Choil

DarkPatriot

DarkPatriot

Joined
Aug 12, 2011
Messages
221
I was checking out knives today and got to handle a xm-24. Great knife but I like my 560 better :). I was just wondering was there any reason why the 560/561 didn't get a finger choil? Not a criticism but I'm just curious as to why zt chose to forego it. Thanks!
 
Someone might need to correct me on this but I remember something from when I was lurking around the forum somewhere. IIRC, the Hinderer choil is partially a result of the way they did the stop pin at the time which required the choil for it to work out. The 0560's design doesn't require that.

If that's wrong, then maybe it can just be attributed to the fact that it's a collaboration and not just Rick Hinderer telling them exactly how to do everything.
 
Cool, good to know. I don't think I've ever really used the choil on my knives that had it so I don't miss it.
 
In my opinion, choils come in handy for precision work, but mainly to balance the weight of the knife. Being able to choke up at the balance point minimizes wrist fatigue. If the handle is too heavy, you'll have to use more strength than necessary. If the blade is too heavy, then you'll need to handle whatever you're cutting with a lot more care. The current index circle on the 056X is already the center of mass (I can balance the knife at that point). An additional choil further up isn't worth the trade off for less cutting edge.
 
I asked Rick about it at the NYCKS, and he said the biggest reason they didn't include it was because they wanted it to be its own knife that stood on its own merit as a design, and not be too close of a knife to the XMs.
 
They do look pretty slick with one.
IMAG0193_zpsbc057f66.jpg
 
I end up using my skeletool cx for most of my precision work. I didn't even think about the balance. I could see it being left out to differentiate the 2. Seems like there were plenty of good reasons they left the choil out. Benchwarmer, if I'm not mistaken you changed the overall shape of the blade in addition to adding the choil, how is that working for you?
 
I'm loving it. I received it in a trade like that. The previous owner did all the mods. Although only speculation, I would think its a more comfortable pocket carry based on clip position and the dropped spine. I'll post a back side shot when I get a chance later.
 
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IMAG0194_zps67f2dcf3.jpg

I looked at some stock pictures and I think the dropped spine probably doesn't do anything to its position in the pocket. The only effect is less weight. Not sure if its a noticeable difference because I've never carried a stock 561. I am liking the choil though. It's a big knife and that little bit of choking up makes it feel like a smaller knife with a big ole blade.
 
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