How to Cord Wrap a Knife Handle

This cane machete could use some paracord.

Some knives and cutting tools see a lot of heavy-duty use, and a good way to protect your hands from chafing and impact is to wrap the handle. Other knives might simply look better with a wrapped handle. A basic cord wrapping is an easy task, and can be done in less than an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Roll of paracord
• Roll of electrical tape
• Scissors or pocket knife

Instructions

1. 

   Cut a length of paracord from the roll with scissors or a knife. For the typical knife handle, 10 or 11 feet will be enough, but bigger or smaller handles will have differing needs. As a rule, always guess liberally, because it is best to have too much cord than too little.

2. Press the cord to the handle near the crossguard with your finger or thumb. About a foot of cord needs to be running down the blade and away from the handle. For big handles, add a few more inches. Tie off the cord with the electrical tape.

3. Fold the foot of cord that was extended out along the blade so that it now runs down the handle to the butt.

4. Start wrapping the main stretch of paracord (the end that should be nine-plus feet long) tightly around the handle. Start in front of the tape and work down so the tape is covered.

5. Tie off the cord when the wrapping reaches the butt. Any feature on the butt, such as a loop, notch or pommel can be put to work for a firmer and more secure tie-off.

6. Decide what to do with extra cord. If there is enough of it, it can be tied together and used for a wrist strap. If that is not possible or desired, trim it with the scissors.

References

• Cord Wrapping Tutorial
• Cord Wrapping a Knife Handle