I have double feelings about the subhilt

[not so dull]

I have some doubts about the subhilt of Cold Steel's OSS I recently bought. Not used to that sort of thing. Should I amputate it?

 

[jbmonkey]

its your knife...so do what ya want to it.

I wouldn't.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I always wondered whether subhilts are useful or more ornamental, as well as finger rings on hilts. Seems to me both would limit your grip.

 

[not so dull]

I always wondered whether subhilts are useful or more ornamental, as well as finger rings on hilts. Seems to me both would limit your grip.

I haven't used the knife yet, only been holding it in my hand. I would say the subhilt improves the maneuverability of the knife. It also helps to catch the knife if it is falling out of your hand. These are the two pluses.
The minuses: the subhilt makes it harder to grab the knife quickly; if you wear gloves, it is even more problematic. It also limits the reverse grip to one side only: you have to squeeze your pinky into the subhilt — not very comfortable.

 

[David Mary]

Live with it and use it for a day or three. If something still nags at you, remove material from the subhilt first, before cutting it off completely. Round off any sharp edges, minimizes the space it takes, etc. See if you can find a happy medium that gives you the best of both trains of thought. If not, subhiltectomy.

Or sell the knife and find a maker willing to work with you to make exactly what you want.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

It would be a pretty easy thing to modify if you felt like doing it. I would probably just live with it or buy something that suits your needs, though.

I have a Marauder that I like OK. It's not great, and I would prefer it to not be a subhilt, but seems to perform exactly as designed. I prefer a knife to have more than one grip option.

 

[ferider]

Never really understood the purpose of a subhilt - for me, it feels like a perfect handle to injure myself. My limitation, I'm sure. Can somebody explain, please ?

 

[tltt]

Never really understood the purpose of a subhilt - for me, it feels like a perfect handle to injure myself. My limitation, I'm sure. Can somebody explain, please ?

It's supposed to help with the withdrawal from a stab in case you get hung up on things. Also, on a well designed one, it's supposed to line your wrist up in a straighter line with the point for more accurate and powerful stabs. It was also supposed to make it so that the knife was harder to twist out of the hand.

I can see and have felt the 2nd reason, there's merit to it. You'd have to ask someone more stabby about the other two .

 

[Drop bear]

I always wondered whether subhilts are useful or more ornamental, as well as finger rings on hilts. Seems to me both would limit your grip.

For grip while pulling. Which is s very specific knife use.

 

[POCEH KOCEB]

Never really understood the purpose of a subhilt - for me, it feels like a perfect handle to injure myself. My limitation, I'm sure. Can somebody explain, please ?

T tltt explained it already very well I think. It's an old concept, probably viable for those times. I don't think someone cares for it this days,
simply because knife fighting with such size blades and techniques isn't a thing anymore... With the time, developing of better steels, such knifes developed different,
more easy to withdraw blades geometry, and the curve around the pommel, over your pinkie, usually gives you enough grip to pull the blade out of the medium,
therefore eliminating the need of the subhilt.
I'd say - curio design, looks good and "nostalgic", more of a collectable item, than practical.
Applied to the folders, I looove my Sub-Hilt Vallotton, beautiful knife IMO, no wonder, considering the designer.

 

[ferider]

T tltt explained it already very well I think. It's an old concept, probably viable for those times. I don't think someone cares for it this days,
simply because knife fighting with such size blades and techniques isn't a thing anymore... With the time, developing of better steels, such knifes developed different,
more easy to withdraw blades geometry, and the curve around the pommel, over your pinkie, usually gives you enough grip to pull the blade out of the medium,
therefore eliminating the need of the subhilt.
I'd say - curio design, looks good and "nostalgic", more of a collectable item, than practical.
Applied to the folders, I looove my Sub-Hilt Vallotton, beautiful knife IMO, no wonder, considering the designer.

Thank you both for your explanation !

Love the Spyderco Vallotton, too, POCEH KOCEB !

 

[DocJD]

Should I amputate it?

Watch this first ! It has a purpose on this type of design :

 

[Bill Siegle]

Subhilts are pretty specific to combat style knives. They aid in gripping and removing the blade from sticky situations. The subhilt also acts as a trigger for back cuts and very fast direction changes. Not that they can’t be on a utility blade but IMHO they’re best left to fighter/combat style blades.

 

[Richard338]

Never really understood the purpose of a subhilt - for me, it feels like a perfect handle to injure myself. My limitation, I'm sure. Can somebody explain, please ?

I wouldn't grind this one off!

 

[TC]

A Big Bear Classic by Steve Voorhis in 5160. Feels very lively and sure in the hand, but is obviously built for one purpose only, as mentioned above.

 

[DocJD]

Watch this first ! It has a purpose on this type of design :

Make sense on a double edged fighting knife , IMO . I can feel the difference .

Gives you better feel and control . Faster and more precise movements . Especially using the top edge (normally the spine ) .

You do lose some grip options, but with a DE ,not critical IMO .

 

[jfk1110]

There's just something about a sub hilt.......Especially a Loveless....... I love carrying my. Cold Steel version and it definitely scares restless natives into submission

 

[POCEH KOCEB]

Love the Spyderco Vallotton, too, POCEH KOCEB !

Thank you Sir!, It was actually gift from my wife for a special occasion. Love everything designed by Buch Vallotton...
I'm glad they are other members here who appreciate the looks and purpose of those sub-hilts...
Definitely not an "EDC" knives...

 

[David Mary]

If I may jump back in, I think that it would be a real shame to see that subhilt get removed. That knife, without the subhilt, but the steel ring left from it, would be forever a black sheep, and all the grip benefit the subhilt provides would have been in fact not only removed, but reversed, given that the ring is slippery compared with the rubber. That being said, I do not like subhilts, and don't consider their impact on grip to be significant enough for their inclusion on any knife I'll make. There are other characteristics to enhance grip that I prefer, even if they don't impart the same function or particular efficacy as a subhilt does (and I prefer my knives to be more versatile; a subhilt limits versatility).

 

[jbmonkey]

If I may jump back in, I think that it would be a real shame to see that subhilt get removed. That knife, without the subhilt, but the steel ring left from it, would be forever a black sheep, and all the grip benefit the subhilt provides would have been in fact not only removed, but reversed, given that the ring is slippery compared with the rubber. That being said, I do not like subhilts, and don't consider their impact on grip to be significant enough for their inclusion on any knife I'll make. There are other characteristics to enhance grip that I prefer, even if they don't impart the same function or particular efficacy as a subhilt does (and I prefer my knives to be more versatile; a subhilt limits versatility).

David, the ops knife is a rubber/kraton ring or just smooth rubber handle part and rubber sub hilt piece. even the guard is kraton. I have this knife. pic make it hard to tell if you don't know this knife. otherwise your points are right on.