KRATON

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Soft-touch thermoplastic elastomer selected by Kizlyar Supreme for secure, comfortable grip in wet, cold and hard-working conditions.

WHAT KRATON IS

Kraton is the trade name for a family of styrenic block copolymers used to formulate thermoplastic elastomers: materials that combine rubber-like flexibility and grip with the repeatable moulding of a thermoplastic. The technology was developed by Shell’s Elastomers Division in the 1950s; the name was inspired by Kratos, the Greek figure associated with strength.

WHY KIZLYAR SUPREME USES IT

A knife handle must stay predictable when the hand is wet, cold, tired or wearing gloves. Kizlyar Supreme uses Kraton-based handle material where soft-touch traction, resilience and comfort matter more than the rigid feel of a machined scale. The material works together with the handle geometry and surface pattern—grip comes from the whole design, not from the polymer alone.

WHAT IT BRINGS TO A KNIFE

• Confident wet and dry grip
• A warm, forgiving feel compared with bare metal or very rigid materials
• Elastic recovery and resistance to everyday knocks
• Good comfort during long cutting sessions
• Low water absorption and straightforward cleaning
• Repeatable moulding around a strong internal structure

REAL-WORLD COMFORT

Kraton-based grips can absorb small shocks and reduce pressure points, which is valuable on outdoor, working and tactical-style fixed blades. The slightly compliant surface helps the fingers stay connected to the handle without requiring an unnecessarily tight grip. This can make a substantial difference during prolonged use.

DESIGNED AS A SYSTEM

Kizlyar Supreme does not choose a handle material in isolation. We match the compound, texture, guard shape, palm swell and internal construction to the role of the knife. Some handles combine a rigid ABS structural core with a softer Kraton-based outer grip layer. The rigid core provides shape and support, while the elastomer adds the pleasant tactile feel, traction and comfort. Because they are different materials, the soft outer layer may age differently from the rigid core.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

The soft-touch outer layer gives the handle a pleasant tactile feel and can make the knife more comfortable and secure to hold. Like any soft material, however, it requires appropriate care to maintain its condition over time.

Wash the handle with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry the knife completely. Store it clean and dry. Protect the handle from prolonged sunlight or moisture, excessive heat, open flame, ozone, fuels, solvents, aggressive or otherwise unsuitable chemicals, prolonged contact with oils, heavy contamination and poor storage conditions.

With proper care, the material can provide long service, although the soft outer layer may eventually require replacement as part of normal long-term ownership. Depending on use and exposure, the elastomer may harden, soften, become tacky, crack, tear or lose grip, even while a rigid ABS core remains structurally sound.

KRATON OR G10?

Neither material is universally better. Kraton is chosen for a softer, warmer and more forgiving grip, especially in wet or cold use. G10 is rigid, highly wear-resistant and ideal when a crisp machined texture and slim scales are preferred. Kizlyar Supreme selects the material that best supports each knife’s intended role.

DOES KRATON MAKE A HANDLE INDESTRUCTIBLE?

No handle material is indestructible. Performance depends on the compound, geometry, internal construction and the way the knife is used. Kizlyar Supreme treats Kraton as one engineered part of a complete knife, combining material choice with practical ergonomics and durable construction.

Handle material · high-grip elastomer

KRATON

Comfort engineered into the grip

The handle material you notice before the first cut.

Kraton gives a knife a warm, soft-touch surface with reassuring traction. We use it when the hand needs comfort, clear orientation and a secure connection to a hard-working blade.

The compound never works alone. Texture, palm swell, guard shape and the structure beneath it are developed as one handle system—because confident control comes from the complete design.

Explore all materials

Olive Kizlyar Supreme Vector with a full Kraton exterior grip — **Vector Olive**A full Kraton exterior grip around a substantial full-tang knife

Secure contactA textured, slightly compliant surface helps the hand stay connected in wet, cold or tiring work.

Comfort over timeThe softer feel can reduce pressure points and the need to squeeze harder than the task requires.

Clear orientationShape and texture communicate where the hand sits—even in gloves or when attention is on the cut.

Easy everyday cleaningMild soap, warm water and thorough drying are normally all a well-kept grip needs.

One material, different engineering roles

Three handles. Three ways to use Kraton well.

Kizlyar Supreme selects the construction around the knife—not a material name in isolation. These three models show how the same soft-touch idea can serve very different proportions and jobs.

Olive Kizlyar Supreme Vector showing its textured Kraton handle

Vector · full exterior grip

Soft-touch control around a full tang.

