[coelacanth]

I've got a few knives I like pretty well except for the slick handles. Now don't get me wrong - they felt good at the knife show or in the store but out here in the real world traction is the key. What I'm looking for is the best way to add some texture to shiny handles be they wood or micarta. I'd appreciate any ideas you have before I go and do something silly.

[feedthehogs]

Most anything you'll do will change the finish, but if its a use thing and not a collector thing then,
Sandpaper to rough up the surface.
Thin strips of rubber glued to the current handles.

[daniel (australia)]

Skateboard deck tape

[hso]

Firstoff, don't do anything that might be collectible.

Once you've decided that it won't hurt to go ahead consider the following.

Triangle file grooving of the surface.

Picking or stippling of the surface.

Coarse sandpaper. Try putting it on the surface and whacking it with a rubber mallet to see if it imprints the rough pattern before scouring the surface.

Grit blasting of the surface (requires lots of masking to protect the other parts.

Skate tape eats trousers fabric terribly, so I'd avoid it.

[coelacanth]

I knew you folks would be helpful :D. I have some user grade knives in this category but one or two custom pieces as well. A particularly nice D'Holder fixed blade has a slick micarta handle and after one time using it I decided I was a danger to myself and others. I'm going to try some of the techniques suggested here on practice material first to see how it works and if I have the skill necessary to actually pull it off. A tip of the cap to all who have contributed so far.

[LarryS.]

Depending on their value you might consider contacting the respective makers of your customs to see what they recommend.:cool:

[daniel (australia)]

Skate tape eats trousers fabric terribly, so I'd avoid it.

I'm not aware of this dietary preference of skateboard tape, though I suppose if there was some means by which your knife handle was able to rub against your trousers the tape might be tempted;).

It does provide a great grip, and unlike other approaches it is reversible and doesn't affect the underlying knife handle - you can remove it using a hairdryer. There are different grades, some thinner and more conformable than others, some with a finer grit, and you can cut panels of it to suit. The finer grades are easier on the hands.