Repairing an old favorite

[dwaterfield]

Hello all,

Hopefully this is the right sub-forum, I'm usually over in the knife making area. Today, though, I'm looking for advice on how to repair an old favorite of mine. This is a knife I got as a present for the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouts.

https://flic.kr/p/2ovMrq5

The section on the left had what I think was rubber glued into the depression in the knife body. Over years of use it wore away - as you can see, it's down to bare metal where my thumb rests while using the knife.

I'd like to replace that with something that is a good grip but is also more durable than what was there. I'd appreciate any advice on what material to use, and what glue. I'm familiar with working with wood and metal, but haven't dealt much with flexible materials.

TIA!

 

[killgar]

I know you asked about something flexible, but if it were me I'd use a piece of 1/8" thick textured "Peel Ply" G10, which I would attach using flathead screws from the inside of the knife with the screw heads countersunk into the frame. But I'm sure there are glues/epoxies that would also work to secure such a piece in place. I know there are a variety of glues that people use with G10. Textured G10 is VERY grippy.

As far as rubber/polymer, trying to match the right one, one that has a good grip and is resistant to shrinking and cracking over time, to the right glue/epoxy that will hold it securely, can be difficult.

Another option could be grip tape. I use a brand called GT-5000, which is a textured rubber sheet with an adhesive backing that's designed for pistol handles, flashlights, etc, basically anything that needs a better grip. I've found it to be very durable, even when the edges get frequently rubbed against stuff. And in the case of your knife it would be set into the handle with a raised border to prevent the edges of the tape from getting rubbed. However, due to the thickness of the tape, the tape would be lower than the border around it, and I don't know if that would be an issue for you.

 

[dwaterfield]

Thanks very much for the response, killgar. I'll take a look at G10 or GT-5000. I believe G10 should work OK with G/Flex which I already have in my shop.
Lots of color choices with G10.....but I like the textured look of the GT-5000! I'll probably order a bit of each and see what I like.