3M 310 safety tape is by far the best. Most skateboard tape uses bonded minerals for texture AKA sandpaper, and is really rough, grips ok, but the grit is harder than most metals and will scratch surfaces and tear up hands, also tough to change the texture. 310 tape is rough textured vinyl, grips as well as sandpaper, but is softer, so it won't scratch anything harder than vinyl rubber, and you can smooth it with sandpaper, or stipple/groove it with a soldering iron if you want a different texture, it can also be heated and reshaped to better fit complex curves. We used to have rolls of the stuff in the shop for platforms on handicap conversions and bucket or platform trucks, it held up in the weather far better than anything else. It is hard to find outside of pricey 60' rolls, but some hardware and auto parts stores have pre-cut strips of it for steps.
I used some of the tape that you use for boat treads on the front strap of my 1911. Stayed where I put it and it wasn't too rough on the hands.
I'm in love with the stuff. Anyone else use it? I've got my Geelock wrapped in it. And threw some on the stock of my Mossy 500. Anyone else.
I'm not a fan. It shreds my skin, can't be cleaned, and it's hard to apply it the exact same way between applications. I prefer a quality grip.
I do the same thing I have a 1911 that does not have checkering on the front strap.
I'll give you $450 and a sammich.
Now that's nice!!