Knife Handles

Industrial Laminates for the Knife Handle Industry

From hobbyist to industry leader, from knife grips to guns grips, Current Composites provides consistent quality material built specifically for our dedicated customers. All of Current’s material is produced in the US, and we are proud to have always kept our manufacturing here in America. Our material is known for its durability and low weight, while still keeping its aesthetically appealing look that handle makers have come to expect.

Composite sheets and tubes were originally used for electrical applications but have since found themselves in a wide swath of other industries. Due to their adaptive ability to be produced in different colors, patterns and exterior textures, while still being resistant to wear and tear, composites have proven to be an essential facet in the knife handle industry.

Blue knife handle material

Blue

Tiffany blue knife handle material

Tiffany Blue

Yellow knife handle material

Yellow

orange knife handle material

Orange

Current Red knife handle material

Current Red

Red knife handle material

Red

Pink knife handle material

Pink

Day Glow knife handle material

Day Glow

Neon- lime knife handle material

Neon / Lime

OD Green knife handle material

OD Green

Forest Green knife handle material

Forest Green

Digi Camo knife handle material

Digi Camo

Earth Brown knife handle material

Earth Brown

Coyote knife handle material

Coyote

Tan knife handle material

Tan

Ivory knife handle material

Ivory

White knife handle material

White

Battelship Grey knife handle material

Battleship Grey

Cool grey knife handle material

Cool Grey

Black knife handle material

Black

Purple knife handle material

Purple

Aqua-Blue

Aqua Blue

Charcoal

Cocobolo

Cocobolo

Fuchsia

Indigo-Royal

Indigo Royal

Lemon

Lemon

Olive Green

Prisma

Prisma

Rosewood-Burgundy

Rosewood / Burgundy

Tahitian

Tahitian

liberty-wood-Tropical-Passion

Tropical Passion

Walnut

Walnut

Current Composites is always producing new and exciting patterns led by the needs of customers that surpass the creative limitations of our competitors. We are not afraid to step out of our comfort zone to provide our customers with the materials that are going to help them showcase their best work. Current Composites is always looking to collaborate with our customers and help build a solution that meets the need of our partners and their clients; whether it’s a new burl pattern, or a timeless classic, we’re here to build the product you need.

You can’t have your bread and butter without knives; our bread and butter in the knife industry is the basic composites that we have been manufacturing for 60+ years.  Phenolic Canvas, Linen, Paper, and Burlap material are considered the pioneer material of knife handles. After decades of consistent production, our Phenolic material is trusted by the biggest names in the handle industry to provide durable and reliable material that stands the test of time. Our competitors are too large to work intimately with you on your projects, and this is an industry where minute details are the difference between a beautiful set and ruined material. By putting your trust in Current Composites you are not just trusting our products, but you are trusting the expertise and tenor that can only be sourced from the true experts who have been thriving in the composite material market for the last 60+ years.

While Phenolics are considered our bread and butter, it’s our G10/FR4 that gets the most attention. All our knife material is hand-laid with trusted quality glass fiber and epoxy resin, built specifically to produce a wear resistant, comfortable, and custom handle for you and your customers. You can expect more than 20 different vibrant colors, layered patterns, colored liners, and we will work with you to build a layer or color pattern special to you.* Other materials we manufacture that are seen in the knife industry include::

  • Carbon fiber
    • Marble Carbon Fiber
    • 6 Different Weaves of Carbon to choose from
    • Fine metal infused
      • Copper
      • Aluminum
  • Copper Clad G10
    • Popularly used in liners
  • Custom Designs

Current, Inc.’s Sales Team – OEMs and Sporting Goods is here to help! Don’t see what you’re looking for? Email, Call, fill out a webform, or find us on our social media pages and we’ll be happy to help guide the process of finding a thermoset laminate solution for your grip needs.

Current Composites options for your material do not just stop at the end of the production line. We offer customers the option to have their materials sanded, have an exterior texture added, or be cut to size for whatever dimensions your product calls for!

Thicknesses are available from 0.008” all the way up to 3.00”*

*If you are looking for thicker than 3.00” send us an email with your required dimensions.  *Special patterns or colors are based on the raw good inventory and marketability of patterns.

Dimensional Stability for Precision Handle Shaping

Knife makers rely on materials that maintain consistent dimensions during machining, sanding, and finishing. Composite laminates engineered for low movement under heat and pressure help ensure that scales, guards, and full tang handles maintain uniform thickness and alignment. Stable laminates reduce the risk of warping during shaping or contouring, supporting clean fitment against tang surfaces and liners. This stability is especially important for high precision builds, multi material assemblies, and custom handle geometries that require repeatable accuracy.

