- Joined
- Feb 6, 2000
- Messages
- 3,021
Well, you all know that I prefer a thicker handle than the one that Busse uses. Firstly, I can live with the handle, and it isn't that bad for me, but I would like a thicker one. So, I had some options. I could bind the handle in tennis racquet tape or I could cord-wrap my SH handle. I went with the cord-wrap because it is more durable, thicker, and provides a good grip when wet.
I went to a hardware store and asked for "para-cord". The clerk had no idea what I was talking about. I then asked where the rope/string was. He showed me, and I found a cord that looks much like para-cord, and very well may be it (I've never used or touched paracord). It is quite grippy (rough), and should provide an excellent grip. I bought ten feet of it, which is enough if you plan to only put one layer on (for me one layer made the handle plenty thick, bordering on too thick). I did a very simple (and possibly stupid/ignorant) cord-wrap. It doesn't look great, but I chose it because the cord stays on the knife very well. I put the cord through the holes in the handle as well, so the cord would stay still while on the grip. I also added a one-strand hand guard. To finish the wrap, I tied the two ends together and then proceeded to melt the knot for a strong junction (the cord is nylon). I have yet to use the cord-wrapped handle for chopping, or any cutting actually. I think I'll try the new handle on my next camping trip, and I'll post some results if I do. The thing is, while the handle is pretty good, I'm not sure if I love it. Time and experience with it will tell. It feels pretty good in the hand, though some of the cord strands near the back of the handle move somewhat while in use. The main problem I have is that the knife no longer quite properly fits the sheath. The sheath wasn't designed to accomodate a larger handle (obviously), and therefore the handle makes the outline of the back of the sheath less than straight (which gives the most comfort while on the belt). Basically, the handle makes the sheath's back jut out a little. Also, the retention strap that holds the knife very strongly will no longer fit the handle, and is therefore now useless. Other than those worries, it fills my hand well. I will tell you how using it for chopping and general cutting go.
Here are some pics of the new cord-wrapped handle:
http://members4.clubphoto.com/a318774/SH_handle_changes/
I went to a hardware store and asked for "para-cord". The clerk had no idea what I was talking about. I then asked where the rope/string was. He showed me, and I found a cord that looks much like para-cord, and very well may be it (I've never used or touched paracord). It is quite grippy (rough), and should provide an excellent grip. I bought ten feet of it, which is enough if you plan to only put one layer on (for me one layer made the handle plenty thick, bordering on too thick). I did a very simple (and possibly stupid/ignorant) cord-wrap. It doesn't look great, but I chose it because the cord stays on the knife very well. I put the cord through the holes in the handle as well, so the cord would stay still while on the grip. I also added a one-strand hand guard. To finish the wrap, I tied the two ends together and then proceeded to melt the knot for a strong junction (the cord is nylon). I have yet to use the cord-wrapped handle for chopping, or any cutting actually. I think I'll try the new handle on my next camping trip, and I'll post some results if I do. The thing is, while the handle is pretty good, I'm not sure if I love it. Time and experience with it will tell. It feels pretty good in the hand, though some of the cord strands near the back of the handle move somewhat while in use. The main problem I have is that the knife no longer quite properly fits the sheath. The sheath wasn't designed to accomodate a larger handle (obviously), and therefore the handle makes the outline of the back of the sheath less than straight (which gives the most comfort while on the belt). Basically, the handle makes the sheath's back jut out a little. Also, the retention strap that holds the knife very strongly will no longer fit the handle, and is therefore now useless. Other than those worries, it fills my hand well. I will tell you how using it for chopping and general cutting go.
Here are some pics of the new cord-wrapped handle:
http://members4.clubphoto.com/a318774/SH_handle_changes/
