Grip...but maybe not in the way you're thinking

[jlauffer]

Recently provided some thoughts on the CS Code 4 and GoldenEye in the CS forum, and it got me thinking about this. Do makers generally take the grip required to pull a folder out of a pocket into account in the design? I mean you gotta get it out of your pocket to use it, and being able to do that easily is a good thing, right?

My experience so far is limited to a bunch of CS, and one CRK. I know fobs would be one solution in cases where there is an issue, but I don't use them, as I worry it may catch on something, and I'd rather not advertise.

The Grik has a piece opposite the clip that provides a great nub for the thumb to grab onto. Many other CS simply have enough texture in the scales themselves to provide great thumb traction.
View attachment 1448800

In the case of the GoldenEye Elite, the clip cutout and screw heads opposite the clip side provide something for the thumb to grab (ignore the other circled portion...recycled pic). But the Code 4 basically has nothing, which is disappointing (and one of the only reasons I like the GoldenEye a bit better). But it certainly looks "clean".

View attachment 1448801

 

[Centermass]

I’m sure it’s just one of those things where if they intentionally design it with strong retention in the pocket, people would complain it’s not easy enough to get out, and vice-versa. I personally doubt the minutia of pocket retention is very high on the list of considerations in knife design, as most manufacturers seem to be concerned with either maintaining a certain design aesthetic or focusing on ergonomics in hand and/or function of use.

 

[91bravo]

I believe makers take grip into account when designing a knife. Especially a folder, when blade to handle proportions are important. As for pocket clips, I think it’s just an after thought, since most of the R&D is in the actual knife itself. My hay penny’s worth...

 

[Danke42]

This knife for example considers the clip as part of the design. The little smooth oval is there so it's easy to remove.

 

[Centermass]

I mean, I understand manufacturers must include some thought into it, such as the Spyderco Hundred Pacer above. Other models of theirs (and other brands) have similar smooth spots intentionally placed directly under the clip contact point for that reason, and those are great to avoid pocket shredding with highly textured scales, and provide ease of removal as an added benefit. But as for tension, I doubt there’s much rhyme or reason to it, as it would be near impossible to engineer ideal clip tension for every possible thickness of of pants fabric. I certainly do appreciate it when companies think about end-user convenient stuff like that, I just think it’s probably not as highly considered as the other elements when it comes to making production knives in general. Heck, Benchmade has what, three or four different clips across their entire line (with only a couple model-specific ones)? All are pretty similar in function, regardless of the underlying handle material. Spyderco has two or three. Cold Steel’s, in my opinion, are almost always super strong, ugly as heck, model specific, and shaped so strangely that you have to use a different one for one side or the other. I’m not convinced that’s a result of super awesome forethought, but others might disagree.

 

[Dogdrawz]

Do makers generally take the grip required to pull a folder out of a pocket into account in the design?

Not that I've seen. This maybe the next marketing upgrade. Introducing (insert brand knife) w/ quick draw grip. Patent pending.

 

[HolyRoller]

Probably won't apply to the models you're talking about, but most CS folders I've owned have a very aggressive texturing. Good for grip, but grips the pocket too hard (and shreds it...).

My standard CS folder mod is to remove the pocket clip and sand down the texturing underneath. Still plenty of grip to the pocket, but improves the draw immensely.

Also saves my pockets.

 

[jlauffer]

Clip tension is a whole other issue, but I guess they are related. The tighter the clip, the better traction your fingers need to be able to pull the knife out. But even a knife with a loose clip can still be a pain to pull out if you can't get a good grip on it.

 

[DangerZone98]

Recently provided some thoughts on the CS Code 4 and GoldenEye in the CS forum, and it got me thinking about this. Do makers generally take the grip required to pull a folder out of a pocket into account in the design? I mean you gotta get it out of your pocket to use it, and being able to do that easily is a good thing, right?

My experience so far is limited to a bunch of CS, and one CRK. I know fobs would be one solution in cases where there is an issue, but I don't use them, as I worry it may catch on something, and I'd rather not advertise.

The Grik has a piece opposite the clip that provides a great nub for the thumb to grab onto. Many other CS simply have enough texture in the scales themselves to provide great thumb traction.
View attachment 1448800

In the case of the GoldenEye Elite, the clip cutout and screw heads opposite the clip side provide something for the thumb to grab (ignore the other circled portion...recycled pic). But the Code 4 basically has nothing, which is disappointing (and one of the only reasons I like the GoldenEye a bit better). But it certainly looks "clean".

View attachment 1448801

That’s what I like about G10. You grab onto it, it’s coming out of your pocket.

 

[DangerZone98]

While we’re talking about Cold Steel, lemme bring up the AK-47.

In addition to the excellent traction you get with the G10, there are also ridges in the middle of the scales which secure the thumb well. After that, you can wave the knife open or deploy it manually.

I’m also quite happy with Spyderco’s FRN/FRCP.