Surface Integrity and Edge Retention During Machining

Knife handle materials must withstand aggressive machining processes without chipping, tearing, or delaminating. Reinforced laminates with controlled resin distribution and consistent fiber orientation allow makers to achieve crisp edges, smooth contours, and detailed texturing. These characteristics support advanced finishing techniques such as sculpted grips, ergonomic shaping, and high polish surfaces. Materials that maintain surface integrity also reduce tool wear and minimize rework, improving efficiency for both small batch makers and high volume production shops.

Environmental Resistance for Long Term Durability

Knife handles are exposed to moisture, oils, temperature changes, and repeated mechanical contact. Laminates engineered for low moisture absorption and chemical resistance help maintain structural performance in both indoor and outdoor environments. Reinforced composites resist swelling, fading, and surface degradation, supporting long term durability in everyday carry knives, outdoor tools, and specialty blades. This environmental resilience ensures that handles retain their appearance and mechanical properties over extended use.

Grip Performance and Ergonomic Adaptability

Beyond aesthetics, handle materials must support secure grip performance. Laminates with controlled surface friction, layered construction, or textured finishes help makers tailor grip characteristics to the intended use of the knife. Whether the application requires a smooth, polished finish for display pieces or a high traction surface for field knives, composite laminates provide the versatility needed to achieve the desired ergonomic profile. This adaptability supports both functional and decorative handle designs.

Customization Potential for Distinctive Builds

Knife makers often require materials that support unique visual effects, layered color transitions, or custom patterns. Laminates engineered for consistent layering and predictable color separation allow makers to create distinctive handle sets with repeatable results. This customization potential is valuable for OEMs, boutique makers, and artisans who rely on signature aesthetics to differentiate their products. Materials that accept sanding, sculpting, and finishing without color distortion further expand creative possibilities.

  • Natural
  • OD Green
  • Forest Green
  • Lime
  • DayGlow
  • Yellow
  • Orange 
  • Red
  • Current Red
  • Black 
  • White 
  • Ivory
  • Cool Grey
  • Battleship Grey
  • Purple 
  • Pink
  • Tan
  • Coyote
  • Earth Brown
  • DigiCamo
  • Tiffany Blue
  • Blue
  • Metal infused
  • Burl
  • Aqua Blue
  • Charcoal
  • Cocobolo
  • Fuchsia
  • Indigo Royal
  • Lemon
  • Olive Green
  • Prisma
  • Rosewood / Burgundy
  • Tahitian
  • Tropical Passion
  • Walnut
  • Natural
  • Black
  • Double Black
  • Natural 
  • Black
  • Burgundy
  • Green
  • Orange
  • Double black
  • Natural
  • Black
  • Red
  • Green
  • Bone
  • Black
  • Natural
  • Red
  • Black
  • Natural
  • Brown
  • Burgundy
  • Green
  • Marble
  • Plain Weave
  • Satin Weave
  • Twill Weave
  • Basket Weave
  • Metal Infused
  • Blue Twill 
  • Silver Twill
  • Gold Twill
  • Red Carbon

FAQS

Yes, using FR4 (MIL-I-24768/27) is more cost effective for the manufacturer and the customer, and it just as strong as G-10 (MIL-I-24768/2). FR4 materials have many color options and patterns available, making them ideal for decorative handles and grips. G-10 is only available in its natural green color.

G-10 has high machinability, stability, and moisture resistance properties. This material can be machined by CNC or laser cutting. It can be finished to specifics by circular or band sawing, shearing, turning, milling, drilling, threading, buffing, and tapping. You cannot machine G-10 the same way as metal in terms of tools and speed, as it will result in delamination. Diamond coated or tungsten-carbide bits work best as the material is very strong and durable. Be careful to always wear personal protection equipment to protect from the dust that is created by machining.

We manufacture high quality, NEMA grade laminates. To find specific properties as per National Electrical Manufacturers Association standards, check out our laminate sheet properties page.

We are always working on innovative and creative patterns. Keep up to date with our newest products on our What’s New page.

START YOUR CARBON FIBER, INDUSTRIAL, & ELECTRICAL LAMINATE ORDER FOR THE KNIFE HANDLE INDUSTRY









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    Footer Composites

    • Resin Systems:
    • Phenolic
    • Epoxy
    • Melamine