View Full Version : Paracord wraped handles
Hello.
What do you guys think of pc wraped handels for buschcraft knives.
Like this.
British Red
05-03-2008, 20:00
Honestly?
:yuck:
Red
DoctorSpoon
05-03-2008, 20:02
I don't like the look of them and they don't seem very practical. I would imagine that dirt and gunk would get into the paracord and over time they'd either get disgusting or you'd have to scrub them to keep them clean. (But that might just be a girlie response :o )
Shambling Shaman
05-03-2008, 20:04
Honestly?
:yuck:
Red
Have to agree, I have wrapped cord around handles in the past did not work out.
LOL.
Is hard to clean or uggly or something.
Seved
I find them horribly uncomfortable, unhygeinic as Doctor Spoon pointed out, and unsightly. If I were in a survival situation and needed a quick handle, I'd be much more inclined to pad it out with something else (tear a strip off a tshirt if possible, though i'm sure an alternative could be found) and then wrap it in paracord, but that'd really be a last resort for me.
Seeing as most of the paracord knives are NOT handled in a survival situation, I really don't understand why its used. Its ergonomics are nonexistant, generally ending in a handle that is (in my experience, and to my tastes) too thin and for the third time, it's unsafe as far as bacteria is concerned.
Not meaning to cause any offence, just offering my opinion ;)
Peace!
hollowdweller
05-03-2008, 20:14
IMO paracord handles are made for the same reasons as coated blades. To reduce labor cost.
Nothing wrong with that but then to sell such a blade for the same price as you could get a satin finish and a nice set of scales is a great feat of marketing:rolleyes:
British Red
05-03-2008, 20:14
Hard to clean, ugly as sin, looks US style "tacticool" and can be hard and abrasive on my soft girly hands ;)
Other than though.......
Red
LOL yes i know what you mean i have very small hands to. I have heard that it is hard clean to. I have never used a knife with it for a long time, but as a hunting knife i think its very bad.
Seved
Horrible things,
They get wet and they stay wet; they get dirty and they stay dirty, they cause a build up of corrosion and grinding products, and they have no justification on the just in case scenarios. If you are that desperate for a metre or so of cordage, make the blasted stuff, it's not rocket science :rolleyes: Uncomfortable to use for any length of time too.
Very pretty though.... :naughty:
cheers,
Toddy
Hd i am glad you say what you think. Thats why i asked. Its some work with coating, and blasting sand, coating is not so cheap, thats why its expensive with coating sometimes( I think).
Seved
British Red
05-03-2008, 20:47
It also hides a horribly finished blade on the cheap ones!
Yes i have seen very bad blades with pc.
Seved
Rambo's new knife is paracord wrapped, with grip tape over that. ;)
Not sure paracord wrapped handles are as bad as everyone seems to make out it is. Japanese wrapped with rayskin and leather handles seem to do just fine, in days gone by.
Though alot of knives paracord wrapped are tacky, but then so are alot of manufactured knives .
Yes i like the new rambo knife. Dont ask me why.
I dont know much about japanese wraping, But dont they oil the skin and leather or something.
Seved
And Japanese weapons aren't used to cut up muddy roots, trim barks, cut plants, scrape hides, batton timbers and make feathersticks, kuksas and spoons or prise limpets and lichens from rocks :rolleyes: and my knife has been used to all of these things this past couple of weeks.
cheers,
Toddy
C_Claycomb
05-03-2008, 22:12
Not sure paracord wrapped handles are as bad as everyone seems to make out it is. Japanese wrapped with rayskin and leather handles seem to do just fine, in days gone by.
Not really the same thing. The Japanese cord wrap was applied over a wooden handle, they are much more bulky than the typical cord wrap over full tang tactical knives you see these days. They were meant for grip in battle. The resin/cord wrapped grips of some combat knives probably do much the same thing, but for bushcraft you want something a lot more comfortable. Grippy handles can wear away on your hands if you have to use them too long, and unless the grip is packed out under the cord, the hard edge of the tang will dig into you on hard carving cuts. Resin impreged cord is still used on some hunting knives for grip where having the knife slip is of more concern than long term blisters.
Unfortunately the images are gone, but this thread was talking about a rather nicely made knife with a cord grip.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20030
:yuck:
Why not use something nice like a decent dit WOOD.
Not really the same thing. The Japanese cord wrap was applied over a wooden handle, they are much more bulky than the typical cord wrap over full tang tactical knives you see these days. They were meant for grip in battle. The resin/cord wrapped grips of some combat knives probably do much the same thing, but for bushcraft you want something a lot more comfortable. Grippy handles can wear away on your hands if you have to use them too long, and unless the grip is packed out under the cord, the hard edge of the tang will dig into you on hard carving cuts. Resin impreged cord is still used on some hunting knives for grip where having the knife slip is of more concern than long term blisters.
