Handle Preference

[J Lensmire]

Which basic handle shape do you prefer?
Finger Groove or not?
Both blades are ~ 3” w/OAL 7”

 

[Dawkind]

No finger grooves

 

[Richard Coyle]

Second for the no finger grooves. Looks cleaner imo

 

[Jon Brand]

I like the finger grooves. Also that handle appears wider which I think would be more comfortable on such a thin knife (if you are not putting scales on the handles). Id think the straight one is too thin for comfortable cutting.

 

[J Lensmire]

The plan is to put thin micarta scales on handle.

 

[1911bphil]

I prefer the finger grooves out of the two you show. It appears to have a larger grip. Adding the micarta will be awesome in my opinion.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

I vote the one on the right. 2 reasons: 1) It will look different than most handles and thus be distinctive. 2) Looks more comfortable to hold.

 

[J Lensmire]

I forgot I had two siblings already with handles. Same green micarta one with SS pins other with Copper

 

[J. Doyle]

If you got rid of the finger grooves but kept that wider profile and same lines, it would be about right.

The other one looks too narrow and proportions seem off to me.

Finger grooves can be very limiting/restricting and seldom look good finished, IMO.

 

[Win Heger]

No finger grooves for me.

 

[black mamba]

No grooves and a slightly deeper handle. Better for a variety of grips.

 

[J Lensmire]

I agree with everyone about smooth handle. What’s off is the ratio between blade width and handle width. Handle is comfortable in my medium-large hand. It just looks off compared to blade. Either I keep handle and thin blade or keep blade and widen handle. On existing blades I’ll need to thin blade, but on new grinds, I’ll widen handle. Thx everyone

 

[oldmanwilly]

I like the finger grooves. Also that handle appears wider which I think would be more comfortable on such a thin knife (if you are not putting scales on the handles). Id think the straight one is too thin for comfortable cutting.

I agree with all the above points about the finger groove model. I will also add that the finger grooves do not appear super aggressive and are therefore likely to be perfectly comfortable in different grip orientations. Otherwise I'd vote strongly against the grooves.