Well the old parachord wrap on my Rat (now called ESEE) Izula knife was getting a bit ropey and instead of redoing the parachord I decided to make some scales instead. I used spalted ash to make the scales. For those unfamiliar with spalted wood the wood has become colonised by fungi which gives it the distinctive markings and it is fairly commonly found in ash and beech trees. The fungi has a dark pigmentation which is known as zone lines. After using the knife for a couple of days I can say that it much more comfortable to handle than parachord particularly when using for extended periods.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...o/CnDqGFv5wH4/s800/spalted%20ash%20scales.jpg
http://www.theoutdoorlab.com/
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...o/CnDqGFv5wH4/s800/spalted%20ash%20scales.jpg
http://www.theoutdoorlab.com/