Hemp wrap

[atki]

I just finished making up a pair of knives made from an old pair of sheep shears. Did the usual deer leg bone handle. I was trying think of what to do to finish the handle area and I spotted a some heavy hemp twine. I've tried several ways to wrap it, but it doesn't stay wrapped well enough.

Any ideas on how I can make this wrap tighten up to become a little more permanent?

These will be a raffle prize at a Boy Scout Mtn Man Rendezvous.

WB

 

[Lostrifle]

Have you tried using epoxy on the handle where the twine is wrapped, or would something so modern sorta ruin the effect?

 

[Nifeman]

Use pinon pine pitch if your in a location where you can gather some. Just put it over your hemp wrap. When it hardens it won't be loose and it s period correct...Bud

 

[atki]

I live in San Diego. I don't even think we have pinion pine! But thanks.

wb

 

[preston cook]

wrap it with the twine mix up some un-flavored Knox gelatin spread on with a brush let dry it is like hide glue i use it on bows and it works well

 

[paulvallandigham]

I was also thinking of Hide Glue from Tandy Leather for this project. The gelatin would work as you say.

 

[rifleshooter2]

I have done a few wrapped handles several good coats of shellac has worked pretty good for me. Here are a few photos of a shelleghleigh I just made for my Dad with a cotton cord wrapped handle.

 

[atki]

Trucker, I tried your Knox Gelatin today on my hemp wrapped knife handles. Worked great! I put on three coats. You couldn't unwrap that hemp if you wanted.

This is a good forum.

WB

 

[FV Rago]

I use hemp wraps on bow handles, knife handles, and hawk handles.

I just get jute from Home Depot, soak in hide glue, I apply it just like I sinew the back of a bow.

Caveman Kabar

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The large hawk handle.

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After the hemp and hide glue dries (knox gellatin and rabbit hide glue) I will spray with 3 or more coats of a non gloss clear spraypaint. Then I will wax it a few times with a turtle wax or min wax. Whichever I have handy.

 

[Lostrifle]

If you want pine pitch, you can order it from 3riversarchery.com. Comes in a tin.

 

[MSW]

nice looking hawk- i've been wondering if there was anything i could do since the handle of mine is smooth and tapered, and would be slick and hard to hang onto if wet... like, if it were raining and i was getting really close to hypothermia and i really really really needed to cut something to make a fire and get warm and not die shivering like some scumsucking moron urbanite flatlander... now that would be humiliating!

thanks!