Handle question

MVF

MVF

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
2,811
Hi all,

I've been waiting for my budget to catch up with my wants before buying my next ESEE (I have an Izula). Meanwhile, I got a chance to handle an RC-4 at a B&M. I was really looking forward to picking up one of these considering all the good stuff I've read about them.

Unfortunately, the part of the handle that forms the guard seems to be right where my finger wants to be. On the other hand, the knife feels real comfortable if I choke up and use the choil, but the choil is just a bit too small and I would need to file down the trailing edge of the blade a bit.

So here's my question- did others feel that way and you get used to it?

My hands aren't that big- I EDC a Mini-grip and even though lots of people say the handle on that is too small, it fits me fine. It may just be how tight the radius is, but lots of people say how good the ergos are on these knives, so I was kind of surprised.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

TIA, Mike
 
MVF said:
Hi all,

I've been waiting for my budget to catch up with my wants before buying my next ESEE (I have an Izula). Meanwhile, I got a chance to handle an RC-4 at a B&M. I was really looking forward to picking up one of these considering all the good stuff I've read about them.

Unfortunately, the part of the handle that forms the guard seems to be right where my finger wants to be. On the other hand, the knife feels real comfortable if I choke up and use the choil, but the choil is just a bit too small and I would need to file down the trailing edge of the blade a bit.

So here's my question- did others feel that way and you get used to it?

My hands aren't that big- I EDC a Mini-grip and even though lots of people say the handle on that is too small, it fits me fine. It may just be how tight the radius is, but lots of people say how good the ergos are on these knives, so I was kind of surprised.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

TIA, Mike
Click to expand...

I have the exact same issue with my RC3-if I don't use the choil, I don't use the knife. I haven't found a way around it so it sits strapped to a spare pack. The HEST however, is perfect...
 
Thanks guys. I definitely plan on getting the 6, but I sure would like a 3 or 4 to go with it.

Please keep them coming!
 
I don’t always use the choil, but I do from time to time and have had no issues.

Generally, when I use the 3 or 4, I put my thumb on the jimping. Depending on your hands you might find the knife wants to “rotate” in your hand while you’re using the blade. Instead of choking up on the choice to stabilize it, I just use the jimping.

If you think a larger blade may be for you, check out my review of the ESEE-5 in the pass around sticky at the top of the forum. Also some mention of its performance against the 6.
 
I have a 5, HEST and Izula.

I usually sabre grip my knives, using my thumb for leverage and fine control, hammer grip only when really working perpendicular to the edge of the blade.

Sabre is VERY comfortable with the smaller knifes (HEST & Izzy) as well as the 5.
P7190001.JPG

P7190007.JPG


Hammer grip seems to need a longer handle for me as, while cutting, the moment of the knife is around the last knuckle on your index finger, requiring all your fingers to grip tightly to retain the blade. Sabre style places the heel of the knife against the meaty portion of your inner thumb.
P7190005.JPG
Hammer Grip
P7190002.JPG
Sabre grip

With my 5, if I need a lot of control, I'll choke up on the knife a lot, basically, grabbing the spine of the blade in a "monkey grip" [thumb along my index finger] for detailed point work, carving or notching, with the work between myself and the knife (looks sort of like how you might peel an apple)
P7190003.JPG
"Monkey Grip" Izzy
P7190008.JPG
"Monkey Grip" 5
P7190009.JPG
"Monkey Grip" 5, alternate view

Either way, it's all about comfort and personal style.
 
I was also worried about this when I first held the knife. However in use, it has

not once been an issue, and I have used my 4 very extensively. :thumbup:

I use the handle with and without choil.
 
I'm gonna have to try that monkey grip on my 5 for some fuzz sticking next time...I usually reach for the IZULA for that...but your pics make me want to try using the 5, thanks!
 
solocanoe said:
I'm gonna have to try that monkey grip on my 5 for some fuzz sticking next time...I usually reach for the IZULA for that...but your pics make me want to try using the 5, thanks!
Click to expand...

Be careful making fuzz/feather sticks with that hold... you may end up forcing the shavings into your hand if they don't curl just right.

I would use this for paring, whittling down or "beaver biting" stock for trap triggers or something, as well as pressing lateral cuts into stock to be chipped out later - like to make notches or something).

Give it a go, let us know how things work out!

I'm going to Tracker School Standard in August and taking both my HEST (stowaway) and RC5 - I think we spend several hours making feather sticks and stuff, so I'll get a good feel for how it works when it's all you have! :-)
 
Thanks guys, getting some good answers. For what it's worth, I don't have any trouble with my Izula- which is why I was so surprised by the 4. The 5 is heavier/thicker than I want (currently, anyway).
 
I've only had the 4 for a few weeks. It seems to me that I automatically use the choil without even thinking.
 
Tarditi,

thanks for that pictorial...
I thought it was informative...

I have med to large hands, and thought the same about the
4, but I actually find it fairly comfortable.

oct.
 
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