Paracord handle on large blades

[Ivan Campos]

I have used paracord in quite a few of my large choppers/camp knives and users seem very happy with it in use, finding it very secure. Recently, though, a potential customer asked me about the possibility of it being too harsh in the hand.
Personally, I have absolutelly no problem using a paracord handled knife for the hardest activity for any lenght of time - it does not hurt my hands in any way, but that may be due to the 120 grit sandpaper texture that seems to develop in knifemakers hands, so I would be glad to hear opinions on this subject.

 

[hardheart]

depends on the wrap, and also the tang dimensions. Thicker grips generally seem more comfortable for heavy use, so cordwraps start at a bit of a disadvantage. Any hotspots from the wrap style or at the edge of the tang only worsen the feel. I personally like a tight, plain wrap with the nylon left in the core of the 550.

 

[Cobalt]

You must also have small hands, because my biggest gripe with wrap is that they do not fill my hand and are usually quite uncomfortable in a chopping/hacking type of motion. They are good around wet because they seem to give a good grip.

 

[DaleW]

I always thought paracord was pretty easy on the hands. I've read where some like to epxoy it, and that wouldn't be skin friendly.

There are all kinds of methods for wrapping and underlayers for the wrapping to impove the "fill" and cushioning. The Japanese have made an art of it. Sailors have developed all kinds of whipping for improving the grip on hardware.

From the knife maker's perspective, I think there needs to be some consideration in the design if the blade will be cord wrapped, rather than the same tang design you would use for a scaled handle. Some small indents at the riccasso to help anchor the beginning of the wrap, radiusing the edges, cutting the tang so it has some "waist" to fill the palm and some appropriate holes to anchor the ends are things I would like. I like some of the designs that use parallel slots down the tang so you can weave in and out-- the line can't slip that way and there's no complicated macrame so anyone could replace it.

 

[bikermikearchery]

epoxy coated paracord seams skin friendly enough to me and my hands are at least as soft as a gator's tail.

 

[Blades]

It can always be taken off and wrapped with something else. Wrap it in cloth, tape, silk, whatever.
I don't have a problem with it.



Blades

 

[taskmaster]

I have a number of Effingham EK's with paracord wrapped handles and they work and feel fine. I have one paracord wrapped custom knife by an Australian maker (JEB) and have found that the longer heavier blade used for heavy field work ie chopping is not as comfortable as a full micarta grip.