Covered quillion or no?

[Infi-del]

Something runs through my head when shopping for a knife that would seem to be of little importance yet it's become one of the primary factors I look for in a knife. A covered guard or quillion. I see so many knives with uncovered finger guards so there must be a reason. Is it just cheaper and easier? Or does it serve a functional purpose? Any knife I've owned with an uncovered finger guard... I've disliked... or at least not preferred over one that does. Tends to create a hot spot on the side of my index finger in short order. Certainly nothing I'd want to work with all day long. Also seems to create a greater danger of your hand running up on the sharp edge were you to bump the tip of the knife or snag it on something... or even needed to thrust into something with the knife (like that one in a million happening when you need to get someone away or off of you in a defensive situation and all you have is your knife). What are the advantages to an uncovered finger guard? I seem to find only disadvantages... yet I see so many knives made this way.

Couple pics to illustrate... not promoting or speaking ill of this manufacturer... I'm just familiar with their line and using them as a visual example.

Covered...

Uncovered...

 

[TC]

Aesthetics? Makes the blade look visually longer (which is actually a potential drawback in places where there are legal blade length limits - as blade length is measured from the tip to the front edge of the handle).

 

[NG VI]

Aesthetics? Makes the blade look visually longer (which is actually a potential drawback in places where there are legal blade length limits - as blade length is measured from the tip to the front edge of the handle).

Yep, that's why the Kizer Baby is a 4" knife instead of a ~3.5"

 

[kobold]

If we are talking fixed blades, then yes, I agree, covered is more safe, comfortable and so more ergonomic. At the very least there should be some Jimping there.
In folders I can see how there is mostly no way around it.

 

[Infi-del]

Aesthetics? Makes the blade look visually longer (which is actually a potential drawback in places where there are legal blade length limits - as blade length is measured from the tip to the front edge of the handle).

Well I mean, if I'm the only one that experiences discomfort with these uncovered types of guards then it's likely just ME and down to personal preference... but it seems anyone that handles knives regularly... especially someone making them... would want the knife to handle comfortably long term. I've had really expensive custom knives that frankly hurt to use for very long. I'd much rather use something with no finger guard at all than something with an uncovered one... like say a traditional Mora.

 

[Infi-del]

If we are talking fixed blades, then yes, I agree, covered is more safe, comfortable and so more ergonomic. At the very least there should be some Jimping there.
In folders I can see how there is mostly no way around it.

Yes and no... I mean I understand some compromises have to be made with a folder... but my PM2 has plenty enough of a comfortable finger guard... and I never use the "finger choil" area to choke up on the knife.

 

[TC]

Well I mean, if I'm the only one that experiences discomfort with these uncovered types of guards then it's likely just ME and down to personal preference... but it seems anyone that handles knives regularly... especially someone making them... would want the knife to handle comfortably long term. I've had really expensive custom knives that frankly hurt to use for very long. I'd much rather use something with no finger guard at all than something with an uncovered one... like say a traditional Mora.

I think you make a valid point. But I also would bet that the vast majority of knives these days are bought over the internet - where all that "matters" is visual appeal to the potential buyer. I know I haven't in the past paid attention to the point you raise, but I will now. Probably not an absolute deal-breaker for me, but it will be weighed.