loose grip wires

[johnnv]

Is there a place that offers professional restoration work on edge weapons such as tightening grip wires? Is this something that is easily done by the owner?

[georgecl]

Hi Jonnv,

I think these wires were held in place with a very small wooden wedge,
Placed in the hole with the ends of the wire.

if the wire isnt broken you should be able to replace this piece with a toothpick.
be sure not to push it in too tightly as you may crack the grip.


George

[Harvey A]

Something else to consider; if the grip is wooden, or has a wooden center, the wood frequently shrinks with age. This makes the wire loose, and the loose wire becomes an indication that the grip hasn't been monkeyed with.


Harvey

[Tiger 1]

Johnny,

Harvey is correct about the grips shrinking with age sometimes. Even the trolon ones will sometimes shrink a bit.

What type of dagger is it? Not all grip wires were pegged to hold them in place. Many were just bent into the hole in the grip and were held in place that way. Be very careful undoing and trying to 'tighten' up the wire as many times it has become somewhat brittle with age and is very easy to break it.

Something else to consider is location. If you live in a very dry area the grips will shrink after a while. Move that dagger to a more humid location after tightening up the wires and it may swell up again over time and break the wires.

Generally, the old adage of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it " seems to be appropriate here.

Just some thoughts,

Tony

[Larry Lipps]

Unless it's to the point of being a total distraction, I agree with Tony, don't mess with it.