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Handles: Whose FEEL the best?
- Thread starter ptgdvc
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,348
I'm glad Gary mentioned Robbin Hudson on handles. (BTW, there is a VERY talented maker from PA who goes by the name of 'Rob Hudson' and is not the same. Make sure you know the differences. One is a MS, one isn't.)
Robbin gave a seminar at a hammer-in I attended and he talked of his octogonal handle design. He claimed the flats gave the knife 'registration' in the hand and was less apt to twist if your hands were slippery.
Notice the handle on Reggie Barker's winning rope cutting knife. Completely square and boxy--which I am dead certain was intentional for the very same reason. Hardly comfy. (Reggie fill us in ????)
Not to counter anyone's thoughts, but there is always something for everyone.
Lastly, the balance that Peter mentioned is a large factor in 'feel', and that is determined by a number of things that may have little to do with the handle. Right?
Good thread.
Coop
Robbin gave a seminar at a hammer-in I attended and he talked of his octogonal handle design. He claimed the flats gave the knife 'registration' in the hand and was less apt to twist if your hands were slippery.
Notice the handle on Reggie Barker's winning rope cutting knife. Completely square and boxy--which I am dead certain was intentional for the very same reason. Hardly comfy. (Reggie fill us in ????)
Not to counter anyone's thoughts, but there is always something for everyone.
Lastly, the balance that Peter mentioned is a large factor in 'feel', and that is determined by a number of things that may have little to do with the handle. Right?
Good thread.
Coop
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2003
- Messages
- 1,235
I am not sure I can attribute the title of "Best Feeling Handles" to any one maker. I have a Brett Gatlin Bowie with a wonderful ergonomic, palm filling contoured handle, a contoured and grooved Bowie from Shawn McIntyre, a utility from Dan Farr, all of which feel great and demonstrate the benefits of working the handle.
But equally I have some unworked stag carvers by other makers that seem to be perfect due to their proportions and gripping texture ....... Balance of the knife, and the size of your hand also play a big part in it aswell as the handle shape.
As an aside I am always surprised by how comfortable the angular handles can be such as those from Bailey Bradshaw, Hudson, and generic designs such as the Dog Bones, the angles give purchase and security in the hand.
Cheers,
Stephen
But equally I have some unworked stag carvers by other makers that seem to be perfect due to their proportions and gripping texture ....... Balance of the knife, and the size of your hand also play a big part in it aswell as the handle shape.
As an aside I am always surprised by how comfortable the angular handles can be such as those from Bailey Bradshaw, Hudson, and generic designs such as the Dog Bones, the angles give purchase and security in the hand.
Cheers,
Stephen
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2002
- Messages
- 13,348
SharpByCoop said:
I got to handle that competition cutter of Reggie's at Blade, and I can tell you that while it certainly looked square and blocky, the handle material was some form of synthetic material that had a bit of "give" to it - kind of formed up to the shape of your hand - so it certainly didn't feel blocky and definitely was quite comfortable.
There are indeed many different paths to a superb handle design.
Roger
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2001
- Messages
- 8,969
Ones I have handled that feel good in MY hand...
Craig Camerer: I have several and have handled many of the ones that have been through Danbo's grubby paws. His knives always seem to fit my hands perfectly.
Terry Primos: I have two and have handled others... again, has great ergos for MY hand.
I'd sure like to have a Fisk, Fowler, Foster and Farr to opine about.
Craig Camerer: I have several and have handled many of the ones that have been through Danbo's grubby paws. His knives always seem to fit my hands perfectly.
Terry Primos: I have two and have handled others... again, has great ergos for MY hand.
I'd sure like to have a Fisk, Fowler, Foster and Farr to opine about.