Interesting Knife Measurements

[Vivi]

What I've started doing with my knives is measuring the distance from thumb to knife tip and from index finger to cutting edge. I've found a preference over the past year for small blades with handles designed to get you close to the cutting edge, but getting actual numbers makes for interesting comparisons. Conversely if you prefer maximum reach over blade control you will look for the opposite that I do in these measurements.

Key

TT - Thumb to Tip
HE - Hand to edge

All measurements in inches. Note some TT measurements will vary based on where the user places their thumb, which is relative to grip style and hand size.

Here are a few knives to compare


Spyderco Calypso 3 TT-2 3/4 HE-1/16

Spyderco Paramilitary TT-3 HE-1/16

Spyderco Centofante 3 TT-2 15/16 HE-1/4

Boker Trance CE TT-2 1/2 HE-3/8

Leatherman Wave TT-2 7/8 HE-3/8

Kershaw Skyline TT-3 HE-5/8

Kershaw Junkyard Dawg 2 TT-4 1/16 HE-1 1/8

Victorinox Soldier TT-2 3/8 HE-3/8

 

[Vorpal Blade]

I prefer a minimum distance from index finger to cutting edge. When using that portion of the blade closest to the handle, it allows for maximum control in delicate tasks and maximum leverage when exerting force; Such as sharpening tent pegs.

Thumb to tip measurement is largely a function of blade length. Shorter blades are undeniably easier to control when doing work near the tip. Longer blades obviously have other advantages.

Putting the index finger forward of the handle, on the choil, to get close to the cutting edge, is uncomfortable and unecessary when one could be gripping an ergonomic handle (e.g. Bark River Aurora). But some quality makers believe in a choil for extra strength at the handle/blade interface (e.g. Busse). I own some knives with relatively wide choils, being willing to put up with them to get other features I want.

In regard to the Leatherman Wave which I EDC, an index finger to cutting edge measurement of 3/8" is somewhat arbitrary, but probably realistic, given how slippery the handle is and the fact that there is nothing to prevent the hand sliding onto the blade.

 

[Vivi]

In regard to the Leatherman Wave which I EDC, an index finger to cutting edge measurement of 3/8" is somewhat arbitrary, but probably realistic, given how slippery the handle is and the fact that there is nothing to prevent the hand sliding onto the blade.

On that knife, the SAK soldier, Opinels and other knives with handles that aren't quite as specific as to where you put your fingers that will be the case. I just picked it up and gripped it in the most comfortable position and measured from there.

The choil VS handles designed with the edge right next to the grip is something I have been considering myself. What I have noticed since thinking about this is how few knives without choils are designed to get your hand right next to the cutting edge. It's something I've begun looking for and has kept me from buying certain knives.

 

[Vorpal Blade]

The choil VS handles designed with the edge right next to the grip is something I have been considering myself. What I have noticed since thinking about this is how few knives without choils are designed to get your hand right next to the cutting edge. It's something I've begun looking for and has kept me from buying certain knives.

Ditto. A wide choil has often prevented me from purchasing a knife I otherwise found attractive. But like you say, there are damn few choil free designs out there.