New idea for temporary grip enhancement on Becker stock scales

B

beckerbrain

Joined
Nov 18, 2014
Messages
210
Hope this hasn't already been asked, I searched all over blade forums and the net and couldn't find anything similar in idea....

So, any you guys familiar with "plasti-dip"? It's a Rubberized tool dip in a spray can from Wally World.
Well, my idea is to take some grip tape, the cheap stuff kids put on their skateboards, or maybe the safety strips on exterior stairs, and coat it with a couple layers of plasti-dip. Cut out the shapes (prob just a thin strip on each scale, with holes punched for hex access) and stick em on there. I'm hoping that this will eliminate some of the abrasion, and provide just enough rubber to help the grip with sweaty hands.

Anyone tried this or have any thoughts?

Thanks much
 
Sounds constructive. I'd say it won't adhere very well. You might just want to give the grips a chance as they are. The handles are not as slippery as most people think. Use a lanyard if you think you'll lose the blade from your hand. Give it a shot and let us know how it turns out. Pics are helpful. Also, if this is your first post welcome aboard.
 
Thanks for the welcome! Glad to finally post, I've been lurking around for about a year but didn't have internet at home, only at work.

I hear ya, I actually love the stock scales and totally agree, until my hands get wet... I've been using a lanyard wrapped around the back of my hand and over the thumb, and that's def. enough, but I'd still feel a little better with a tiny bit of extra security.

My curiosity is basically, that it's removable so if I don't like it, i can just peel em off. and it's not permanent like stipling or sanding etc. it's usually not much of an issue but here in FL, the paws get sweaty pretty quick, especially with the humidity and frequent rain.
 
Have you considered just cutting up a piece of bike inner tube and sliding it on?

Ends up looking something like this and provides a pretty good grip.

 
I did try that and it actually worked great as far as function, I have me el cheapo machete handle wrapped in beach cruiser inner tube, but for the bk9 i was hoping to put on just the bare minimum of grippy. Plus I really like to have quick access to the hex bolts, that's just a weird personal thing.

I think I'm gonna go ahead and try the rubber grip tape thing, I'll post some pics and do a follow up after using it a few weeks. I know there's a rubberized grip tape that guys wrap their polymer pistols with, I might give that a try too.

While on this subject, anyone heard of "sugru"??? It's a moldable silicon putty that supposedly cures really steadfast.... Doesn't seem like it would hold up to me, put I've seen a few pics of people using it to hold up pots and pans, so who knows...

Thank you for the replies amigos
 
Cut 2 (or 3) x 1/2" wide sections of inner tube for a minimalist grip enhancement that can be easily removed & offers easy access to the fasteners.
 
I'll be interested to see how this project turns out - definitely an interesting idea.

Good to see another Floridian. I also lurked for a bit before taking the plunge. Welcome!
 
hockey stick/bike handle tape?
lightly scuff the scales with 80 grit sandpaper or sandblast them.
I'm not a fan of tool dip - it seems too easy to tear/wear it off.

or you can use a soldering iron to stipple the scales for permanent texture.
 
Along the lines of hockey tape, there is also tennis racket grip tape. Slightly more spongy (?) or less abrasive then the hockey tape that is designed for gloved hands (though I would prefer the hockey tape.

But I prefer the stipling.

What about sanding the stock scales, it pulls off the smooth finish. I would try 100 to get it roughened up, then 60-80 for any particular areas you deem need more. You can always go back higher in grit to smooth it out for less of an effect.
 
The new 3M rubber stair tread strips work pretty well, and you wouldn't need the tool dip.
My Glock has had the same abrasive old style stair tread/skateboard tape on it for almost ten years-every once in a while I hafta trim off a tiny flap, but it's on there pretty good. The newer rubber stuff prints under clothing more, if you're trying to be discrete.
 
The handles are smooth for a reason - they're easier on your hand after a chopping session or any other sustained use where a little movement is useful.

That said, a temporary arrangement that allows for more grip temporarily would be OK if you like that sort of thing - with the emphasis on temporary.
 