Unfortunately the images are gone, but this thread was talking about a rather nicely made knife with a cord grip.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20030
Yes, remember seeing them, think they have just been moved.
http://www.rhgraham.com/knives1.html &
http://www.rhgraham.com/knives5.html
I wouldnt use a knife like the ones shown, but I think some knives with ropework handles can be very good. It is not only us tactical style, it is also a traditional british seaman style. See an example here,http://www.igkt.net/gallery.php?picid=123, they are not knives put the concept is the same.
I do some knotwork and while I can well admire the skill involved in paracording handles, in a bushcraft scenario there are just too many downsides to using them.
Incidentally, Seagull does some beautiful work :D
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=370980#post37 0980
cheers,
Toddy
sandbender
06-03-2008, 09:18
Yes i like the new rambo knife. Dont ask me why.
Possibly because it's the most practical knife he's used so far :) albeit a little to short for a trip into the jungle.
http://www.cartertown.com/rambo1.htm
I'd have to agree with Toddy, having been elbow deep in quite a few large game animals I know it's important to be able to thoroughly clean both blade and handle afterwards, something that wouldn't be possible with a cord handle.
I agree a buschcraft knife have do a lot of hardwork. And it have to be easy to clean it.
That wrapping looked great:D. But i wonder if its suitable for buschkraft knives.
Toddy: That looks very nice, It must be a good grip with it when its dry. If they used it on ships in the old days it must have worked, or maybe it was the only material they have.
sandbender: LOL yes you have a point there. The other knives maybe is just "filmknives".
I wouldn`t use paracord for a huntingknife its not the best material and not practical i think.
Seved
Interesting that the new "Rambo" knife looks more like a golok or parang than the previous "Bowie" derivatives
http://www.cartertown.com/images/Knives/Hibben/HibbenCustom/RamboIV/RamboIVMovie.jpg
Dougster
06-03-2008, 19:19
I have a tiny Guycep necker from a but on BB and I love it. I think it has the distinct advantage of being finished with superglue all over the cord which helps hugely.
It was also the only way he sold them. With the superglue I think it's certainly a user.
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49064&highlight=guycep+necker
Oh a great looking knife.How is it to hold with the superglue.
Seved
Interesting that the new "Rambo" knife looks more like a golok or parang than the previous "Bowie" derivatives
http://www.cartertown.com/images/Knives/Hibben/HibbenCustom/RamboIV/RamboIVMovie.jpg
Yes i think so. I realy like the handle and it looks realy durable. Do you know if its flatgrinded.
Seved
Dougster
06-03-2008, 19:49
Oh a great looking knife.How is it to hold with the superglue.
Seved
Because it's a three finger knife it doesn't get pressed into bigger jobs, but is easy to clean with a good kitchen brush if the pheasants are messy.
Okey. thank you. A lovely knife. Is it the surface from the hardening.
Seved
Dougster
06-03-2008, 20:27
Is it the surface from the hardening.
Seved
Yes, it is.
Yes i think so. I realy like the handle and it looks realy durable. Do you know if its flatgrinded.
Seved
Had a look on Gill Hibben's site and it doesn't say. :confused:
No i cant find it either. It probably is flatgrinded.
Seved
phaserrifle
15-07-2008, 14:58
paracord wrapped handles seem to be great for fighting knives for carrying concealed, because they are slim, and lighter than most other options (wood, plastic, metal ect) also they look "tacticool". for use over long term they are uncomfortable, but for the use they where first realy used for, that's not a problem. I can see the use of them in a bushcraft knife if the cord wrap is over a slim plastic, wood or metal handle, that could be used without the cord, but is uncomfortable.
Paracord wraps can be quite good on small, cheap utility knives. I've made a few out of old saw blades as quick, cheap and easy tools for friends or family. They can be just as comfortable if done right and if soaked in epoxy are waterproof and relatively easy to clean
I think some paracord wrapped knives are great. Perfect for lightweight neckers and easily replaced over time if the cord becomes too grungy.
I've been wearing paracord-wrapped neckers for years and find them extremely handy.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images23/may_necker1c.jpg
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images20/buckneck1c.jpg
John Fenna
15-07-2008, 17:01
Sorry - I find corded handles ugly, impractical and uncomfortable.
Just my opinion....
Bushcraft4life
15-07-2008, 17:09
I have one of these on order from Mr Guycep on BB.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Stainthorp/neckmuk003.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Stainthorp/neckmuk001.jpg
I think the handle looks excellent and functional.
Sorry, I think it looks like a dirt trap and a blistered hand in the making.
