Knife Handles RTP Company End-Use Case Study Long Glass Fiber Composite Replaces Metal in Knife Handle Leatherman Tool Group’s customers were very clear about what they wanted in the company’s upcoming line of knives. They needed to be lightweight. They needed to be dent resistant. They needed to stand up to an array of chemicals from oils to insect repellent. And, they needed to look sharp as well as be sharp. “Metal scales (industry jargon for knife handles) couldn’t meet such varied criteria; many customers wanted ruggedness and strength, plus the light weight of plastics,” said Michael Duncan, Leatherman’s Sourcing Engineer. Leatherman considered using a carbon fiber material, but found that the cost, including the frequent need for machining after molding, would have made the knives t

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