Suggestions for Cheapish Leather Grip

[Axe1155]

I was recently scoping out some other light sabers on the internet and I came across one called the Gladius, it had a unique leather grip, after searching the closest thing I could find was leather grip tape or bicycle grips which looked the best by far. But I was wondering if anyone had done anything similar as far as attaching a leather grip that was flush and preferably a single piece. Any help would be appreciated, I would like to be able to customize my saber with it and then add my own touch to the grip later.

[Master VorNach]

I've worked with leather in a variety of settings including some sword hilts, though never with a lightsaber.
Are you looking to do a spiral wrap of the handle or for some other kind of cover?

[eerockk]

Tennis raquet grip is inexpensive (not cheap) and might look good if you found it in dark brown or black. I know the hilt you speak of and agree that it looks great with the leather wrap on it. It reminds me of the Bellicose or Manticore but in leather.

[swords4two]

do you mean this one from SWTOR its what the gladius is based from.




you can use a piece of suade leather for it or faux leather from most fabric stores some hobby shops might have them as well.

[ThreadJack]

I would check the fabric section at Michael's or Hobby Lobby. You might find some nice looking "leather like" pieces.

[Axe1155]

Thanks for the help I was able to find some great stuff at Hobby Lobby, just got to wait for my saber to come in the mail, then see what look I like best. Can't wait to finish and post some pics.

[Manroon]

I always recommend going to the leather section at Michael's. They have bags of scrap leather for about 6 bucks that you can usually get several leather grips out of. Just grab a bag, and a 3 dollar mini-bolt of lace, and I think a punch is maybe 5 bucks or so. You can cut to the desired shape with scissors, and then just lace it up like a shoe. Works really well and doesn't look half bad.

[Master Rel]

Welcome to the forums!

I would take your time and be patient rather than rushing into it 

[Master VorNach]

Welcome to the forums!

I would take your time and be patient rather than rushing into it 

Grab a dowel that's about the same diameter as your saber and try out different materials and methods.

[Axe1155]

Thanks I definitely will practice before starting on my saber, I don't know if I should do black or brown, I really like both. I guess we will see thanks for all the help guys.

[Master Rel]

Thanks I definitely will practice before starting on my saber, I don't know if I should do black or brown, I really like both. I guess we will see thanks for all the help guys.

Brown...it will get darker with hand oils and sweat residue will create character that will not be present with a black leather...that said if the potential of this staining causes you pause then black may be best 

Good luck either way!

[Luna]

Personally, I would use a Völkl leather grip. I love those things. I use them on all of my racquets (with overgrips, of course).

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Volkl_Leather_Grip_Brown/descpageVOLKL-VLGBN.html

[Master Rel]

That is a good option!

[CZ3RO]

Brown for lightside; black for darkside.  Bam. 

[forcejunkie]

While i have not wrapped a Saber Hilt i have rewrapped My katana Hilts and made Leather coverings over the handles of my field knives.

Here are some of the things I found useful in doing so:

Kiwi Mink oil it comes in a can you will find it by shoe polish I use it to supple and preserve the leather

rubber gloves...date a nurse they always have them lol seriously though easy to find. They are useful because  the Kiwi makes  the leather kind of slipery at first

Leather shoe strings these are great of  sewing up a solid piece of leather and tying off.


Suede scrap strips. And Smooth leather scrap, you can usually get these pretty cheap from a taxedermy shop or trophy shop.

Nylon waxed thread  and a leather needle you can find them on line try looking up TANDY Leather





For those that don't want to use an actuall animal hide because it goes agianst your beleifs there are plenty of nylon synthetics out there. They do not wear as good as real leather though

Here are some tips to keep the synthetics lasting longer:

Singe the edge of the material. The weave of the materials is usually like fabric under the skin. If it frays the thing will unravel like a knitted sweater. Use a long grill lighter  to quickly  seal were you cut the material.

rubber glue nor  pvc glue, pvc glue can sometimes  melt weaker plastics which is what alot of synthetic leather is.

I hope this helps