Blackjack model 7 leather handle mod

Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
2,990
I have the knife mentioned above. A nice knife for sure, but the handle cold be improved. It is comfortable in the hand but slippery.

Has anyone done any modifications to the leather handle that would improve traction? I had in mind to carefully do some finger grooves to the handle and/or sand, then put something like bee wax on it. Any suggestions?
 
I just lightly sanded a Model 125 with stacked leather and added snowseal to it. Really sealed the handle up nicely, and it's now much grippier than it was from the factory. I've seen some finger grooved stacked leather handles and they look great, I'm just to afraid of screwing it up.
 
I'd suggest simply rubbing some pure beeswax on it before trying anything else. That might be all that's needed to provide a little extra tack.
 
I finally did something to the handle. I decided simply to use sandpaper and roughened the surface of the handle. Of course, it does not look as nice anymore, but the effect was what I wanted. Strange, but the knife feels lighter now. I have no other explanation but that since I don't have to squeeze the handle to feel secure it makes the knife feel more lively.

I have put some leather oil on the handle. It seems to suck the oil like a sponge. Later I will put some wax on to finish the job.

By the way, I also got crazy and started modifying the original sheath to make a "Southern comfort" - style sheath out of it....
 
Back
Top