polyester will chip relatively easily compared to say epoxy ror phenolic resins. Phenolics aren't as popular now because of the modern epoxies. Being around boats my whole life, I get polyester. It is a good deal cheaper (big today) and is maybe a bit easier to work with, but higher end boat builders have gone to epoxy resins for better strength and durability.

On a knife handle it might be ok, not really heavy use if you will, but still don't like it.