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This one is more of an experiment that is applicable to walking sticks or staffs. I was looking at my Ashiko drum (http://lumberjocks.com/projects/108856), and I started to wonder if I could use the same roping method to create a handgrip on a walking stick or staff. After a bit of drilling and roping, this is what I ended up with. I got the look that I was hoping for, but I have to admit that, while this does give a sturdy gripping surface, it is not as comfortable as a traditional leather wrap style.
I thought that I would post this to see if it prompts some further experiments by any other stickmakers.
Enjoy.

June 28 update:- Well, Shipwright suggested a different type of ropework, so here are 2 more photos of another style of grip that might be of interest.
All comments welcome.

Gallery

Comments

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Nice experiment John. You don't know unless you try do you?
 

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Looks good to me. I'm not a stick walker, but I do like the colour contrast.

Bob
 

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Very nice John. I think you might be on to something there. A good way to add some colour and contrast.
 

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That acts as a grip and a wrist loop. Neat experiment!

Jim
 

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Nice idea for a grippy grip. pays to be safe.
 

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Interesting idea. Sorta reminds me of some of the coxcombing on Navy ships.
 

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Very interesting and worthy of further experimentation. Maybe a flat cord would be more comfortable than a round cord. My concern is drilling the holes so close together might weaken the staff and cause it to break under stress. Perhaps staggering them more would solve that - and give a more interesting look. Where might I find instructions for the roping method? Thanks for posting.
 

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Very interesting and worthy of further experimentation. Maybe a flat cord would be more comfortable than a round cord. My concern is drilling the holes so close together might weaken the staff and cause it to break under stress. Perhaps staggering them more would solve that - and give a more interesting look. Where might I find instructions for the roping method? Thanks for posting.

- leafherder
Some good thoughts went into this John and got me thinking .
One thought came to mind is using latex tubing and the comment Leafherder made also makes sense .

Klaus
 

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With the air circulation created by this grip, I wonder if it would prevent perspiration from soaking into the grip and keep your hand dryer and cooler.
 

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I like it John but being a sailor I think I would lean toward a nice coach whipping with turksheads at the ends. :)
Just my bias showing perhaps ….
 

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always great to break away from the norm John & try something new, lets know your thoughts following trials
cheers
pete
 

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Thanks to all for the comments. Yes, it's worth a bit of experimentation from time to time, and it's fun too.
Leafherder:- Your suggestion of a flat cord might be worth trying. Perhaps something like flat bootlaces? Your comment on the staggering of the holes is also valid. If they had all been at the same level, there would have been no room in the center for the ropes to pass through, and the strength would have been totally compromised. l would space the holes even farther apart on another staff, alternating higher/lower to maintain strength. As for roping instructions, the method is similar to roping Ashiko or Djembe drums, and you can see an explanation of the process at the end of a video at . . .
Shipwright:- I like your suggestion, and the Turksheads would add a great feature. I'll add a disclaimer to this walking stick . . . "Not for use on ships." ;)
Thanks again to all.
 

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Great idea on the grip
 

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Very nice John. Should be a good grip and easily seen if placed somewhere in and around the house.

Regards,

Cliff.
 

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Nice idea John,well done.
 

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Thanks again for the kind comments.
 

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June 28 update:- Well, Shipwright suggested a different type of ropework, so here are 2 more photos of another style of grip that might be of interest.
All comments welcome.
 

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Very nice John. What reference are you using for the ropework?
 

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Hi Paul, the main reference that I have is a book by Geoffrey Budworth, titled "The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework". If anyone wants to try some knots, there is also a fair amount of information, including tutorials, on line at . . . http://www.frayedknotarts.com/

Thanks for the suggestion and comments.
 
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