Hoodoo, I'm sorry, but I think that's the first ugly knife handle I've ever seen you show. :eek: :eek:
As for 'tactical' and lightweight, camouflaged.....guys, women manage with the thin fine handle of a nail file because it's shaped, if the knife makers just took a little more effort the plain metal handle can itself be very comfortable in use.
Look at the little skinners from Aitor, for instance, or the micro and mini Canadians from BRKT for very lightweight slimmer than paracord handles.
http://www.aceros-de-hispania.com/aitor-knives/skinner-aitor-knives.asp
http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/canadian_guide/minicanadian/index.html
cheers,
Toddy
I have one of these on order from Mr Guycep on BB.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Stainthorp/neckmuk003.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c77/Stainthorp/neckmuk001.jpg
I think the handle looks excellent and functional.
I generally don't care for cordwrap on a large knife but I have to say, that is a beautiful knife. I reckon it is as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Now one of the funny things about this thead is I can't think of too many things more "bushcrafty" than wrapping a cord around a knife for a handle. This is so common among tribal people in South America, it almost goes without saying. :confused: This is especially common after the wooden handles on their machetes rot off or the plastic handles crack and fall off. Or they use them with no scales at all. Not to mention it was common here among the tactical wood carvers to wrap the handles on their crooked blades.
http://hvgb.net/~themdays/images/knife.jpg
Sorry, I think it looks like a dirt trap and a blistered hand in the making.
Hoodoo, I'm sorry, but I think that's the first ugly knife handle I've ever seen you show. :eek: :eek:
Well, I guess I'm guilty of practicing unsanitary bushcraft. Damn proud of it too. As for blisters, this is where common sense comes in and why people over here carry more than one knife.
I have to say that last photo, the messy one, is the first time that a wrapped handle has looked practical, it's padded, shaped and softened/ frayed with use. The tight wrapped paracord ones we see just................no, find a bit of wood, or bone, the stuff grows y'know :rolleyes:
Sorry Hoodoo, I gave up on them after too many sore hands, and fed up trying to clean the gunk off.
cheers,
Toddy
Bushcraft4life
15-07-2008, 18:32
I generally don't care for cordwrap on a large knife but I have to say, that is a beautiful knife. I reckon it is as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Now one of the funny things about this thead is I can't think of too many things more "bushcrafty" than wrapping a cord around a knife for a handle. This is so common among tribal people in South America, it almost goes without saying. :confused: This is especially common after the wooden handles on their machetes rot off or the plastic handles crack and fall off. Or they use them with no scales at all. Not to mention it was common here among the tactical wood carvers to wrap the handles on their crooked blades.
http://hvgb.net/~themdays/images/knife.jpg
Ahh, its not a big knife sir :D
Its one of Guyceps neckers, or the Neckmuk, its only 6 1/2'' long :)
Well, I guess I'm guilty of practicing unsanitary bushcraft. Damn proud of it too. As for blisters, this is where common sense comes in and why people over here carry more than one knife.
I didn't know there was a sanitary style ;) It's usually mud, mud and more mud with a healthy dose of greenstuffs on mine :)
I don't mind muck, I don't like gunk and I hate sticky hands. The last time I tried paracord wrapped I was scraping out the itchcoos from rosehips.........never, ever, again :(
I just can't see me walking around like some Mxican bandido with a bandolier of assorted knives when I go for a toddle down the back lane: I have enough trouble being discrete about the knife I do carry.
If I'm off camping, then yes, a wee one in my pocket and a larger one in a sheath, but otherwise, not here.
cheers,
M
Ahh, its not a big knife sir :D
Its one of Guyceps neckers, or the Neckmuk, its only 6 1/2'' long :)
Too cool! :cool:
I've been using this one for years and still like it.
http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q358/ANDYRAF/tanto-bSmallWinCE.jpg
No blisters and as long as you don't drop it in the animal it stays quite clean.:umbrella:
Bushcraft4life
15-07-2008, 20:09
Too cool! :cool:
Will post pics of my one when it arrives :cool:
I think some paracord wrapped knives are great. Perfect for lightweight neckers and easily replaced over time if the cord becomes too grungy.
I've been wearing paracord-wrapped neckers for years and find them extremely handy.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images20/buckneck1c.jpg
Oh that one was realy nice.
I have made a couple of knives with wrapped handles whith coated finnish. but they were more or less tactical knives.
Seved
Andy Wood
27-09-2008, 03:15
Hi, its not flat ground, kind of hard to explain. I'll take some better pics and you can see for yourself.
Rambo Knives (http://www.rambo-knife.com)
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa16/firsttradinguk/888765432025-1.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa16/firsttradinguk/ramboIVIII010.jpg