinations. The mold can be made to have various patterns, from something as simple but functional as the triangular Xs on some Cold Steel knives to the honeycomb pattern on Honey Badger knives or the dragon scale pattern on the Civivi Wyvern. Beyond pattern, injection molded handles also come in a huge variety of colors. Pick any color you can think of and I’m sure a knife has been made with an injection molded handle in that color. In a sea of knives handled in flat slabs of black G10, I think this diversity of pattern and color is sorely needed in the knife market. Some people like their knives serious and plain, but I like a little vibrancy and injection molded handles allow for that in pattern and color.
4: They are durable
Injection molded plastic can take a beating and keep working. Sure, it might take scratches and dents more easily than harder materials like G10 or Micarta. However, these harder materials are more likely to chip or crack in a way that affects function or ergonomics than the softer and tougher (in my experience) injection molded plastics. Again, this characteristic makes this type of handle ideal for a user knife. If I’m gonna be putting a knife through its paces, I’d much rather it get some scratches and dents and keep going than get a crack or chip that makes it less functional. I have used knives with injection molded handles extensively and have found them to be much more than adequately durable for all types of cutting.
5: They are budget friendly
Knives with injection molded plastic handles often come at some of the most budget friendly prices on the market. This is in part because the injection molding process allows for some manufacturing cost reduction, particularly when compared to other handle types like G10 or Micarta (not to mention natural handle materials). As much as I love knives and wish I did, I don’t have unlimited money to spend on knives. So I appreciate cost savings, especially when they also offer as many positive characteristics as injection molded handles do. I often find knives with injection molded plastic handles offer better values than comparable knives with different handle types.
Recommended Knives with Injection Molded Handles
So, what are some knives worth picking up with injection molded plastic handles? Below are a few options that I have and enjoy. I have linked to KnifeCenter for all of these purely because they have a sale this weekend (ending 2/6/22 midnight) for free shipping. SMKW also has a Valentine’s sale going on. These aren’t affiliate links, so feel free to shop around to see if you can find better prices. I hope you enjoy whichever you choose as much as I have enjoyed them!
Civivi Wyvern
A very cool and well made knife for a budget friendly price. I love the ergonomics and blade shape, but I think the handle pattern is just plain cool. If it’s your style, I think you’ll be happy with what you get.
Benchmade Griptilian
A classic for a reason. Lots of different options for handles, blade shape, and blade steel. The base model has an injection molded handle with some nice jimping and texturing plus a cross hatch pattern. Great warranty also.
Spyderco Police 4 Lightweight
If I had to only keep one knife, it might be this one. It’s very big, but it carries easier than you’d think because it’s thin. Great ergonomics and blade shape. The two I’ve had have both come with surprisingly smooth action also, not to mention solid lock up.
Cold Steel Voyager XL
The Voyager XL is ridiculously huge, but you’ll never be under knifed. Of course there are smaller versions available, but that’s up to your preference. The ultra strong Demko designed Triad lock is easy to use and worth relying on. Extremely aggressive texturing on the handle might need some sanding below the clip, but overall this is a great heavy use or tactical knife.
