Limited Edition Collector Blades
G10 Knife Handles: What They Are and Why They Work
What is a G10 knife handle? G10 is a fiberglass laminate: layers of glass cloth soaked in epoxy resin and compressed under heat. It's nearly waterproof, very strong and grippy even when wet, which is why it's popular on kitchen knives. The Dalstrong Shogun Series 8" Chef's Knife ($129) uses a G10 military-spec fiberglass composite handle on a full tang, paired with a 62+ HRC AUS-10V core.
G10 vs other handle materials
| Material | Water resistance | Grip when wet | Care | Dalstrong example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G10 fiberglass | Excellent | Very good | Wash and dry | Shogun Series; Gladiator premium models; Shadow Black (textured G10) |
| ABS thermoplastic | Excellent | Good | Wash and dry | Gladiator block sets and color handles |
| Resin and burl wood | Good (sealed) | Good | Dry promptly; occasional oil | Valhalla Series |
| Natural wood | Fair | Good | Oil regularly; never soak | — |
Why G10 works so well in a kitchen
- Doesn't absorb water, so it won't swell, crack or harbor bacteria the way untreated wood can.
- Stable. It doesn't shrink or expand with heat and humidity.
- Grippy. It's often textured, and stays secure with wet or greasy hands.
- Tough. Hard to chip, crack or scratch.
Downsides: G10 can feel less warm than wood, and it's hard to reshape if you want to customize a handle.
Our G10 picks
Chef's Knife 8", Shogun Series, Elite ($129). Spec sheet: Japanese AUS-10V core, 62+ HRC, 8–12° edge, 66-layer Damascus or hammered finish. G10 military-spec fiberglass or carbon fiber textured G10 handle.
Chef's Knife 8", Shadow Black Series, NSF Certified ($119). Spec sheet: 7CR17MOV-X stainless steel, 58+ HRC, 8–12° edge, black titanium nitride coating, G10 handle. Advanced grip G10 with a Kevlar-inspired texture.
Chef's Knife 8", Gladiator Series, ELITE, NSF Certified ($79). Spec sheet: German X50CrMoV15 steel, 54–56 HRC, 16–18° edge, NSF certified. G10 handle on premium models.
The handle is only as good as what's inside it
A great handle material won't help if the knife is poorly built underneath. Look for a full tang, where one piece of steel runs from the tip through the end of the handle, and secure rivets. The Shogun Series lists full tang construction with a mosaic rivet and triple-rivet reinforcement, plus a stainless steel end cap counterweight. The Gladiator Series lists full tang construction with triple stainless steel rivets. Together they keep the handle tight for years, even with daily washing.
Textured vs smooth G10
Smooth, polished G10 feels refined and is easy to wipe clean. Textured G10, like the Kevlar-inspired texture on the Shadow Black Series, adds grip for cooks who work fast with wet hands, such as when breaking down fish or poultry. If you've had a knife twist in your hand, go textured.
How to care for a G10 handle
Wash with warm, soapy water, rinse and dry. No oiling needed. Skip the dishwasher; heat and detergent are hard on the blade and edge even if the handle survives. More: how to make kitchen knives last.
FAQ
What is a G10 knife handle?
A fiberglass laminate of glass cloth and epoxy resin compressed under heat. It's nearly waterproof, strong, stable and grippy when wet.
Is G10 better than wood for a knife handle?
For kitchen use it's more practical: it doesn't absorb water, crack or need oiling. Dalstrong's Shogun Series 8" Chef's Knife ($129) uses a G10 military-spec fiberglass handle.
Is G10 slippery when wet?
No. G10 is often textured and stays grippy with wet or greasy hands.
How do you clean a G10 handle?
Warm soapy water, rinse and dry. It doesn't need oil.
