Boker Synthetic Handles

Boker synthetic handles really are available in a wide variety of space age synthetics, and I'd be surprised if you didn't find your favorite listed.

I've done some research on the materials used in Boker synthetic handles, and I hope my interpretations of the scientific literature will help you understand some of the differences between the materials.

ABS
This plastic is a blend of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Developed during the 1940's, it provides outstanding impact strength and high mechanical strength, and is still used today in a variety of consumer products that need to be built tough.

Carbon Fiber
This is a polymer reinforced with graphite fiber. It provides the strength of steel at a fraction of the weight, and it's also corrosion proof.

Delrin
Delrin is an acetal resin. It provides outstanding strength, toughness, and chemical resistance, and has been used by a number of knife manufacturers for many years.

G 10
This is woven fiberglass fabric impregnated with epoxy resin. It provides outstanding strength, durability, and chemical resistance.

Hypalon
This is chlorosulfonated polyethylene. It provides extreme durability in harsh environments.

Hytrel
This is a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. It is flexible, and extremely strong and tear resistant. It provides outstanding toughness, and is resistant to hydrocarbons (fuels) and other fluids.

Kraton
This is an elastomer commonly used for knife handles. It is durable, slightly rubbery, and provides a good grip on the knife.

Micarta
This is linen, paper, or canvas fabric, impregnated with resin, and pressed at extreme pressure. It is extremely tough, and is resistant to chemicals, heat, and moisture. It has been a favorite material for knife handles for many years.

POM
This is a blend of xylenol and impact polystyrene. It provides strength, resilience, and stability, and is unaffected by chemicals, including gasoline and diesel.

Zytel
This is a nylon. It is lightweight yet extremely durable, and is resistant to heat, chemicals, and humidity.

Personal Favorites:
My personal favorite Boker synthetic handles are carbon fiber, for un-matched toughness, and Kraton, for the way it sticks in the hand and absorbs shock.

Thank You.
I hope this information has helped, at least a little bit, to explain the advantages offered by a German knife equipped with premium Boker synthetic handles.

If you're interested in learning more about polymers, you'll enjoy a visit to the Plastics 101 page on the American Chemistry Council's web site.

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