Handles for Hard-Use Big Blades, Your Preferences?

[Marion David Poff]

Good Day,

What sort of Handle Material do you like for Hard-Use Big Blades? Any materials you do not like? And why?

What sort of Handle Texture do you find preferable?

What sort of Handle Shape do you find preferable? Single finger index? Finger swell? Contoured like Lamey?

Any thoughts on a Japanese cord wrap on a large knife? Strider wrap?

And finally..... How much protection against thrusts do you think is necessary?

------------------
Thank you,
Marion David Poff aka Eye mdpoff@hotmail.com

My website, guided links, talonite/cobalt alloy info, etc....
http://www.geocities.com/mdpoff

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[V Shrake]

For me, the material isn't really important, so long as it LASTS. I find that exture (or, rather, the lack of it) is more important. Both of my "big blades" have buffalo horn handles, smooth and with no finger grooves or the like. My khukuri has the tradional ring, and the bowie, which I modified from a Filipino bolo, has a sort of birdshead pommel, and an integral guard to keep your hand from riding up. My Campanion has basically a composite of these two handles, though done in a MUCH more modern material. For me, I want a chopping knife's handle to not be abrasive, first and foremost, while the design still permits good, safe handling. I've never tried Micarta, but it looks nice, and from what I've read, it has about the qualities I look for. Most of my other knives are leather washer handled, wood, or plastic. But those are all more or less "utility" knives, instead of hard choppers. And I count my Campanion as a "chopper", despite its short blade.

 

[Josh Wilson]

What do you guys think of leather handles (like on the KaBar)? How do they stand up after years of use in the elements? How much care (oiling etc) do they need?

 

[tknife]

My favorite is Micarta. I like a chunky handle with a good sandblast for grip. Fills the hand well, absorbs a decent amount of shock, stands up to weather extremes. I've found both TOPS and Newt Livesay knives have some of the best designed and comfortable MIcarta scales.