Choil Purpose

I've always considered a choil to be a crutch for people who can't be bothered or are simply unable to line their plunge lines up.

Flame suit on.
 
James_Terrio said:
Since I'm playing devil's advocate, I'll explain why I hate the things. I'm not trying to start a fight, just offering the other side of the story. It's just my $.02, and worth every penny you paid for it. Gosh, I love that line...

For the sake of argument, I'll presume we're talking about hunter/utility size knives.

Choke up on the blade... I much prefer a knife with an unobtrusive guard (if any) and a short ricasso, to make the most of every inch of blade. From peeling apples to skinning a mouse, I've not had a problem getting close to my work that way. Nor have I ever had a problem gripping the spine between thumb and fingers for close work, while still keeping my tender digits away from the "ouch" part. I have never understood the concept of putting my finger directly against the edge.

Ease of sharpening... so instead of a millimeter or two of plunge that's not sharp, I now have a big ol' divot behind the edge for things to catch on? Nice. And oh yeah, now I can put my finger right there and, well, see above.

I made a couple knives with small, 1/4" radius choils intended to be used to scrape sparks off a ferro-rod. But I came to the conclusion that they interfere with smooth cutting, and sparks can be made just as easily with a nice square spine.

Design factor... I often wonder if big choils are just an excuse to use the Dremel or Foredom tool and make the knife look "cool". No offense to anyone who makes them or uses them. It's just not my preference.

Structurally... I doubt it hurts any unless it's really extreme. It's not like a sharp inside corner that would be a stress-riser. But it sure doesn't help to remove steel unnecessarily in the area that's going to receive the most stress if someone batons the blade through wood or a sternum. (yeah, I'm probably over-paranoid about that kind of thing, I admit it openly.)

Thanks for letting me rant. :o
Click to expand...


Man, you nailed it. The choil is a design flaw. Writing more after JT's perfect post is unnecessary.
 
I think I only like a very small choil (2 mm) at the plunge line, like in the Skyline or Fallkniven F1. It just makes it slightly easier during sharpening. When I sharpen my Enzo Trapper I sometimes scrape the edge of my bench stones at the plunge line. However modifying the plunge line a bit can also prevents this.
For the rest I fully agree with James_Terrio
 
BigUglyMan said:
I've always considered a choil to be a crutch for people who can't be bothered or are simply unable to line their plunge lines up.

Flame suit on.
Click to expand...


........Inappropriate Link Removed .......

lol
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I'll let it run, as the subject is constant. Unless someone has new input, it is just best to let it roll of then page again.

Redd1981 - Posting silly videos is not smart or allowed. I removed the link.
 
Honestly the best feature of choils on folders is finger protection if the blade closes.
 
Threadsurrection!

Funny, I just made a custom skinner for a guy with a sizable "choil" for the index finger.
skinner by AR Custom Knives (Andrew Riley), on Flickr

I don't necessarily like them on every knife, nor do I like the "baby finger choils" where I feel like I might circumcise my finger if I ever choke up on it. That said, I think that can and do have their place, and there are good, and not so good, ways to implement them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top