Handles That Work !!!!

pitdog

pitdog

Joined
Apr 13, 2007
Messages
12,294
I have more knives with poor handles than I have with good, but here are some of mine that I rate as having good handles. I prefer larger sized handles as I find some smaller ones feel ok at first but find them real uncomfy during prolonged use !
Anyway here are those that work for me.....

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What works for you ?
 
mora clipper has one of the most comfy handles I've used.. My f1 has a great handle as well.
 
Another vote on the Chopweiler,great handle...I like the G10 Orange scales on my RC3 & RC4 as well and my last choice,I really like my BRK&T Canadian special
 
I have found that it is really hard to judge how a handle will work from photos. You really have to hold it and work it before you know.
I really like the mudder handle on my SS4 but the micarta handle on my Rosarms Bayonet is the nicest production handle I have ever used. The birchbark handles Rosarms have are great as well but the bayonet is just perfect for my smaller hands in the same way as a classic 1911.
Here is my Bayonet on the left and the BirchBark handled Rescuer damascus ,second from the right.
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The leather handles are comfy as well but the birch bark have better grip ,are lighter and are just so neat.

Another knife with handles I really like are the stacked leather handles on the classic Ontario USMC knife I got from HornDog with his awesome edge work.
Here it is with a Desertjack with an OK handle. The DJ is versatile because you can choke back for chopping or forward for detail work. However it seems like a lot of wasted steel and weight added unnecessarily on the handle. The USMC is just perfect ,with the thick pieces of leather and the rings cut out it has just the perfect amount of feel and give.
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The second pattern FS dagger has the perfect handle. It is knurled ,perfectly balanced and so much better than the later ringed versions.
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I was really not sure about the square looking handle on the bowie I ordered but I was very happy with it even after some hard work. No grip issues or hot spots.
I guess these old style handles work surprisingly well.
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These two guys feel pretty awesome

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But this one is like getting a hand message when holding it

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This one works well also, but I'm thinking about fattening it up slightly by adding a stripped paracord wrap to that back part of the handle. Maybe the experiment for next weekend.

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I like the mircata on the RC-3 and RC-4. They are bomb-proof rugged and super grippy. A tad more thickness though wouldn't hurt. Then again that'd screw up the balance on these things so I'd keep them the same.
 
That's pretty much my primary criteria for knives that I keep anymore: comfy handles. All my remaining knives have such handles. Since I'm too lazy to post pics right now, I'll rattle off my best.
NWA forum knife
Mora 911
Schrade Sharpfinger
Koster Bushcraft
CRKT Bearclaw (rafting knife)

I also like the F1 handle (don't have one anymore, though), and my Swisstool spirit pliers are very comfy to use, compared to my old LM Wave. BTW, Pit, nice Grunt. Wish I had one in AUS8!
 
Most all of my knives feel good in my hand. I must have very adaptable mits. However I gotta agree that the Mora Clipper is tough to beat.
 
My Ratmandu was great, but I just sold it recently. :(
My barkies are pretty good, fox river and canadian special.
I really want a Helle futura, it looks pretty comfy, and breeden knives look
just about right for me as well.
I could not stand the F1 handle.
 
Liam Ryan said:
My Ratmandu was great, but I just sold it recently. :(
My barkies are pretty good, fox river and canadian special.
I really want a Helle futura, it looks pretty comfy, and breeden knives look
just about right for me as well.
I could not stand the F1 handle.
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A little off topic but I have to ask...why did ya sell the Ratmandu ?
 
pitdog said:
A little off topic but I have to ask...why did ya sell the Ratmandu ?
Click to expand...

It was a hard decision but I was downsizing the knives and realized my ideal blade length is 4-5 inches, the bigger blades are good if you only bring one with you but I am a trio kinda guy.
I also decided no new blades unless I sell old ones to fund them, and a few are calling my name.:p
 
Bryan Breeden and Kaleb Reynolds seem to dominate the "keepers" in my small accumulation of knives. Andy slipped one in on me and is threatening to get another one in with that Woodsman he is showing off. I have done a few handles myself that have proven very comfortable but their subtle details are influenced a lot by Bryan and Kaleb. I personally prefer a smooth handle, relying on the shape of the handle and balance of the knife to keep it from slipping from my fingers in a light grip or while repositioning between cuts, etc. It doesn't take much to make or break the handling properties of a handle and what sometimes seems like it would be great isn't. These are my favorites for good handling handles that are comfortable to work hard and very maneuverable in light work.

Breeden/Hamilton Compact Bushcraft II (CB02) my handle - I nailed this one!
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Breeden/Bear' CUB - like the end of a wheel-barrow handle:
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MMK PSK Bushcraft and PSK Pukko (not shown) incredible comfort and control for a three-finger handle:
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Fiddleback Bushcraft Jr. "It just feels right:"
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Breeden Peacemaker (not mine) basic, comfy:
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Breeden/Hamilton Compact Bushcraft I (CB02) my handle - almost perfect. Should have paid better attention to Kaleb's Bushcraft.
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MMK Bushcraft - probably THE best handle I have gotten my hands on:
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Bark River Canadian Special - weird-looking handle but unbelievably comfortable and versatile. Try it.
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Breeden Peacemaker, 5", 5/32", Spearpoint. This one is "getting there." It's a "work in progress." Almost perfect but I have a few more strategic passes to make with the files in a couple spots.
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As far as pure utility goes, the Kraton handles on my CS Master Hunter and SRK, along with the big Arctic birch handle on my Roselli erapukko and Carpenter.
 
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