Evolution of Ahrends Boot Grips-Why Didn't I Think of This Sooner?

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Hey y'all. Thought I'd share my grip modification idea that, unlike a lot of my ideas, actually worked out great.
A few years ago I got a set of Ahrends Boot Grips for my S&W 3-incher (upper left in top photo). They turned out not to fit my hand that well so I went to work with a wood rasp and sandpaper (lower left)). Fit my hand perfectly but were still too slick to feel like I had a sure grip. Then yesterday I got the bright idea to take a wood burning tool to them. It was an experiment but, for me, the results were outstanding They now provide a secure grip but there are no sharp edges to snag on.
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In case anybody is interested, after I was through burning them I cleaned them with some grain alcohol and a toothbrush and then applied several coats of water based polyurethane (which is what I was told Ahrend's uses).
 
That's awesome. I like re-working grips too, but on the other hand I sometimes feel that I shouldn't have to. I never could locate a set of "smooth" boot grips. You made your own, then pushed the texture. Excellent job! It just so happens that I have a 3" model 65 in need of some magnum friendly grips. This would be ideal!
 
I appreciate the complement, boricua9mm. I am pretty tickled with how they turned out, not just in feel but also in looks. I love my Model 65. If I could have only one revolver this would be it.
 
That's actually very interesting. I'd have been extremely hesitant to do that to a pretty set of rosewood or cocobolo (or whatever) grips, but your finish isn't unattractive, and pretty is as pretty DOES.

It now kind of looks like a good briar pipe and that's got a classic elegance all its own.

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http://www.pipesandcigars.com/pipes/briar-pipes/
 
Landlocked Pirate

Very nice and unique looking. They have a rather rustic and heavily used appearance about them, like they came from some old barn siding or ship's planking.
 
My pipe mysteriously disappeared when we moved. My wife packed it...not so subtle of a hint....now I feel a very strong need to craft a pipe from a block of wood. My winter projects are really starting to form up nicely.
 
Thanks again y'all. I can go with ship's planking or briar pipe, either one. They both have an old-world appeal, and I'm an old-world guy. Or maybe I'm just an old guy.
 
Your grips look great...and so do your pipes! I quit smoking pipes 15 years ago. Now I want to smoke one again while I wood-burn some of Ken Ahrend's wood. :scrutiny:
 
Perhaps you did not know, but you can special order Ahrend's grips w/o finger grooves. Fortunately for me, Ahrend's grips fit my hand like a tailor made glove:


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Thanks again for the complements, everybody.
BullfrogKen, my favorite for a long time was an aromatic called Hobbit's Weed from Tewksbury & Co. in Colorado, but I've recently switched mainly to non-aromatics. I'm not as knowledgeable about them as I'd like to be, but so far my favorites are both from Dunhill: their Early Morning Pipe and London Mixture blends. I also like some of McClelland's, mainly their FrogMorton (don't remember which variation, there are a few) and Rich Virginia. I tend to more mild-to-medium strengths. What about you? I'm always eager for recommendations.
 
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