Anatomical handles?

nozh2002

nozh2002

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What do you think about anatomical handles? I am doing some experiments with handles (after I cut my finger by SOG S37 stabbing wood). First I made handle safe for stubbing, now I am trying to make it also usefull for other knife jobs. In general idea is to fill completely area inside fist for better force conduction from arm to blade, plus solid guard. So what do you think?
http://www.geocities.com/nozh2002/knife57eng.html
And this one the old one:
http://www.geocities.com/nozh2002/knife36_eng.html
Thanks, Vassili.
 
The micarta grip on my Bark River Woodland is one of the most ergonomically designed handles I've come across, at least for cutting purposes. Don't know how good it would be for stabbing but I don't use it for that. Another very good, secure grip is the hand-filling Kraton handle on the CS Master Hunter and SRK. These are excellent for cutting under adverse conditions such as cold, wet, slippery, etc.
 
The problem with ergonomic shapes on knife handles is that they usually support only one grip. If the task for that knife is always the same, it's a winner. If not, it can become mighty uncomfortable when held differently. As a former meat cutter, I used the boning knife in the sabre grip and the ice pick grip. The handle shape for Forschner boning knives with the plastic "Fibrox" handles was very comfortable in both grips. The more square shape of the same knife in rosewood would make your hand hurt after a day of work.

The best handle shape for my hand for a variety of grips and uses is the Randall Made Knives Border Patrol shape. I had a Model #5 in leather that was the most comfortable handle I've ever owned.

Bruce
 
Bruce,

Yes, an ergonomic handle might seem to support one grip, but the grip of the design might be needed more than your first impression.

For example, I just read an article on the Mercworx line of products in TK. (Okay, okay, not the best rag, but certainly a step up from 'Soldier of Fiction.' Follow me.)

The author (I believe Vancook) stated that when he picked up their 'chili pepper' grip, it appeared too bulbous. That is until he started aggressive cutting. Then the wider handle spread out the shock to his palm. His initial impression was not the best way to comment on a proper design enhancement.

I try to give the inventor a chance.
 
My only real problem with ergonomic grips is the size of the handle. It seems that the more ergonomic a handle gets, the more important it is that the grip be properly sized to the user's hand. I've tried some very ergonomic grips before, designed for larger hands than my own, and found them almost impossible to actually get a good grip on.
 
What is the ice pick grip?
I add five more pictures to my page with different grips.
Thanks, Vassili.
 
I love sculpted handles, but would have to handle one of your knives to get a feeling for the ergonomics of these handles. The style of sculpting that I like is more subtle than that which you do. More like what you see on the knife below.

attachment.php
 
to Vassili
"Ice-pick grip" -- knife`s handle is simply gripped into the fist with point down.
 
nozh2002 :

I am doing some experiments with handles ...
Click to expand...

Nice pictures, innovative design, looks very nice, such an individual fit is the way to go on custom knives to maximize performance.

-Cliff
 
I agree that an ergonomic handle may be used in several grips to good utility, but try to use one all day long, constantly, I mean over 8 hours. You'll find many ergonomic grips hurt like the dickens. I'm not saying the above handle is that way, I haven't tested it, but there are knives out there made to be used all day, in several grips, that are just very basic rounded plastic shapes and are very comfortable.

Bruce
 
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