Handle preference...?

[WEB2]

Do you like slab sided handles like the esee three? Or do you prefer a broom handle type like a bark river bravo? Or in between?

 

[marcinek]

Aren't Bravos handled using scales on a full, exposed tang? I.e., exactly the same as a ESEE 3?

 

[WEB2]

Yes but they are shaped a lot rounder like a broom handle

 

[bdmicarta]

I like a more oval handle like most Dozier fixed blades, but OTOH I do like my Blackjack fixed blade that looks like a Randall.

 

[Dacus_Nomadic]

I really like the slabs on the ESEEs, and the slabs on most tops knives. A little rounded, but comparatively flat.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Flattened oval. Best of both worlds.

 

[Rebel4ever]

I like the Hinderer style handles. They are tough as nails and have great grippy sensation. One side smooth while the other is textured on most models.

 

[link2derek]

Like everything in life... it depends. If I'm carrying a fixed blade concealed (and probably use it very little), I want a thin handle. If I'm carrying it on my belt for actual use in the field, then I want a full and comfortable handle.

 

[yakantosh]

Usually I would prefer something along the lines of what Forty Two described.

 

[EChoil]

I want a handle that is full in hand. I usually wear an XL glove.

The one handle that comes immediately to mind of all my knives is that of my recently purchased Gryphon M-10 fixed blade. Perfect in grip as well as feel. And it feels equally good in ALL grip positions.

For a folder I'd have to say the best grip is on my original Masters of Defense Trident---the ergos are perfect and it's inlaid with wingwalker tape. I like a folder handle with the flare-out toward the blade similar to the Al Mar SERE and some Emersons.

Bark Rivers are superb knives but the handles are too small and slick for me; the Esse a bit too square.

I have wrapped a lot of my fixed and necker handles in leather or paracord, sometimes laying a piece of cord longitudinally on the handle prior to the wrap if the handle is totally boxy. This comes out as "3-D machined" so to speak, giving varying dimension and palm curve to otherwise uncomfortable handles.

 

[noviomagus]

Nothing felt better than the Mora Companion , Mora #711, or a Bahco 2449.

I have had the BRKT Bravo 1 and 2 and the Aurora.
Bit too slick for my taste, though the roundings felt nice in the hand.

The Esee 3 handle ,feels too flat/thin en too short.
The ESEE 6 feels like holding a 2x4.
The ESEE 5 feels like holding a brick.
Of all the ESEE's the Izula II and the Junglas, felt most comfortable.
Though the Junglas has a bit too wide handle for my taste.

Higher price is not per se equal to better product.

So oval handle is ideal for me, not round though.
A little flatness at the sides is good or at least ok in a folder, but there should not be any sharp edges/corners on a knifehandle .
In a folder I like the handle, and blade, of the CS Talwar 4 inch.
Nice curved handle, but the CS Espada(medium, larger is not allowed here in the Netherlands) just felt a little too curved in the hand.
The handle of the CS Voyager Large I also like a lot.Actually the best of the CS folders. Nicely rounded and hand filling.
No agressive finger grooves .

When one needs to do some cutting with effort, one immediatly notices the importance of good handle ergonomics.