Add a Comment

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on November 27, 2013 at 9:47

I'm surprised, Alex, you say a cord handle is comfortable. I guess, it depends on the person, wrapping the handle. I'm sure some do better than others, at wrapping the cord. The cord braking down, sounds like another problem. I don't have any experience with type of knife and I don't think I ever will.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on November 27, 2013 at 9:30

Tobias,

You brought up an excellent point about paracord, or actually any material.  It might be fine for in the house, occasional use, but an EDC or hard use will tell the tale.  Paracord seems more susceptible to degradation than more solid materials, such as the resin based Micartas or G-10, etc., but I wonder what what the guys in the meat packing industry would say about the Micartas or G-10? 

Do they put wood on butcher knives because it is best, or the cheapest?  Might be nice for a Micarta manufacturer to re-handle some butcher knives for Armour or Swift to see just how good (or bad) these innovations are under constant use.

On the other hand, it might be like spin-balancing the tires on your pick-em-up truck for 250 MPH - nice to know, but you ain't ever gonna see it.

How bout you Bama boys?  I hear y'all can shoot sompm like a hunnert deer a year down there.  A pretty good test of knife handle comfort.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on November 27, 2013 at 6:16

Alexander, the problem is the second part.  Because the cord is being used on the handle the fibers are breaking down during daily use so the para-cord is no longer going to be hold that 550 lb  (249 KG)  test strength that is rated at once you need it in an emergency.   The same is true with the so-called survival bracelets. knots on ropes and cords cause friction and break down of the fibers They also  create  pockets where dirt, grime, and water form further destroying the integrity of the cord.  Sweaty hands are going to grind that crud into the rope and rub those seven strands of nylon against each other.. 

I used to teach rappelling. We had to do a lot of testing of lines. It really doesn't matter what type of material is used in a line or rope. If it is knotted or kept under tension it is going to break down quicker and form  weak spots,  Dirt also has a way to get in the line, even lines made of nylons filaments and cause friction wich weakens the line.  This is the point I was trying to make. 

If you like the feel of a para-cord knife grip then by all means use it.  But don't bet your life on that 6-12  feet (2-4 meters) of para-cord wrapped around your knife  handle or wrist. And don't expect it to last as long as more permanent grip such as micarta, wood, or stacked leather, especially if they have been treated to prevent mildew or have been sealed against moisture.

Spend $10 and buy about 100 ft of paracord.  And while you're at it get some 7lb, 20 lb, and 50 lb fishing line.  you'll be amazed at how handy it can be when you're in the woods.

Comment by Alexander Noot on November 27, 2013 at 1:27

Well....I guess I'm gonna be the odd duck out.

I've made a couple of knives with cordwrapped handles. And to my surprise they were very comfortable. No hot spots at all.

Offcourse I haven't butchered anything with mine. But a friend that I made one for as a hard use knife (because he was affraid to use the pretty knife I made for him) has one.

He's a carpenter and uses the knife in his shop. And he loves the way it feels and retains grip. Offcourse this is not exactly the same as using it as a hunting knife.

I probably wouldn't want to do that either because of all the crud that would get into the fibers of the cord.

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on November 26, 2013 at 17:30

Steve [Hog}, moved the Post here, for us under his name. Thanks Steve.

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on November 26, 2013 at 17:29

I agree, a Para-cord knife handle has to be hard on the hand, with a lot of use. I don't own any, so I'm just saying what it looks like.

  Carry a knife with a comfortable handle and a side bag with cord, seems more user friendly. I would have to agree, again.

Comment by Tobias Gibson on November 26, 2013 at 11:59

Robert point me to where we should be discussing and I'll be happy to move. Peter, as for melting a cord wrap on a knife - I guess that is one way to stop it from moving or coming unwrapped but it defeats the purpose of cord wrapping a handle.

Cord wrapping is supposedly there so you can unwrap the para-cord and use it for emergency situations. While it looks good in movies and survival shows I really am against it. If you're using the knife continuously you'll be breaking down the fibers of the cord wrapping and it will lose tinsel strength, most likely at the worst possible time. 

In the past I've cord wrapped a knife sheath but even this leaves the cord exposed which means it can get damaged or form weak spots where it bends around the corners of the sheath. (yes it will take some time for this to happen.)   Plus the amount of cord you're talking about is normally not enough to help you in a true emergency.

My advice is to carry a hundred or so feet of para-cord loosely coiled.  and if by some chance the handle of your full tang knife happens to fall off, then use some of the para-cord as a make shift grip.  There is absolutely no reason to use a mediocre material such as para-cord for a knife handle.

And yes, I do own two knives with para-cord wrapped handles but neither is primary knife in my bug out bag. I admit it looks cool but it isn't the most practical way to handle a knife. Eventually I'll get around to make handles for both of them.

Comment by Howard P Reynolds on November 26, 2013 at 11:36

While I haven't used the Cold Steel Trailmaster extensively, I have the feeling that a pair of split-leather (cowboy) gloves (with cinch strap) would be helpful because the tiny "points" in the Kraton handle seemed a uncomfortable after a bit of hacking and chopping.  Nice sure grip, but kinda punishes the palm if your day job comes with a shirt, tie and office.

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on November 26, 2013 at 11:34

Ya'll have some great thoughts there. I don't use gloves to clean game but I don't clean anything if I have a cut on my hand.

 I hear talk about a knife slipping when wet. Well, I use one hand on the fish or game and the other to hold the knife. It never gets wet or slippery. If it doe's I wash and dry right away.

  The shape of a knife handle has a lot to do with it slipping, as I'm sure ya'll know. I like a knife that's small at the hilt area and larger at the pommel area. A small palm swell is also helpful. Finger groves look to be nice but I have never tried them. I find a knife handle that fit's well in my hand may not fit well in yours. Everyone has different size hands and different types of a grip while holding and using the knife.

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on November 26, 2013 at 11:22

I,m sorry gang, we posted the Discussion in the wrong group. It's in JJ.'s group. I wonder if it could be moved hear.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 74
• 75
• 76
• 77
• 78
• …
• 165
• Next ›
• Page