If you have found the knife of your dreams, which best suits your daily needs while offering aesthetic value, durability, and lots of enjoyment, then you may want to start customizing it as a hobbyist. One great and simple way to customize your knife is by wrapping paracord around the handle. This is a normal practice done by many knife enthusiasts, as it offers some unique benefits while also providing more distinction in terms of its visual value.

What is Paracord?

Paracord, first available around World War II, was once strictly reserved for the military, but has since been widely available for commercial use. It was developed to be cord for the use of parachutes, due to its excellent durability and tight weave. Despite being very slim, the reinforcements of its tight weave give it strength that can handle enormous weight. NASA scientists even used it to repair insulation in the Hubble telescope back in 1997, showing just how versatile and trusted this ultra-resilient cord is.

Paracord is also resistant to mold and mildew, two factors that can weaken other commonly used types of cords over time.

What Kinds of Paracord are Available?

Paracord comes in several varieties, but the most important one is diameter. The most common is 550, which is named after the number of pounds it can carry. It has just a 4mm diameter, with 7 inner strands. But there are, in fact, many thickness levels available, with all of them rated according to the number of pounds they can carry.

Paracord also comes in many colors, which does not add to its functionality but does allow people to customize their belongings according to color.

Why Wrap a Knife Handle in Paracord?

Wrapping a knife handle in paracord, especially basic tactical knives, has become common practice. It actually serves multiple purposes, which we will cover now.

A More Secure Grip

Perhaps the best reason for wrapping your handle is to make its grip more secure. Many of us know the perils of using a slippery grip, especially when our hands our sweaty. Not only can it interfere with our ability to use the knife, but it can be dangerous. Paracord instantly takes care of this problem, being resistant to slippage as it was designed to be back when it was used as parachute cord.

A More Comfortable Grip

Beyond improving the security of the grip, it can make the grip more comfortable. Paracord is a soft material that feels more comfortable in the hand and can even make up for improper grips of handles to a certain extent. It makes handling the knife a lot easier overall, so that if you are using it for long periods of time, you won’t be as likely to experience hand cramping.

Visual Interest

Of course, using paracord can also improve the aesthetics of your knife, by giving it a cool look. There are various ways to weave it that can be simple or intricate, and it shows off your artistic side while making your knife stand out.

Customization

If you and your friends all have the same knife, wrapping yours in paracord can allow you to customize yours so that it never gets confused with anyone else’s.

How to Wrap a Paracord Around a Knife Handle

Now, let’s discuss the process of wrapping your knife handle, step by step.

Step #1: Create Your Loop

First, you need to create a loop with the paracord so it can go around the handle. It must be parallel with the width and length of the handle and can be done using whichever method you prefer based on the weave you want to make. Once you’ve gotten the loop around the handle, tape it down on the handle’s flat edge. Make sure its juncture is at the top of the handle, right at the bottom of the blade, and position the loop’s curve so that it’s at the bottom of the handle. This way, it will make a secure foundation. The loop should be about five times the length of the actual handle.

Step #2: Left End

Wrap the handle starting with the cord’s left end, all the way around the knife handle. When you get to the middle of your loop, tuck the end beneath the cord to secure it.

Step #3: Right End

Now, do the same thing on the right side. Tuck the cord end into the junction of the original loop and where you tucked the left end after wrapping it. Pull on the cord slightly to make sure that things are nice and tight.

Step #4: Repeat the Process

Now, turn the knife over and repeat the process. At this point, both sides will be fully covered.

Step #5: Weave the Two Ends

Once you approach the bottom of the blade, you’ll want to weave the two remaining ends of the cord, creating several layers. Each time, simply wrap the end of the cord around the bottom of the handle so that it is fully covered and secure. Make sure to pull each time you wrap to keep the wrap very tight so that it stays put.

Final Step: Make Your Knot

Take the two ends and tie them into a knot so that they provide extra security. You can then trim away excess ends that are poking out once the knot has been created. From this point, you have a fully secure paracord wrap that will last for an exceptionally long time.

Paracord is Appealing in More Ways Than One

While it does add aesthetic value, wrapping a knife handle in paracord is, in fact, a very practical decision to make. As you can see, it provides a better grip while making your knife distinctive. Now that you know the process involved, you can start choosing your desired paracord and follow the instructions slowly and carefully for the best results.