Getting a Grip

[Thirteenth Star]

Something that does not seem to be discussed often on this board is how well a knife fits into one's hand.

Today, for the first time in months I picked up my large size CRKT Crawford/Kasper Professional Model, and noticed that while holding the knife it did not feel as though I was indeed holding it. The knife fit so well in my hand, it felt as though the knife was an extension of my arm, rather than something I was consciously holding.

I think this is an important aspect of knives, as even a knife with a very rugged design and the latest "supersteel" isn't much good if one drops it and loses it because it could not be comfortably and easily gripped, or if simply it cannot be applied correctly to the task at hand because it cannot be firmly gripped. Isn't it an inexcusable shortcoming to build a knife of premiuim steel and rugged design if it isn't comfortable to hold? It's something like putting Sears shock absorbers on an Italian high performance sportscar.

There are various knives out there besides the CRKT C/W that look as though they're very easy to grip (Spyderco Native looks like another); however, most look to me to be very uninspired in terms of ergonomics. Perhaps manufacturers need to give this more attention.

 

[glockman99]

Two of the best-feeling folders that I've ever held are two of my Benchmades; My pair of 805's and my 551 Griptilian...Those feel like they were made for my hand, eventho' they both have totally different grips.

 

[Daniel Koster]

I don't really like how most folding knives fit in the hand.

Fixed blades, on the other hand.....there's plenty of people who talk up the "comfy-ness" of their handles....Bill Moran's AST-24 has about the nicest fit to my hand I've ever experienced. Same for Jay Hendrickson's bowie knives....love the handles.

Also, I guess a customized Opinel could be made to have a well-fitting handle...

 

[shootist16]

Blade-tech's Pro-hunter, which is an improved model of the large Spyderco Wegner, fits my hand like a glove.

I agree that more manufacturers/makers should spend more time on this aspect of the knife. Ergonomics are very important.

 

[Trout Tamer]

I'm glad this was mentioned. I find that, when considering a knife purchase, the most important factor in my decision is how the knife feels in my hand. I suppose the overall feel is due to a combination of factors, with handle ergonomics being key.

 

[DumboRAT]

I suppose the overall feel is due to a combination of factors, with handle ergonomics being key.

Agreed.

This is something I find to be highly subjective.

I know my preferences, and therefore look for those specific design parameters to be met on the knives I am considering.

Whether or not someone else with even my very same hand size, bone structure, and muscle arrangement/density will find the same knife in-question "comfortable" or "a good fit" is, unfortunately, something that I'm ill equipped to judge.



It's a bit akin to walking down the street asking what everyone you meet thinks is the best tasting dish.



I know what I like, and I can ask some questions to help others sort out what they might themselves likely find to be acceptable or outside that range. But aside from that, it's truly an issue of taking a test-drive with your planned purchase, to see how the knife fits you.

Allen
aka DumboRAT

 

[GarageBoy]

The KFF and the AFCK are the most egronomic folders I've ever handled. (well, in a standard grip)