Short answer: pick wood for a warm, classic look; antler for a rugged grip and natural texture; bone for a smooth, traditional feel that can be dyed or etched; horn for a sleek, dark finish; and resin for bright color and a handle that shrugs off moisture. Every material works for a using knife, so the best choice usually comes down to how it looks and feels in your hand.
Wood handles
Wood is the most popular handle material we offer. Walnut, olive wood, rosewood and colorful laminated woods each have their own grain, so no two handles match. Wood feels warm in the hand and is comfortable for long use. Keep it out of standing water and give it a light coat of oil or wax now and then. Shop wooden handled knives.
Antler handles
Deer antler gives a knife a rugged, outdoors look and a naturally textured surface that grips well, even with wet or cold hands. It is a favorite for hunting knives. Antler is tough and needs very little care beyond keeping it clean. Shop antler handled knives.
Bone handles
Bone is smooth and dense with a traditional feel. It can be left natural, stained, dyed in colors such as blue, red and green, or burnished and etched for extra detail. Bone is durable but should be kept away from long soaking. Shop bone handled knives.
Horn handles
Buffalo and ram’s horn handles are polished to a sleek, dark finish that looks refined on both fixed blades and pocket knives. Horn is warm to the touch and comfortable to hold. Like other natural materials, it does best when kept dry. Shop horn handled knives.
Resin and resin-and-wood handles
Resin handles are poured by hand, so each one has its own color and swirl. Resin is also combined with wood, pinecones or other materials to create striking one-of-a-kind handles. Resin resists moisture well, making it a practical choice for kitchen and outdoor knives. Shop resin and wood handled knives.
Which handle is best for a gift?
For a hunter or outdoorsman, antler is a classic choice. For a groomsman or collector, horn, dyed bone or a colorful resin handle stands out in a display case. Many of our knives also have room for a name or date. See our custom engraving options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable knife handle material?
Resin and antler are among the toughest and least affected by moisture. Wood, bone and horn are also durable when kept out of standing water.
Which knife handle has the best grip?
Antler has a naturally textured surface that grips well even with wet hands. Wood and resin handles are also comfortable for long use.
Do natural knife handles need special care?
Keep them clean and dry, avoid soaking and high heat, and give wood handles an occasional light coat of oil or wax.
Will my handle look exactly like the photo?
Natural materials such as wood, antler, bone and horn, and hand-poured resin, all vary, so every handle is one of a kind.