Vector’s whole exterior grip is formed in textured Kraton around the steel structure. Its barrel-shaped contour and guard give the hand an immediate sense of position and security.

Explore Vector

Kizlyar Supreme Delta with a softer Kraton grip layer and rigid ABS foundation

Delta · Kraton over ABS

Soft where the hand meets it. Rigid underneath.

Delta combines a softer Kraton-based outer grip with a rigid ABS structural foundation. The core provides shape and support; the outer layer adds traction, warmth and a more forgiving feel.

Explore Delta

Kizlyar Supreme Dominus with its large anatomical Kraton grip

Dominus · large anatomical grip

A hand-filling shape without a hard feel.

Dominus uses a large, deeply shaped Kraton exterior grip to make its substantial proportions feel controlled. The volume spreads pressure across the hand while the texture helps resist rotation.

Explore Dominus

Designed as a system

Grip is more than softness.

A good handle tells the hand where it is, supports control without hot spots and stays predictable when conditions stop being perfect.

01

Compound

The Kraton-based formulation creates the soft-touch character, elastic recovery and friction expected from the grip.

02

Geometry

Palm swell, taper, guard and pommel do the structural work of locating the hand and managing force.

03

Surface pattern

Ribs and texture add tactile information and help maintain traction without making the handle unnecessarily abrasive.

04

Structure beneath

A full tang or rigid ABS foundation carries the load. On layered handles, the softer exterior can age differently from the structure below it.

Material in the real knife

See the shape, texture and scale.

Vector Olive Kraton handle and tactical sheath

Delta Kraton and ABS handle viewed from the opposite side

Dominus large anatomical Kraton handle and broad blade

Olive Kizlyar Supreme Vector and matching sheath outdoors

Olive Vector held securely beside an off-road tyre

Care is part of performance

A little attention keeps the good feel.

The soft-touch outer layer gives the handle a pleasant tactile feel and can make the knife more comfortable and secure to hold. Like any soft material, however, it requires appropriate care to maintain its condition over time.

With proper care, the material can provide long service, although the soft outer layer may eventually require replacement as part of normal long-term ownership.

No fixed service-life claim is useful here: use, climate, chemistry and storage can affect the same material very differently.

Simple practical care

Clean, dry and protect.

Wash with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry the knife completely.
Protect the handle from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, open flame and ozone.
Avoid fuels, solvents, aggressive or otherwise unsuitable chemicals and prolonged contact with oils.
Do not store the knife damp, dirty or under long-term pressure against reactive materials.
Moisture, contamination and poor storage can accelerate cosmetic or functional changes.

For example, prolonged direct sunlight or contact with fuels, solvents and other unsuitable chemicals can accelerate ageing: the elastomer may harden, soften, become tacky, crack, tear or lose grip—even while a rigid ABS core remains structurally sound.

Refresh where the construction allows

A favourite knife can sometimes begin a second chapter.

For many Kizlyar Supreme models with removable scales, replacement handle sets are kept in the range in selected colours and materials. Depending on the model and local availability, they can restore the original appearance or give a trusted knife a fresh colour and feel.

Moulded Kraton and Kraton/ABS handles are model-specific, and not every handle is designed for user replacement. Always check compatibility before ordering or disassembly.

Explore components and DIY

Restore the original look Try a new colour Change the tactile feel Keep a proven knife in use

Clear answers

Kraton handle FAQ

What is Kraton?

Kraton is a trade name associated with styrenic block-copolymer technology used to formulate thermoplastic elastomers. In a knife handle, the practical result is a rubber-like, mouldable surface chosen for grip and comfort.

Is every Kraton handle constructed in the same way?

No. Some knives use Kraton as the complete exterior grip around a steel structure. Others combine a softer Kraton-based outer layer with a rigid ABS foundation. The materials perform different jobs and may age differently.

How should I clean and store a Kraton handle?

Use warm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then dry the knife completely. Store it clean and dry, away from prolonged sunlight, excessive heat, ozone, fuels, solvents and aggressive chemicals.

Can a soft-touch handle change with age?

Yes. Exposure and use can eventually make an elastomer harden, soften, become tacky, crack, tear or lose grip. Appropriate care reduces avoidable exposure, but no soft material should be described as permanent or indestructible.

Is Kraton better than G10?

They solve different problems. Kraton feels softer, warmer and more forgiving. G10 is rigid, highly wear-resistant and well suited to slim, precisely machined scales. Kizlyar Supreme chooses the material and geometry together for each knife.