ESEE-6 Handle Shape

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FlatDarkEarth

Joined
Aug 18, 2009
Messages
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I dig knife handles that have that forward sweep as they approach the pommel. I've been wondering, though, is that shape only useful for chopping? Is it useful for anything else.

From just an ergonomic "I like it" standpoint, I wish there was something like that on an ESEE-3. I've considered attempting to make one myself (and may in the future, just for kicks). The 3 is such a great design, I don't know if it'd hurt more than it helped. Would a handle like that reduce the 3's usefulness for the kinds of chores it's great at?
 
The recurve pommel seems to work better on larger knives with longer handles and it would probably defeat the purpose of having a knife the size of the 3 or 4. The straight ambidextrous handles give good bushcraft grip options for knives of that size.
 
Knife handles that have the ergonomic recurves such as the ESEE 6 or other ESEE knives are designed to fit the hand's shape better as it grips. So the recurve shaped provides space for the fore finger and little finger to drop into the shape and improve the grip and comfort. That is all fundamental. The very straight handles on other knives (and other cutting tools like carving tools) are made that way for one of two reasons. probably the most common reason is it is the cheapest way to produce a handle and thus gets the product to market at a lower price. But some of the bushcraft knives, carving tools, etc have straight handles because it is more functional when you roll the tool around in your grip while performing a task. Many straight handles have a series of flats or ridges running the length of the handle which give the fingers purchase to roll the tool or knife while still cutting in a forward motion.

For camp chores and general outdoor work i cannot think of any chores that wouldn't be done well with the recurve, ergonomic shape most better knives have. If you are doing small carving type work then perhaps the straight handle shape would work better for you. Mike
 
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