Grip Tape on Handles

T

T.L.

Joined
Sep 20, 2012
Messages
554
Hey guys this is my first go at enhancing the grip of my Skyline and machete with Black Magic grip tape. Trust me, there should be no doubts as to the utility value of the tape - it enhances grip quite noticeably, although the tape doesn't stick to metal extremely well, it adheres to plastic like a charm. The question is, what do you think of the appearance?

Kershaw Skyline - This was improvisation, didn't really have a plan. I tried to make it visually appealing but at the same time enhance the grip of all contact areas of the knife. Thought it came out pretty well.

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Ka Bar Zombie Chopstick Machete - The tape helped hugely on this. Grip is literally like 300% better.

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I'd love to see what others have come up with using grip tape. Definitely my favorite way to enhance utility on a budget.

Hope you enjoy.
 
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I think that's a good idea, a great way to increase your grippage while keeping your wallet tight too. Great for a knife that is going to get the biscuits beat out of it. As far as the appearance, I think i'm more keen on the bigger areas you did, like on the back of the handle / tang of the machete. Also, the little patches you've got on the Skyline pocket clip are really a great idea, something I would go for.
 
I agree about the larger areas. I've since removed the circles and Os from the RAT and Fugitive, the more I looked at them the less I liked them. :rolleyes:

The machete came out better than I thought possible. Without the tape I wasn't able to swing it as hard and accurately as I wanted because my hand kept slipping now there is zero slippage. I had a lanyard slipknot on the machete because I didn't want to risk dropping it - now I don't even need it.

The tape is definitely great for larger tools like axes, machetes, hammers, sledges, etc. It is also extremely durable, as it is the same tape for skateboard decks.
 
Nice detail work on the tape, T.L.!

I tried using grip tape on a machete a while back. After peeling most of the skin off of my thumb and forefinger, I realized that I should have been using gloves! :eek: Just beware - that tape gives great grip but can be pretty abrasive...

TedP
 
wec12 said:
Do you have a link to the exact grip tape you put on? Thanks :) .
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http://www.amazon.com/Black-Magic-Single-Sheet-Griptape/dp/B000GAQVYS

There ya' go. I cut the original strip into three pieces and haven't even come close to using one of the pieces. I don't really expect to have to buy any more becaue it sticks so well and I think the more you use it the more comfortable it will become.

As for being harsh on the hands I can definitely see that being a factor. I grew up playing in the woods climbing trees, etc so my hands have been calloused since I was young, haven't really found it to be a problem.

Hope this helps.
 
I've been using the same stuff on my pistols and I love it. My buddy said it was too rough but my hands have some good calluses and I suspect his don't. I've thought about adding some to some knives but I figured it'd make it a real pain to draw from my pocket.
 
bigghoss said:
I've thought about adding some to some knives but I figured it'd make it a real pain to draw from my pocket.
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You were partly correct in your hesitation. If you like to let your knives sit in your pocket its great because it keeps them in still, but using it when you actually clip them onto your pants, the friction can be harmful to certain materials. I refrain from putting it on my mid and large size folders because I clip them to my waistband. I put it on the Skyline because its small and I have trouble getting a secure grip on it, plus I don't use the pocket clip for carry on my Skyline since its so light I just stick it in my pocket.
 
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