I really enjoyed reading this thread about the SK design process. I am probably in the minority here, but I like having both a finger choil as well as jimping on a knife this size if I am placed into a one knife situation. The reasons for this are exactly as stated elsewhere in the thread. I agree that balance and functionality should be right so that the choil adds to the fine work capabilities and has a purpose other than just reducing cutting surface and aesthetics. The jimping should not cause hot spots, but I like the added traction, especially in cold weather. I also agree that using a knife as a fire striker is never a good idea due to the potential for game over injury. Bics and Zippos are much better tools to start a fire, but using ferro rods with a striker is something I always have as a backup. If I loose the striker, I can always resort to using the edge of the knife to strike a fire, even though that might be inherently more hazardous than using the spine. I have knives with notches designed for ferro rods that I have never used. Seemed like a good idea for a backup when the spine will not strike a ferro rod, but practically I would hope that I never had to use it. If the spine will not strike a spark, a notch might be a feature as an option for those that want one. Here again, using a knife to strike a fire is a last resort for me in any situation.
I never have just one knife on me except under very rare situations such as being in a wedding, or when wearing a suite, but I also have a survival knife in my car if I were to slide off the road on the way home. But for me a survival knife should be designed such that it is a single knife solution. We don't plan survival situations, they just happen when we are doing other things.
I used to like them.. but after using them both.. knives with choils to do small work, and ferro rods.. and having some time behind them both.. Ive realized they are not that fun..
There is just nothing like using the right tool for the job.. and a choil only takes away valuable edge space that I like.. I prefer my knives to have the edge and sharpened edge all the way back to the handle, no choils.. Ive even see several knives that I otherwise liked.. but the maker did not offer choiles version, so I did not purchase.. Esp. when the choil is huge.. To me its just useless.. When I do small work, I want a small knife with an ergonomic handle..
Ive also started to hate handles that have that hump on the back.. They are just not as comfortable as a straight handle.. To me it started with HI knives at first, then with several other brands.. and I just find myself using the straight handle knives much more.. Esp. if Im doing something longer than 2 minutes.. For example, a HI Ang Khola vs. Becker bk9, I can use BK9 for much.. No, its not the weight issue, its the ridge in the middle and curved handle.
The same thing goes for ferro rods.. I had several very expensive ones, and if it gets a little soggy outside.. the only thing that lets me light a fire is a lighter.. and even at that it might be slightly difficult..Yes, this is why people carry tinder soaked in vaseline.. but to me thats cheating.. why bother? I use natural tinder.. and its a pain to light even with a $38 ferro rod.. So I just quit using them.. and went to lighters
The whole nonsense about lighter getting wet, is just that.. I blow it out with my breath for like 10 seconds and it work again.. Yes, even when the lighter falls deep in the water and stays there.. IT still works if you let it dry.. Besides, I always carry at least two..
So no choil for me definitely, and I could care less about ferro rod..
I do like that tiny choil for the sake of sharpening or cutting veggies on a board.. The ones on the LC are just fine to me..