Anybody Else Use Bike Inner Tubes

Guyon

Guyon

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... to improve grip on knife handles? I've done this in the past with Beckers which, with the factory scales, can have a slicker grip than I like. A while back, I inquired here about Moras and was about to order two or three from ragweedforge when our own Ken C offered to send me one to try out. It's been languishing in a drawer for quite a while, but I finally got it out and decided to run it through some paces. First thing I did today was purchase a road bike inner tube (smaller than the tube I've used for Beckers) and stretch it onto the handle. Grip was improved by fivefold IMO.

FYI tip: When tugging and stretching the inner tube onto the handle, leave the knife in the sheath. I learned that lesson the hard way with a Becker.

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I've done that on my AA maglights.
Much easier on the fingers in the cold.
 
I wrap inner tube on several fixed blade handles. It's long been an old trick from my Filipino uncles and Grands. Cheap, effective and really improves grip and eases hot spots. I use it just like bike tape and tuck the ends.
 
Ebbtide said:
I've done that on my AA maglights.
Much easier on the fingers in the cold.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure why I've never thought of doing that. Great idea.

OP - I don't use them on knives, but I've also never tried it out.
 
I'm looking into this right now. I keep forgetting to ask my cycling mates to keep their old trashed inner tubes for me.

Ho does it work if you were to layer up the bands? I was thinking say 2 layers directly on top of each other of 3 narrow bands (1/3'') spaced an inch apart then 1 piece covering the length like Guyon has done. Just trying to add contours to the grip is all.
 
I dont do this with knives, but i do use this for some tools i have,. Its really easy to instal the tube if you spray cheap hairspray onto the knife handle and slide the tube on. let it dry for a bit and your good to go.
 
RoyalM said:
Ho does it work if you were to layer up the bands? I was thinking say 2 layers directly on top of each other of 3 narrow bands (1/3'') spaced an inch apart then 1 piece covering the length like Guyon has done. Just trying to add contours to the grip is all.
Click to expand...

Might work and is an interesting idea. You'd first have to get the outer piece on as shown above. Then you could roll it up from one end (from the pommel toward the blade).

You could then put on the narrow bands where you want them and roll the outer piece back over them.

That's the only way it would work. Otherwise there's too much tugging and stretching of the big piece to get it fitted in the first place. The narrow bands would have to go on second.
 
I went dumpster diving outside the local bike shop. i found a whole range of sizes for different stuff.
 
Used it on a few knives but not many, just because they don't always fit snugly. I do use them for binding gear often, and to put on rifle/shotgun handles.
 
A while back, I even stuck bike tube on a couple of Beckers (7 and 9) with the micarta grips. It does help grip IMO.

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I use this because you can get it in different thicknesses and you can control the fit on your handle. My Wally World special, an Ozark Trails fixed blade has miserable scales, some kind of thin slick wood. I think they are dangerous as in easy to slip your hand down the scales for a mean slice. I wrapped the scales and handle it in tennis racket grip tape and viola! a safe rough use knife.
 
lets see:

knife handle, Check
Ranger bands, Check
and in the testing phase....

Grip Enhancer for the Glock series pistols...Check
 
Got a question, does this work without leaving nasty marks on the handle? i got a few customs that i don't want to ruin. this looks like a great way to improve grip and the rubber could be used as a fire starting tool if needed.

mind the grammar, its early

Merry christmas
 
The bike innertube is one of the cool things ive learned at Bladeforum. I keep a light secured to a sheath and it comes in handy as a makeshift locking plier.
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I cut bike inner tubes lengthwise to make long strips. I initially used these to wrap handles, but now I mostly use these strips to attach stuff to sheaths.

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The strips are long, and can serve other purposes when out and about.
 
Sharp_newbie said:
Got a question, does this work without leaving nasty marks on the handle? i got a few customs that i don't want to ruin. this looks like a great way to improve grip and the rubber could be used as a fire starting tool if needed.
Click to expand...

I don't think so, at least if it's a new inner tube or one that you've washed in some soapy water. I suppose a used one could have come into contact with oils or dirt that might transfer to a handle, but if you clean the tube, you should be fine. Try it on an inexpensive Mora first before you move to an expensive custom maybe?

dipbait, I like that locking plier idea. :thumbup:
 
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