Angled pommels

Silver Needle

Silver Needle

Joined
Jul 14, 2014
Messages
5,802
As promised I have another handle question.

What is the benefit to angled pommels? Is it just for ergonomics while avoiding excess metal being used or unnecessary overall length?

If a pommel needs to be used to crush something or pound something with a straight down hammering motion or if you wanted to tap the pommel with a baton to drive the tip into something, wouldn't a flat pommel be easier?

Thanks for any thoughts!
 
I know, at least from my design stand point, that I try to angle my pommels enough that you can strike a surface with a more natural stroke and hit squarely. I often walk around the shop and randomly strike a board or something, just to see how even the jimping depressions are after hitting it. On my bigger knives, where striking doesn't seem safe or practical, I stretch the spine side a bit for a more angled pommel. This gives more usable handle for chopping and swinging without having your hand rubbing the back corner of the pommel.

I've seen all kinds of stuff out there and very often find myself trying to grasp what in the heck the designer was thinking. Sometimes I wonder if the person had some very specific, obscure task in mind that I'm not aware of. Other times I think they went for something because it looked what they perceived to be tough or cool.

Silver Needle said:
As promised I have another handle question.

What is the benefit to angled pommels? Is it just for ergonomics while avoiding excess metal being used or unnecessary overall length?

If a pommel needs to be used to crush something or pound something with a straight down hammering motion or if you wanted to tap the pommel with a baton to drive the tip into something, wouldn't a flat pommel be easier?

Thanks for any thoughts!
Click to expand...
 
SURVIVE! said:
I know, at least from my design stand point, that I try to angle my pommels enough that you can strike a surface with a more natural stroke and hit squarely. I often walk around the shop and randomly strike a board or something, just to see how even the jimping depressions are after hitting it. On my bigger knives, where striking doesn't seem safe or practical, I stretch the spine side a bit for a more angled pommel. This gives more usable handle for chopping and swinging without having your hand rubbing the back corner of the pommel.

I've seen all kinds of stuff out there and very often find myself trying to grasp what in the heck the designer was thinking. Sometimes I wonder if the person had some very specific, obscure task in mind that I'm not aware of. Other times I think they went for something because it looked what they perceived to be tough or cool.
Click to expand...

Whoa! There is the definitive answer. I knew there would be a good one, but didn't expect so quickly or at all from the man himself! Thank you, sir!

I agree, some designs are hard to figure out.


PS-Glad to hear you make it a point to randomly strike stuff :thumbup:
 
I guess I'm a bit confused when you say you 'stretch the spine side'

I'm guessing the handle scales are what your referencing bring longer and covering more of the extended pommel?
 
Sorry, the "stretching" is just how I see it in my head. My GSO-10 or GSO-12 versus any of my small and medium sized blades would be a good reference. The larger blades meant for swinging have a more angled pommel, as a result of me adding more length to the spine side, the portion where the heel of your hand rests. I'll cover all of the design aspects of each model in an upcoming series of videos.

Texas_toothpick said:
I guess I'm a bit confused when you say you 'stretch the spine side'

I'm guessing the handle scales are what your referencing bring longer and covering more of the extended pommel?
Click to expand...
 
AAAAWWWWWWWW..... GUUUUUUYYYYYYYY! YOU ARE IN TROUBLE! Ellie told us that you arent allowed to be on the computer! She is gonna be pissed.

Ellie must be out for drinks or something and Guy used my new 5.1 to cut the shackles that hold him to the sharpening bench. Dont worry bro... Im not upset, just resharpen it before you send it to me.
 
SURVIVE! said:
I know, at least from my design stand point, that I try to angle my pommels enough that you can strike a surface with a more natural stroke and hit squarely...
Click to expand...
I've never thought about the pommel angle, but am glad you did!
 
Love the answer because there is a thoughtful rationale behind it. Also, I'm extremely pumped for more videos. Thanks Guy!
 
The pommel on the current gso 10 is perfect. When holding it in your hand striking is straight down because of the angle of it. Very natural motion.
 
Bennieboo said:
The pommel on the current gso 10 is perfect. When holding it in your hand striking is straight down because of the angle of it. Very natural motion.
Click to expand...

Cool! The 10 seems to have the most extreme angle out of the GSO line, but I've never held or used one. Thanks!
 
Silver Needle said:
Whoa! There is the definitive answer. I knew there would be a good one, but didn't expect so quickly or at all from the man himself! Thank you, sir!

I agree, some designs are hard to figure out.


PS-Glad to hear you make it a point to randomly strike stuff :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Riz2530 said:
AAAAWWWWWWWW..... GUUUUUUYYYYYYYY! YOU ARE IN TROUBLE! Ellie told us that you arent allowed to be on the computer! She is gonna be pissed.

Ellie must be out for drinks or something and Guy used my new 5.1 to cut the shackles that hold him to the sharpening bench. Dont worry bro... Im not upset, just resharpen it before you send it to me.
Click to expand...

LOL :D

I admit, when i saw Guy respond directly, my first thought was, "WHOA!! Ellie must have left the shop if Guy managed to sneak on!" :)

Thanks for the laugh :thumbup: And thank you for the work, Guy, it does not go unappreciated.
 
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