Have a knife in need of some new handles. Wondering how to work either G 10 or Micarta. Typical wood working tools? Any particular speed to use or avoid when sanding and polishing? Thanks.

A real good dust and vapor respirator is a must. You really don't want this stuff in your lungs.
I think you would be ahead to use a metal working approach. Both of those materials seem to cut poorly; for me anyway.
New sharp belts seem to be the key for sanding.
It really looks bad when you overheat it.
mike

The Buck S30V folding hunting knife I have has a relatively smooth micarta handle. I despise it! Get it bloody and it gest slippery.

Just finished up with the handle. I might polish it a little more to bring the color out a bit. It is smooth but still grippy. I have another knife with G10 polished a bit more than this one and it is not slippery. Lot has to do with the shape. Only thing left is to reblue the screw heads. Could not find stainless with a short enough head to work.

I am really surprised how easy this material worked. I bought extar thinking for sure I would screw it up at least once.Used 80 grit on a benchtop sander with shop vac hooked to it. Finished it off by hand with 100 grit. Then just a light buffing on with no compound. Finished off with a quick wipe with a oily rag to remove the dust then buffed it a bit by hand with a coarse cloth. Really happy with my first attempt. It fits my hand great and I think it looks pretty darn good as well.