wrapping handle with paracord?

[firkin]

anybody know how to do a braid with the cord???

There are many, many ways to braid or knot around an object. And lots of sites about knotting on the web.

Here's one for instance:

http://www.earlham.edu/~peters/knotlink.htm

In particular, decorative marlinspike arts as practiced on sailing ships (like bell ropes, chest beckets), or traditional braided leather tack construction employ techniques that have been used of cover the tangs/handles of tools, knives, and even sheaths. The possibilities are literally endless.

Here's some fids used for splicing and knotting line that are covered with large turk's head knots on the handles:

Here's a knife and sheath--this is more than an afternoon project!

[pix from http://www.knotical-arts.com/]

Ashley's book is the classic on knots, with emphasis on marlinspike. It has many examples of various combinations of knots and braids employed as coverings.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0385040253/knotsonthewebA/

Here's a site with examples of braided leather tack.

http://www.hought.com/tbrhp.html

For permanent multistrand work like braiding and sinnets, paracord or other tubular line (with or without core) is a poor choice IMO. Slippery, and if the core is removed as sometimes recommended, stretchy. The core can slip inside and the casing can bunch. In synthetics, I found some braided nylon line used for fishing nets to be excellent. Too thin for a simple wrap, but many multi-strand braids bulk up, and an under wrap could also be used. Of course long leather strips could be used also.

There's enough to these traditional arts to keep one occupied for a few lifetimes.

 

[hotshot969]

thanks FIRKIN