Last edited:
The 9 is worthy of the micarta grips. About $42 and you can dye them with rit for a custom color. Just curious, why do you need quick access to hex screws?
 
J W Bensinger said:
The new 3M rubber stair tread strips work pretty well, and you wouldn't need the tool dip.
My Glock has had the same abrasive old style stair tread/skateboard tape on it for almost ten years-every once in a while I hafta trim off a tiny flap, but it's on there pretty good. The newer rubber stuff prints under clothing more, if you're trying to be discrete.
Click to expand...


Thanks brother! That sounds perfect. I think I located some nearby too.
I'll post about how it turned out after I get to test it in the rain/humidity.
 
Another trick is to just Plastidip the tang and then put the handles on over it. Then you have a section thats extra grippy, thats not where you normally have a lot of rubbing. I inneretubed under the scales on my Parangatang, and I like it.
 
I used rubberized spray in bed liner on my BK16. Once it cured they got dura coated with an olive color
It turned out pretty good. Not to grippy so that it tears up my hands but gives enough tack when wet.
 
supposedly, the original handle design was tested by putting the knife in mineral oil, and then a hearty session of pound the knife into a 55 gallon steel drum

no slippage

no blisters either after extended use

unlike some handles, that leave your hands raw

i shot a heavily stippled gun at a range once, and after two magazines, handed it back to the owner, and apologized for the blood...
 
Bladite said:
supposedly, the original handle design was tested by putting the knife in mineral oil, and then a hearty session of pound the knife into a 55 gallon steel drum

no slippage

no blisters either after extended use

unlike some handles, that leave your hands raw

i shot a heavily stippled gun at a range once, and after two magazines, handed it back to the owner, and apologized for the blood...
Click to expand...

This, this, and more this. I say anyone who needs more grip, than even the factory micarte scales, hasn't given the factory scales enough of a chance. Always use the hell out of a knife before deciding on mods. Here in East TN it gets really hot, and humid, plus we get our fair share of rain and I have yet to have any serious slipping issues with grivory, zytel, or micarte. Use it use it use it, first.
 
CM_Rick said:
This, this, and more this. I say anyone who needs more grip, than even the factory micarte scales, hasn't given the factory scales enough of a chance. Always use the hell out of a knife before deciding on mods. Here in East TN it gets really hot, and humid, plus we get our fair share of rain and I have yet to have any serious slipping issues with grivory, zytel, or micarte. Use it use it use it, first.
Click to expand...
What he said and others here.

While waiting for my bk9 I checked all the cool handle mods at BF and was excited to do them myself. Solder iron dimples was my favorite from the pictures in here.
Once I got my bk9 in hand that desire disappeared quickly. The handle made me a believer in that handle shape is much more important and superior for retention than surface texture. Lack of that texture also allows the hand to slide a bit rather than sticking to and ripping of the skin.
Ever chopped for an hour with a "plasti dipped" or rubberized axe and then a normal unfancy one made from smooth wood?
I got Kukris which have mirror shiny horn and wood handles and they chop amazingly well without blisters and never slipped due to their excellent handle shape
Same thing here first try it and then modify if you really think you still have to.
 
Here's my take on the factory scales...
They feel like they might get slippery. But they don't.
My palms sweat. A lot.
I like the looks and feel of micarta, but it definitely gets slippery in my hands after extended use.
The stock grivory scales...they stay locked in place.
I think the smoothness of the stock scales may give the impression that they become slick while in use.
I have never found that to be the case.
Everybody's different though and you just have to find what works best for you.

That being said, I'd like to see how the plasti-dip mod turns out. I've heard it mentioned a few times but I'm not sure if anybody has ever done it.
 
Skateboard griptape.

Cut 1/4" to 3/8" wide strips and wrap them around and tuck in under the scale.

Sticks good, wears well and gives you mad grip on yonder blade.

Or bike inner tube. I use inner tube on my knife and griptape on ma gunz.....

But they work either way, either tool.

Moose
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top