have you sanded your BKT handles

M

martin j

Joined
May 16, 2001
Messages
692
It appears one common criticism of BKT line is their handles can be slick. Has any one removed their handles and sanded their surface? If you have done so- what grit of abrasive did you use, and was it difficult? Did it provide better grip?
Thank you.
Martin
 
I didn't remove the scales, but I sanded them, mostly on the sides with 60 grit sandpaper. It roughed them up a little, but really didn't seem to help retention that much, so I took a file, made vertical "grooves" across the handle, and went back over it with 60 grit. Significant improvement in grip security...
Here's the handle on my Patrol Machete. The flash makes it look lighter than it really is, but it didn't show up well with it turned off. I've yet to take the scales off and do the top, but plan to shortly:
edit: I also plan to make the grooves a little wider, and maybe deeper. Have to look at them again when I take them off to see how deep I'm comfortable going, though. I like this even better than the cord wrap I had previously done on this knife.
 
Since the machete was already out, I used the file on a Leatherman to widen the grooves. The handle feels great, and my BK7 is going to get the same treatment.
 
Great idea Owen.., I actually thought of doing that to a "7" that I've really thrashed.., and now I will.., thanks for the advice....


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Pete, I put five (semi:))vertical grooves on my 7 so far, and am not sure if I'll put more. They're around the front part of the handle where my index and middle finger are. It doesn't get swung around for long periods of time with a choked-back grip like the machete does, and that was enough to make the grip more secure and comfortable. Before, I could hold the blade in the sheath, or wedge it between something, and force my grip by rotating my hand, even with a pretty good bit of pressure. Now it goes nowhere. Very secure. I really like the way the handles feel after getting sanded with the 60 grit paper, too. It's hard to describe, though...
Guess I could have been more careful, and made the grooves straighter so they didn't look like crap, but I really don't care what it looks like, as long as it works.
I can't put the 7 down. It's like a different knife.
 
Thank you for the pictures and idea, that is very innovative.
Has anyone also tried athletic grip tape for their handles?
Thank you,
Martin
 
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