Adding Grip to Handles

UltraSteele

UltraSteele

Joined
Dec 12, 2002
Messages
163
SO I was reading in an article (I forget where) that suggested adding stair tread tape to a knife handle helps keep it under control in adverse conditions. (rain, etc.)

I recently started carrying the all steel Endura II and thought I'd try it. I bought a 3M product that was tacky and rubbery, because the stair tread tape apparently doesn't EXIST in my area...

Anyway, I cut it to shape and adhered it to the knife. It seems to work well for me in terms of "sticking to my hand." I'll try to report more when I can.

I was wondering if anybody else has tried anything like this, and what results you had?
 
A cheap alternative that works well if you like that kind of thing is skateboard tape. You get a sheet big enough to cover any skateboard (about 10" X 30" minimum) for about 5 or 6 dollars. I've used it on a few knives and works well.
 
I tried it on my SS Endura. It works very well under dry conditions.

When I got it wet in the rain thought it curled up on the sides so I just took it all off.

It does improve grip a hell of a lot though.
 
I was recently given a Kershaw Blur and it has that skateboard tape stuff on it. I do admit it adds grip, but if you are clipping the knife to your pockets, don't expect the pants to last too long.
 
Not sure what you mean by "tacky", UltraSteele, if your hand actually sticks to it, like putting rosin on a baseball bat, imagine it would collect dust and dirt like a magnet. Something that might be worth investigating is the stick-on anti-skid material that is sold for use in bathtubs and showers. Think about it; on the one hand, it must be able to stand up to higher heat and moisture than a knife should ever encounter without peeling off. On the other, it must be non-abrasive, to prevent damage to delicate tissue. :eek: Color might be an issue, but what with the range of colors tubs are available in these days, I imagine it must come in at least one or two that would be acceptable. Only possible problem would be if your knife was used in situations that would expose it to something that is a solvent for the adhesive. May try this soon myself on my Pegasus and Calypso, will let everyone know the results if I do.
 
It would cost you but you can have someone do 30 lpi checkering on it.I really would like to see one of these.Surely someone has had it done.
 
Originally posted by u812
It would cost you but you can have someone do 30 lpi checkering on it.I really would like to see one of these.Surely someone has had it done.
Click to expand...
Agree it could be done, and it most certainly would look great, but the same issues raised on the Spyderco home forum in response to my brilliant :rolleyes: idea of coating the handles with diamond dust so they could double as nail files (well, it SEEMED like a good idea at the time), might apply here too. Both wear and tear on clothing and possible damage to other items (particularly rings) would need to be considered. It becomes a question of whether you would have to round things down too much to gain effective traction. If someone has had this done, perhaps they will enlighten us. I wonder too if a hammered finish would be a good compromise, but imagine this could really only be done safely at time of manufacture, and might still raise the same issue of possible damage to soft metal objects.
 
I wouldn't think it would be much worse than the checkering on G10.
 
Stair tread tape works great, buy it at Home Depot for pennies...Remember this, edged weapon conflict rule #1: Expect to get cut ! Blood is very slippery. Inmates have used sandpaper handles on their shanks for years. They are a real knife fighting culture and that is a primary key to making a good shank, a non slip handle.
 
Thanks for the links, Hawkbill. Wow, now I'm changing my thinking from "I like ss handles but..." to "Imagine the possibilities!"
 
Thanks for all the great input.

The 3M product I was using is simply a rought, somewhat tacky gray rubber/plastic tape. It cuts easily with a scissors and applies and adheres well. I was carful to keep it a distance from the pocket clip, as one of MY biggest pet peeves is having a hard time puting aknife back in my pocket.

Anywho- the tape in question (There are no markings other than "3M") has been on for a week now, and I like it. I've found that putting it ONLY on the flat (non-clip) side is enough to give me the improved grip I need, without adding too much bulk- The tape is thin, maybe 1/16th of an inch, but adding it to both sides makes the knife feel "wider." Whuch doesn't bother me.

After a week of carry this wasy, I've decided I like it- at least on this knife.

Thanks for all the advice/input.
 
I have a piece of the 3M stairtread tape on my SS Police. Works great. It did take some skin off, until I got use to it. It is rough, but works very well.
I have also added it to my Becker Patrol Machete handle. Works excellent there also. If I ever get tired of it, I'll peel it off.
:)




Blades
 
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