How To Wrap A Knife Handle

A good grip is critical when using survival tools like knives.

I only recently noticed that all of my knives have smooth handles, which are great to get started. But over time, I realized that I often lose my grip when working for long hours. The situation only got worse when we ended up in a dangerous spot during one of our camping trips.

But, thanks to my paracord-wrapped knife, we could light a fire without exhausting ourselves and even keep bears at bay by hanging our food by the trees. And these are just a few of the plethora of uses that this ordinary-looking rope offers.

Thus, today, I’ve curated this guide on how to wrap a knife handle. You won’t believe how these quick and easy methods will transform your knife into a trusty companion during survival situations. 

So, without further ado, let’s get handy!

How To Wrap A Knife Handle

With years of trekking and camping, I can proudly say that I’ve learned a survival trick or two. Along with that, I’ve picked up some skills from my fellow adventure junkies and have learned how to wrap a knife with a paracord in three different ways.

But first, let’s take a look at some prerequisites…

• Cord or leather stripping
• Ruler or tape measure
• Electrical tape or grip tape
• Lighter
• Razorblade or scissors
• Water
• Plastic Wrap

Preparation

1. Measuring The Knife

To wrap the knife handle correctly, you should be aware of its exact measurements. So, use a tape measure or ruler to measure the length of the handle.

2. Measuring The Cord

Depending on the wrapping style, you will need to measure the required length of the cord. In the case of a simple wrap, the cord should be at least five times the length of the handle. On the other hand, advanced wrapping techniques may require a foot of cord for each inch of the handle.

3. Cut The Cord

You can either use a pair of scissors or a razor blade to cut the cord to your required length. Note that leather should be 3/8 inches in width. So, you might have to make some adjustments.

Also, here’s a pro tip- always leave some margin of error by cutting more than your requirement. The extra cord can be cut short later, but you can’t possibly elongate a short rope!

4. Soak The Cord

Whether you’re using paracord or leather stripping, soaking it in warm water will make it easier to wrap and tighten around the handle. You can soak the cord in warm water for 20-30 minutes. Your cord will be ready for use right after, or you can wrap it with plastic and refrigerate it overnight.

Method 1- Simple Wrap

Step 1:

Wrap the cord twice around the handle (the part closer to the blade). Make sure that you hold the cord taut and wrap it tightly.

Step 2:

Use a grip or electrical tape to secure the knot. It should be tight enough so that the cord doesn’t unfasten itself.

Step 3:

Now, loop around the tape as tightly as you can. Keep wrapping the handle till you reach the end and ensure that each knot touches the previous one.

Step 4:

Once the handle is completely covered, tie a knot at the end. Next, chop off the excess cord and melt the tips with a lighter. This seals the ends of the cord and thereby secures the handle wrap. 

Note that this method also acts as a pre-wrap for a more complex wrapping style. So, if you are opting for other methods, I highly recommend using this simple wrap as a sturdy base for better adherence.

Method 2- Quick-Release Wrap

Step 1:

Make a loop along the edge of the handle (blunt side of the knife). Place it such that the loop is right at the bottom of the blade while the loose ends of the loop run across the handle. Hold the loop tightly throughout. 

Step 2:

Use the longer end of the cord and wrap it around the bottom of the handle and then around the loop. Take it to the other side of the handle and continue wrapping it around the front side.

Step 3:

Again, wrap the cord around the loop made previously. This way, you will end up with a wrapped braid along the edge of the handle. 

Step 4:

Finally, feed the leftover cord through the loop and pull it down the bottom of the handle to fasten the wrap. Get rid of excess rope and seal the ends with a lighter. 

Step 5:

To remove the wrap, all you have to do is release the cord from the loop and pull the excess cord from the bottom.

Method 3- 360-degree Stryder Wrap

Step 1:

Fold the cord at its center and place the knife in the middle, near the blade. This is the starting point of your wrap.

Step 2:

Now, twist the loose ends and cross them over one another, making an X. I recommend wrapping the cord around your thumb and index finger to make this step easier. Repeat this step till the cord gets twisted again. 

Step 3:

Flip the knife and repeat the process on the other side. Hold the knot tightly while turning the knife to ensure it does not come loose. 

Step 4:

Now, continue making the twisted knot on either side of the handle until fully covered. Again, make sure the knots are tightly spaced.

Step 5:

If your knife handle features a hole at the bottom, insert one end of the cord through it and tie it with another. If not, you can simply tie the two ends around the handle (like in the previous method).

Conclusion