Micarta - Phenolic

[The Whittler]

Is there a difference between the two materials. Is one stronger, heavier, or just better. Or is there a difference. Thank you for any info.

[Doug_K]

Coming from a machinist/knife maker, not a bowyer, so take it for what it's worth, but the names phenolic & micarta are pretty much interchangeable."Phenolic" is a type of resin that can be used in the process.

In my experience most of the "Micarta" you see available is paper, canvas, or linen. Whereas most materials branded "Phenolic" I see are fiberglass.

Honestly I couldnt say which is stronger, lighter, ect. Most of the weight will come from the resins, so I would expect them to be pretty similar. Strength wise, probably the same story, but I'd take canvas or fiberglass over paper for aesthetic reasons.

[p1choco]

There are different grades/ strengths. XX, LE, CE, G10 and others I can't think of anything the moment. I'm not sure what grade is commonly used for bow making.

[Pat Ct]

From what I've read and understood, they are the same material.  Micarta is a brand name for composites of linen, canvas, paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber or other fabric in a thermosetting plastic.  Phenolic is the same thing, only not called micarta.

[monterey]

G10 is often used in risers.

Big Jim sells it.

[The Whittler]

Thanks for the replies. I looked up Micarta and some had different colors in it. I thought with the color mixed in it looked pretty cool.