Slippery smooth metal handles.....solutions?

T

ToddM

Joined
Oct 2, 1998
Messages
724
I have recently picked up a couple smooth (stonewashed) Ti handle knives and while the quality/fit/etc. is top notch (and the only reason I'm even considering modifying them) in day to day use here in the field with sweaty or wet hands they are just worthless in terms of grip.

I'm curious if others have addressed this by modification? I've thought about bead/sand blasting the slabs similar to my CRKs but honestly even those are not very grippy with wet/sweaty hands, but much better than these. Gloves are not an option, and even with gloves they are slippery. I thought of perhaps looking for someone that does metal checkering like on 1911 front straps, or looking into seeing if someone could cut or CNC some grooves/tread in the handles similar to the Umnumzaan, or even do a G10 inset and then bead blast what's left.

In the end I'm probably better off just sell them and remembering that smooth metal handle knives are not for me unless I change my ways and start collecting safe queens. My checkbook would love that idea!
 
Getting some grooves CNC'ed into the handles or the G10 insert would probably look the nicest/professional. Cheap option is just use some skateboard tape.
 
You could have some kind of design engraved in the handles. There's a guy on here that does some amazing engravings, I don't remember his name but I've seen his work on some of the cold steel code 4 knives. That way it would be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
 
Instead of checkering, you might try stippling. It goes a bit faster.

My Dad had a 1911 where the front strap had been worked over by a metal engraver, only instead of making a pretty pattern, he simply raised a lot of pointy bits. When you grabbed that gun, it didn't shift in your grip no matter what. Not that I know anyone with engravers tools anymore. Just a thought.
 
Your last idea was the best, buy knives that are ergonomic and have good purchase.
 
+1 to the above. I have a stainless Leek composite blade and I carry it on the rarest of occasions. One of these days I'll add inserts...maybe. best just not buy what you won't be happy with.
 
I always want a good gripping surface. Metal can be checkered even a case hardened pistol can be done but the case must be ground off. Ti cetainly can be done and even plastic grips can. You can engrave these materials too. The checkering I do is flat top ,still very grippy but not a hazzard to skin or clothing . Various grooves , engraved designs and carved things on wood or plastic.
The Ti scales on the Sebenza are easy, flat surface .gravers cut easily.
 
Tommythewho said:
2 bucks for this mod. Peel it off if you don't like it

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That looks great, what brand/type of tape is that? I'd like to give that a try.
I've been using a new Code 4 Tanto as an everyday beater and once the lock broke in its become a really nice knife except for the very slick handles.
 
KLJTech said:
That looks great, what brand/type of tape is that? I'd like to give that a try.
I've been using a new Code 4 Tanto as an everyday beater and once the lock broke in its become a really nice knife except for the very slick handles.
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FWIW that tape will annihilate your pockets...if you're okay with that, go wild...:D
 
RevDevil said:
Your last idea was the best, buy knives that are ergonomic and have good purchase.
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Another +1.

Reminds me of the old joke..."Guy walks into the doctors office and says 'Doc, it hurts when I do this." Doctor says 'Don't do that.'"
 
I explored several options, bead/sand blasting, CNC, stippling/checkering and honestly at the end of the day I just sold the knife to someone that didn't mind the smooth handles. I do think I'm going to have a couple knives I have with G10 on one side and smooth Ti on the other like my 0560cbcf and my frankenstrider blasted for more grip. Not sure what I'll do about my Sebenza 25, it's right on the verge of what I'd call too slippery, the Umnumzaan is fine because of the CNC grooves.

Good lesson though, if you actually use your knives handle grip is important. Even smooth wood can be pretty grippy but smooth metal..... worthless.
 
I would recommend permanently sewing Velcro to your fingers and then epoxying Velcro to the knife. All aside as many have said above skateboard tape will work. Also as said above it will kill your pockets. Though it may not be as helpful as on the whole knife, I find that some on the clip helps and wont kill your pockets. Doesn't look stellar, but it works for me. (First time i have had to insert image. Hopefully I didn't mess up)

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I don't like safe queens, and I don't like metal and/or smooth handles. I sold off/am selling/gave away/traded all my smooth handled knives. I much prefer FRCP and G10 to Ti or aluminum. But then again, my hands get cold easily.
 
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