Micarta is layers of paper or cloth impregnated with some kind of synthetic resin. Phenolic? I've been told it's the same plastic they make pool balls out of. And they tell me it was developed by GE early last century for electrical insulation.

It is a popular handle material with custom knifemakers: nearly indestructable, smooth but not slippery, and white paper micarta makes a good substitute for ivory. Yellows the same as ivory, but doesn't crack -- & it's legal.

clint