While plastic can be synonymous with cheap, especially when shopping for fancy new knives that are mostly made of steel, all of the knives we chose have high-quality handles. Yes, some of them are made of plastic or rubber materials instead of steel, but they’re not what you think of when you think of cheap plastic. Some people prefer the non-metal handles for a variety of reasons. They are warm to the touch for comfort, they’re often more sanitary, and they can provide better grip.
So, yes, you should avoid handles that are cheaply made but there are cheaply made wooden or metal handles out there as well. A handle made of synthetic materials can be quite strong, long-lasting, functional, and even beautiful. You definitely want a good handle on your knife, regardless of the material, though. Not only is this important for durability and longevity, but it’s also necessary for safety. A handle that breaks or slips can seriously injure the user.