Micarta
Micarta is the industry name for phenolic materials utilizing the polymerization of layers of paper, canvas, linen, glass cloth, or even other materials. These materials offer great durability and versatility and can be finished in a number or different ways depending on the application. For a hard use field, hunting, or camp knife, this is one of the top recommended materials. Micarta is available in a number of different colors and is a cost effective, functional, and attractive option.
G10
G10 is a simlar material to Micarta, that utilizes fiberglasss laminates. G10 is generally a bit stronger and harder than Micarta and also less porous and thus is an excellent choice for kitchen knives as well as other applications.
G10 is available in both single and multi color applications which can create some very beautiful pieces. Like Micarta, G10 is generally a pretty affordable material when compared to more exotic materials like stabilized woods.
Stabilized Wood
Stabilized woods are both beautiful and resilient materials. These woods can come in all kinds of dye colors and will often show the beautiful natural grain that wood has to offer. The advantage of a stabilized wood is that you get the beauty of wood, but with durability similar to a synthetic material.
The only downside to stabilized woods is the added costs because of the time and effort required to process them into their stabilized state.
Unstabilized Wood
Certain hardwoods naturally have very good properties and do not require the same stabilization that softer woods may require. Desert Ironwood is a very popular hardwood, hence the name, that has excellent durability properties depsite being used in an unstabilized state.
In general, unless a wood is extremely hard, stabilized is preferable to unstablilized.
Corian
Corian is a synthetic stone like material made from acrylic resins and natural materials. This material is used for countertops so it is very much at home in the kitchen. It is available with some very beatuful colors and is extremeley cost effective.
550 Paracord
Parachute Cord or Paracord is a lightweight durable nylone rope that was originally used for parachutes, hence the name. The 550 refers to the load bearing strength of 550lbs. In knife handles, it offers a comfortable and versatile handle material that can be removed from the knife and utilized for all kinds of problems or applications that you may run into. This is a very popular choice for a knife that will see wilderness use because of the added functionality of the paracord.