Leather wrapped tanto knife handle

[Mungo]

An aquaintance has a tanto style knife that has a paracord wrapped handle that he would like to be replaced with leather. The knife is flat -ish the entire length with the crossguard and heel (back portion) being wider preventing the use of stacked leather washers. The knife is used often so the leather would need to be durable, not just decorative. I ‘ve never done anything like this and would not know where to start. Any ideas?

[fredk]

I would pack the grip with some veg tan leather, about 3-4mm, shaped and beveled, then wrap it all in leather thonging/lace, from hilt to guard

[AlZilla]

1 hour ago, fredk said:

I would pack the grip with some veg tan leather, about 3-4mm, shaped and beveled, then wrap it all in leather thonging/lace, from hilt to guard

How would you secure the lace? This is something I've thought about trying.

[chuck123wapati]

kangaroo lace wrap it  just like paracord.

[fredk]

I would tuck the start of the lace under the leather covering the scales, turn at right angle and start wrapping, using weatherproof PVA glue to hold. At the end, tuck the loose end under the lacing wrap, sticking with the w/p PVA, come up about 4 turns of the wrap. Takes a bit of dexterity to do it. I've done sword grips this way.