Coating a cord wrapped handle

I posted this over at "General", but maybe this is a more appropriate forum. Hope someone here has some good tips on cord wrapped handles. Thanks in advance.

I've played with various materials and styles of cord wraps (one or two of my own design, some imitations), but I'm stumped on the coatings and techniques used for applying a final coating. Is epoxy the preferred coat, and if so, what kind of epoxy is best and easiest to use? Are there more traditional coatings used today, and how do they compare to epoxies? Is laquer an option? Any suggestions on the actual application?
I've searched the tutorials and can't find any articles.
So many question -- answers/opinions please !!
Thanks all,
MtMike

MtMike:
Looks like no one is going to bite on this one.
Having made a few of these myself I might have some suggestions. When I made my wrapped cord survival knives back in the early 70's the need to withstand the riggors of Vietnam. They were medium sized 7 to 10 inch blades....drop or spear pointed knives....all metal handles ( air framed). The main problem was that the OD chute cord I used wanted to slip on the 1/4 inch handle. I solved this problem using a couple of wraps of nylon based carpet tape (good quality found at any carpet store). It is extremely sticky and holds the cord firmly in place. The first wrap has to be tight....as does the second wrap if you choose to wrap your knife twice. As for sealing the wrap....I used everything from watered down Elmers Glue to fast drying Crazy Glue. I eventually used a diluted down water proof poly coating...the same thing you would use on hard wood floors or boat decks. I found that once it was hard it provided a good grip and look at though nothing was applied. A couple of years ago I saw one of these knives at a gun show in Atlanta and the grip looked almost as good as it did when it was new.
I hope this has been some help.....If you have more question give me an e-mail.
Good luck
Jim

Thanks Jim -- I had a feeling that epoxy wasn't the only answer-- if your solution got thru the 'Nam weather it ought to do just fine here in the Colorado mountains. My guess is the poly should brush on easily and evenly, without the hassle of mixing and messing with epoxy. I'm also looking for a finish that doesn't "shine" like some epoxy finishes I've seen. Your "poly" coating sounds like it will do everything I'm looking for.
Steve Isbell is sending me some of his original work, one without coating, so I'll have a chance to try the poly-coat soon. I'll let you know how it turns out.
BTW, count me in as a mamber of your fan club -- that engraved bowie is a real beauty. I also add my request to see the rest of the knife!
MtMike
Pikes Peak Country