The handle is a simple rope loop tied to the tops of each board which was standard on both my C2 and Infusion boards. The top of the dagger well is covered in carpet on the C2. I can see some wear from the up haul but it is pretty minor and I don't think it is an issue. One thing I have learned is to keep the boards well polished so they will slide up with little effort after you round the mark. I personally like hullkote but I hear a lot people use Pledge, as in wood polish in a spray can. I heard some people use Pam, the cooking spray but I would think that would be messy and would find its way onto everything.