Dark Kwaiken

To reiterate STeven's point above, I think you really need to find some good quality ito and use that. Trying to do a Japanese-style wrap with paracord (gutted or otherwise) is like trying to fell a tree with a Swiss army knife. Wrong tool for the job, though it's perfectly serviceable for other applications.
 
Using a better quality wrap will improve things drastically

PH did not use silk iaito more like a flat shoe lace

But it was even and tight and had a resin coating on top

Sory to include the gun but it is my most current pic of this well over 20 year old Kwaiken that has seen a lot of use and he handle is still in great condition

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Jason knight does a tight well layed out wrap

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Burt Foster does a very nice job

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David Mirabile does great work with a carbon fiber wrap

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RJ Martin in his day did a wicked durable resin soaked wrap

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Even Shiva Ki did a very serviceable wrap

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So the point is it does not have to be traditional but there are materials that work better for this application and para cord is not one of them. :)

I look forward to seeing your work when you have the right material
 
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Hey Paul, if you have a Hancock Fabrics in your area, go back to the ribbon and decorative cord section. You're gonna look for something called "lanyard cord". Im pretty sure its 3/8 thick. They have it in black and red usually. It's really stiff and thick, wraps very nicely, and accepts the west system epoxy very well. I have switched to this cord, and I keep our Hancock fabrics out of stock.
 
Here's a couple of mine with the cord from Hancock. It's way better than any of the shoe/boot lace stuff I've tried. I've not tried silk. Not sure how silk ito accepts epoxy. Not traditional, but here goes.


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Agreed, Josh--that looks nicely done from my side of the monitor. The diamonds look nice and regular, the twists are consistent, and there are no gaps. Well done.

Joe, you need never apologize for including a fine S&W in one of your pics. :D
 
bluejaunte said:
Agreed, Josh--that looks nicely done from my side of the monitor. The diamonds look nice and regular, the twists are consistent, and there are no gaps. Well done.

Joe, you need never apologize for including a fine S&W in one of your pics. :D
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Thx Aaron
 
Thanks guys! Trying to help in any way I can.

Joe, I agree, that's a sweet pistol, don't be sorry!
 
Great thread.

I am no expert on anything. I like the knife a lot. The grind is, to my eye, something I would buy. There are famous makers, who specialize in this style that I really don't care for.

The handle rap is an area that I do appreciate a nice tight wrap. I don't care if it is traditional or not. In a knife like this, I want a wrap that stays secure, and is serviceable.

Keep them coming! I like most of your designs, just as a side note!
 
I agree that, and I will make what I like. However I did ask for comments, have to take the good with the bad. I still agree with the first post, the wrap needed attention and I can do better, so why not. I can put a traditional silk wrap on this knife, but would it really be a traditional knife? I have been trying to come with a sheath that will compliment this knife. I am actually going to stop by walmart to get shoe lace ;)
Paul
Leu Custom said:
Make what you like...people will follow. Traditional or not :P Don't listen to the bullies here :)
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I like your blade very nice grind. There are different widths of cord you can try. On that size blade I like a bit of a wider cord. Here is one I did in Red with a cord of about 5/16" which when tied is about 1/4". I think when you try a good flat cord you will like it.

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