Help on a tanto handle wrap

[Lavan]

I can't tell from looking at this whether it is wrapped with some sort of leather thong type stuff that has aged or if it is just carved into some material. It is definitely on the OUTSIDE of the wood handle, but not sure if put on and carved or wrapped.

What's it look like to you?

 

[outlaw918692000]

looks like it was rapped with cord and coted with epoxy

 

[Lavan]

Could be....VERY well could be. Except the aged look of the other end near the fuchi. But.....maybe......lacquer. Hadn't thought of a coating.

Good place this BladeForum

 

[BlindedByTheLite]

looks like leather to me *shrug*