Folder ergonomics

sykes3170

sykes3170

Joined
Feb 18, 2010
Messages
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What shape/size handle do you like on a folder? It may be easier to give an example of one particular knife. I'm just wondering if there is a general shape/size that is more appealing to the masses.
 
I think that wheather people like the knife or not, most can agree that the ergonomics on the spyderco military are awesome
 
Plus 1 on the military. When I open the knife the handle seems to just spin to the proper position in my grip. Close 2nd is the Endura 4.
 
A few of my faves are Spyderco Military, Kris, Delica and Emerson A-100 and Mini CQC-15.
 
Some of my favorite ergo knives that I've owned....

Para-Military
Large Bone Collector
Gerber EZ-Out (dont laugh...that early model felt great!):D

and the latest ergo King....

...the Emerson Mini CQC-15


Been wanting to try a Cold Steel American Lawman as it looks about perfectly ergonomically.
 
Kershaw Cyclone (large)
Benchmade Presidio (large)

Probably my 2 favourite handles out there, with the Presidio being in the 'lead' by a smidgen.

Not generally a big fan of handles with a finger groove cut for the index finger-only, like the Kershaw Shallot.
 
After handling 3D contoured G-10 and or Titanium I no longer like to carry flat G-10 folders.
Some I used to think were ergonomically friendly don't even compare to having something fill the hand properly.
 
I don't like the Military. I have large size hands but it is just too big. I had one for a day before I got rid of it as it didn't do anything for me.

I like a folder with a handle in the 4.5-4.75" range. It fills my hand well without too much handle and not too small so I only have 3 fingers on. Some of my favorites are the Rift, Stretch, Manix 2, Camillus Dominator, and my new Lionsteel SR-1. I have plenty of others but these see lots of carry.
 
Spyderco Sage. Beautifully sculpted handle shape; carbon fiber is just icing on the cake.
 
ZT 03xx including the 350 which I feel is even better. Spyderco millie/para, almost any EKI, JYD II, spec bump, and the CS american lawman.

The lawman without liners is extra good because of the rounded corners, it almost eliminates hot spots. Its grip lets you know its not going anywhere too, choked up or gripping the handle you simply know it not moving.
 
Gotta say, when it comes to ergonomics, I've never met an Emerson I haven't liked.
My CQC15 is my utility/go to knife and fits like it was made just for me.
My Mini-Commander feels truly miniature in comparison, but the open ended design of the rear of the handle means there is nothing to interfere with various grips and makes the reverse grip especially natural and secure.
And the feel of the Emerson Persian in hand is satisfying like few other knives.
Just ask Haze!

CP
 
Military
zt 0300
I also find my umnumzaan to be very comfortable in several hand positions.
 
sykes3170 said:
What shape/size handle do you like on a folder? It may be easier to give an example of one particular knife. I'm just wondering if there is a general shape/size that is more appealing to the masses.
Click to expand...

The handle on the Benchmade AFCK fits my hand better than any knife I have ever held.
 
I really liked a Strider SMF when I had one.

Out of Byrds the Robin has great ergos for such a small knife. I also like the egos on Byrd Crossbill.

Like many, I really dig the Emersons: CQC-10 and Horseman work very well for most of my holds but are a tad difficult with some detail work.


But to be fair, I've never held a folder that matches the ergos of a good fixed knife.
 
For small knives I find the Sage series feels great in the hand. For something larger the manix 2 is very well shaped.

For an unorthodox design I was incredibly impressed by the Cold Steel Spartan. It was very secure.

EDIT: Let's not forget Opinels. Incredibly comfortable for something so affordable.
 
There is never going to be a general shape that the masses love as everyone is different. We all have different tastes, some like slipjoints some small folders, big folders, MEGA folders. Some people have small hands, big hands and brock lesnar hands. The only thing you could do is make a poll with the top 5 knives in this thread and have everyone vote on them. That would be the closest thing you could do IMO.

For me though the Benchmade 615 Mini Rukus feels unbelievable. I love carrying that knife.
 
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