Cord wrapped handles???

M

marsupial

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Apr 25, 2001
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I was curious for some info about cord wrapped handles from folks that use them here?I ahve always used micarta handles so my experience is limited with wrapped handles.My concerns were as to how well they hold up after extended use?How easily do they clean up and how long will they take to dry out?Also can 550 cord harbor bacteria such as blood or other fluids which can be trapped in the strands?How could it be cleaned if so?Does it move on the handle over time or can it cause rolling in the hand?Any experience fellers?
 
I have a CRKT that I've cordwrapped myself. I took a Ryan Plan B, removed the scales and wrapped the handle wth paracord. I like the grip better since this is the EDC that I carry with me when Im running or cycling. Cord wrapping offers great grip when wet. As for cleaning, I run it underwater to get the sweat off and the let it air dry. It dries out in about one or two hours unless its a very humid day. The paracord is so cheap, I can just rewrap it when it get too grungy and or worn out. Its been over two years and I havent had the need to rewrap it yet. (I carry it for about 1 hour 5-6 times a week when exercising.)
 
Here's a tip when cord wrapping. Wet the paracord before wrapping the handle and clap the knife in a vise so the cord can be pulled on very hard. Once the cord is dry, it will shrink on very tight. I cant shift it around if I try, its on very solid.
 
Cord wrapped knives are great, depending upon the type of wrap and whether you find it comfortable. Still, if you hunt and expect to get all sorts of animal innards on the handle, don't use it for that. Get another knife that is easily cleaned. The other aspect to consider is rust. If the knife gets perpetually soaked and you're in an environment where you can't keep it dry, or it dries after a long time, then you invite rust to permeate under the wrap. In that case, use a good coating before wrapping, such as Mad Dog's XF-7 weapon lubricant.
 
I personally like the cord wrapped handled - I make many myself. I am referring to the Japanese-styled twisted wrap, for instance, over a stingray skin underlay. This type of handle provides the "theme" of the japanese tanto-type genre for those who are into that style. Its a love-it-or-hate-it genre too.

There are definite pros and cons as well as some simple solutions. The handle texture may not be regarded as the most comfortable. Some would regard it as bordering on abrasive with prolonged use. The upshot is the sureness of the grip under any situation, including underwater. The aggressive texture also means that dirt can become stuck and this requires judicious use and judicious cleaning afterwards.

A wrapped handle can certainly absorb a great deal of knife-killing moisture and gunk. This is a given, and in the old days, Japanese sword handles were designed to be regularly removed, for cleaning, drying, repair, replacement and reassembly. Remember though, that Japanese swordcraft was regarded as a man's essential life task / skill and the entire process was a meditative, ritualistic part of daily life - the kind of time expense, most of us cannot afford these days.

The modern approach is to seal or impregnate the entire handle in some kind of water-resistant material. The most common and practical approach is to use an epoxy, that is soaked into the handle material. Different makers use different techniques and materials for this, but I think none of these makers are blind to the limitations of what particualr knife designs and construction.

I have a customer who uses one of my wrapped handled tanto-style blades as a regular kitchen knife as a professional chef, and he always give me good feedback. Many other makers also make this type of handle style, so I think it has its place.

While I am referring to the Japanese tyle handle wrap, this would apply to any other type of cord wrapping too. If its meant to stay, impregnate it. If you don't want to seal the handle, design it so you can remove it for cleaning and replacement.


Just a few thoughts. Jason.
 
I can't think of one good reason to choose cord wrap over more traditional handles other than to save money on the knife.
 
Where can one buy paracord? The only places I've found that have paracord in town only have colors like magenta/yellow or pink/blue in the proper thickness. Doesn't anybody make just plain black?
 
I wrapped my neckie, which is from damascus and is proned to rust easily. So instead of lubrication i used strong tape, applied some wax and then the paracord, so the steel is protected against sweat and everything else and the cord gives good grip.

Didn´t heard of the "first wet" thing. Good point. Thank you, Roodog.
 
i made thousands of knives w/ cord wrapped handles in the early 90's.....they were mainly O-1, some 5160, some ats 34.....i sealed the tangs before i wrapped them...generally, i didn't seal the cord...but, on some, i sealed the cord w/ a epoxy mixture..... a number of these knives have been in daily carry/use for 15yrs or so, and all are holding up great....no slippage...for cleaning, i don't think you'll ever be able to completely disinfect a cord handle unless it's sealed w/ somethin.....but, you get a much better grip w/ an unsealed cord....if it gets that dirty, just rewrap it!

check ken warner's Knives 90-92 or so, R.A. Von Boeckman is the name, RA custom cutlery was biz name....also, greg walker did a nice write up in fighting knives magazine on one of the largest models i built....both publications have pics showing the handle braid i used....

in my experience, the cord wrap is best for defensive knives, but i wouldn't want to use one for an extended period..it is a bit abrasive on the skin...

good luck,
skintback
"cookin Q...kickin A"
 
A simple single-layer wrap with a 'whipping' knot is quickly and easily tied.

Re-tie it whenever you have doubts about under-wrap corrosion.

Wrapping, like most other things, is only as difficult as you wish to make it.
 
MelancholyMutt said:
I can't think of one good reason to choose cord wrap over more traditional handles other than to save money on the knife.
Click to expand...

You always have about 2,5 meters of paracord in case you need it ;)
 
I like to throw no-skid stair tape on the handle of neck knives, then wrap them in green para-cord, then heat the para-cord over a flame gently so it melts a bit and blackens. The grip is great, it's less absorbent due to the melting, and the no-skid tape looks like traditional skate-skin under the cord. Not something I would use for a serious utility knife, but for an "in-case" knife it provides an outstanding grip that looks really cool. And it takes 10 minutes to replace (a straight wrap takes less time, the Japanese and Strider wraps take longer but look cooler and are grippier and add more volume to the handle).
 
what is a good site for japanese handle wraping ITO. also suppliers for the silk wrap, ect...
 
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