*Folder* Handles for leaning on?

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dogrunner

Joined
Dec 26, 2003
Messages
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Kind of a follow-up to JD's ergos thread.
If you have to do some hard cutting where you have to put some pressure on the cut, and your only tool is a folder (this is a much easier task for a good fixed blade handle), what folder has the most comfortable handle for this task?
Specifically I was cutting a horse stall mat and the tool that usually gets this job is a PM2 or a Mili (both because they have perfect blades for this job and because I always have one or the other on me). I am NOT asking about blade design or steel or whether this is even a good idea with a folder. I just want to know what existing folder has a handle that won't leave scale tracks in my palm when I push hard on it :)

I think something broader and with a backspacer rather than standoffs, and NO jimping. A bushcraft type handle comes to mind, but in a folder.
Curiosity more than anything.
 
Among current production Spydercos an FRN Stretch would be my first choice. And, since we're only judging handle comfort, the latest version of the C14 Rescue and the Atlantic Salt would be a close second. Still, if I had to do a lot of really heavy duty cutting, I'd dig around in my toy box for my Chinook 3.
 
For that sort of job I'd want aftermarket contoured Military scales. Make an already comfortable handle more ergo friendly and you got some real worker greatness there.
 
That is a valid question. It is one of the reasons I am not too certain about the move away from a back spacer on the Military. In answer to your question, probably the Stretch or a Native 5 G10. The backlock designs do not have any gaps or sharp corners like liner locks or frame locks tend to have. I have not used a Police 3, but it looks promising.
 
I agree with Paul that the Stretch is a pretty good candidate. Thinner grind than the pm2/millie will also help on something like horse stall mat. I've also found a little grease or vaseline on the blade makes a big difference when cutting materials that want to "pinch" the blade.
 
I would say anything in FRN because they have smooth backs.
 
Since I've pretty much made my M390 Military my recent main EDC choice I'm definitely going to lean in that direction. However I do have another full sized folder that I also find extremely dependable in rough jobs>> I'm speaking of my Sprint Run G-10 handled C-60 Ayoob model. There is just something astounding about the geometry of the blade and the convex belly it has for better and more accurate cutting.

One other I could put in that category is my old dependable JD Smith model. and the handle/scales on all three of these models are close to perfect comfort-wise for me. Not to mention they are all three designed for hard usage IMO.
 
I've found that the Manix 2 g10 has a more comfortable handle than the pm2. Also the added weight of the non skeletonized liners gives extra mass to back you up for harder cutting.
 
The original Manix and Mini Manix were pretty wide in the handle. Both FFG, and cut well too.
I've never had a Superleaf, but it seems like I remember reading here that it had a pretty wide handle, and also cuts well with it's FFG blade. Never had a Superleaf myself though.
 
42pixels said:
For that sort of job I'd want aftermarket contoured Military scales. Make an already comfortable handle more ergo friendly and you got some real worker greatness there.
Click to expand...

Interesting suggestions. This one would be very tempting, at some point if I had the funds for it. That way I preserve the blade shape too. I like the Manix and have admired the Stretch from a distance (don't have one), but neither has the point that the mili / PM2 have. I've put custom scales on a Mili and a Tuff, but never a backspacer and nothing particularly contoured so I have not experienced what any of these handles would feel like as solid structures. I've got Delicas and Enduras though, so it might be informative to try some pressure grips on those.
 
dogrunner said:
Interesting suggestions. This one would be very tempting, at some point if I had the funds for it. That way I preserve the blade shape too. I like the Manix and have admired the Stretch from a distance (don't have one), but neither has the point that the mili / PM2 have. I've put custom scales on a Mili and a Tuff, but never a backspacer and nothing particularly contoured so I have not experienced what any of these handles would feel like as solid structures. I've got Delicas and Enduras though, so it might be informative to try some pressure grips on those.
Click to expand...

This one does. Super simple mod.



 
Kershaw Junkyard Dog 2.2 Liner Lock Knife (3.75" Composite) 1725CB is a folder that I love for heavy-duty. It's pretty cheap at less than $90, if you can find it in stock. It's a great knife. Beats the heck out of a lot of very expensive folders.
 
for cutting through thick stuff, I'll typically lean towards a full or partially serrated fixed blade. I know you specified a folder, so I'll agree with the H1 Serrated salt
 
Delica and Stretch. Caly is nice, but a bit too much curve. It digs in my palm at the lock area.
 
jazzz said:
Delica and Stretch. Caly is nice, but a bit too much curve. It digs in my palm at the lock area.
Click to expand...

I have several Delicas, including the Kahr (shorter blade but more point) and a D3 (different shaped handle, but pointy blade), as well as Enduras. I'm going to test the handles on those and see how it feels. I was worried about the lock release (not so much releasing as being a "rough" spot), but I'll find out :)

SG - that is a cool blade mod on your Stretch. I like that a lot.
 
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