Jimping on blade handle but not for what you think

[texasflyfisher]

Lately, I have been really enjoying my slippes. The one thing I have been thinking of is to do some simple file work on the spine of each blade. On my fixed blades and locking folders I like having some jimping for my thumb to rest on and grip for that close up work. But my reason for having it on the spine of slipjoints is for an entirely different reason.

The reason has to do with my stupid fingers slipping off the back of the blade sometimes when closing it since the spines tend to be pretty smooth especially on the polished blades. I was wondering if adding some grooves in the spine might solve that problem as the thumb or whatever finger I use to close the blade would have something for the pad to dig into. Obviously, the location of the jimping would be different than with fixed or locking blades as it would have to be located at the point where you can more easily break the spring tension.

What do y'all think and does anyone else do this?

 

[RobbW]

I think it depends on your aesthetic sense. If you like jimping, by all means add it. If you don't, adjust your closing technique. I close all my slipjoints and lockblades one handed--by pushing the spine of the blade against my hip at the 3:00 position. No slipping fingers on the spine, no fingers in the way, ever. For me jimping would possibly wear on my pants. But if you like the look, I say go for it!

 

[siguy]

could could just rough up the spines a little with some sandpaper or a fine file. that would give you some more purchase without changing the looks of the knife much if at all.

if you like the looks of jimping, you could go ahead and do it probably with a fresh needle file. i would personally keep it small and simple, but that's my taste.

 

[flashlife]

... I close all my slipjoints and lockblades one handed--by pushing the spine of the blade against my hip at the 3:00 position. No slipping fingers on the spine, no fingers in the way, ever. ...

Most of my new knives are baptised in blood (mine !).
Seems they always find a way to nick or slice me before we're fully acquainted !
I recall using your "close on hip" method several years ago with my brand new Spydie Delica and wound up puncturing my butt on that pointy Spyderco blade tip. It went in about 1/4" and stung like crazy...ruined my pants too!

 

[RobbW]

Yeah, it's easier with a slipjoint. A lockback requires more technique, and more depends on the position of the lock. I guess you could say your Spyderco was a pain in the butt. Sorry.

 

[flashlife]

...I guess you could say your Spyderco was a pain in the butt. Sorry.

Exactly !!

 

[batosai117]

The jimping that you are talking about it actually on a lot of other knives as well. My SOG Tac Auto has that sort of jimping on the spine and it helps a lot when I'm closing it one handed. They also make great sparks when rubbed up with a fire-steel.

Good luck with the file work though, that's gonna take forever. I use a dremel, you can get a simple $20.00 one at wally world and just get some $4.00 cutting disks. Works out great and takes about 1/5 of the time as doing it by hand.