Jimping Option

[scout1sg]

I haven't spent the time looking through all of the posting in the sub-forum but believe I seen some of the early GSOs come w/o jimping. Was this an option early on or just the way the first versions came? I've only handled a GSO 6 (another forum members) and my two GSO 5s I was fortunate enough to get in on last year on the last run and have 4 more on order (a couple starter orders, a CruForge 4.7 and a 5.1) all of which of course have the jimping and wouldn't have it any other way as they do a fantastic job on the jimping. I also understand the purpose but wondered if it would ever be a potential option on a pre-order in the future as it would be one less process on a few that select that option. Maybe Ellie or someone could chime in on this, thx!

 

[Flsurfer]

Would be cool to order without jimping too.

 

[hunterjrg]

I have a 4.1 without the jimping. I thought I read from Ellie that they did not sell very well.

 

[XtianAus]

Why is it people do not like jimping? I genuingly do not see the disadvantage of it

 

[scout1sg]

I have a 4.1 without the jimping. I thought I read from Ellie that they did not sell very well.

For the most part I agree, just assumed it would or could be a pre-order option since we are basically ordering it to our liking (to a degree of course), it's just one less step in the build/finishing process in my opinion. Wouldn't assume it would be a large batch of blades going un-jimped unless folks ordered and already paid for that option anyhow. I'm sure Guy and Ellie could add some insight hopefully.

 

[dogboye]

I used to be hard against jimping. But done well, it seems useful to me. The jimping on the S!K knives is the best I've run across, I believe. It gives just the right amount of grip, without being obnoxious. Also, at least on my 5.1, it is placed perfectly. It is rather far out front of the grip, so that it is where your thumb falls naturally when you are choked up in the choil. Otherwise, it is far enough forward that it doesn't get in the way of other grip methods, at least for me.

All that being said, I wouldn't turn up my nose at a jimpless S!K knife. But, after having felt it, if it was an option to add, I would add it to any S!K knife I bought. I just think it is better with it, and no downsides.

 

[hunterjrg]

Never mind

 

[chiral.grolim]

For the most part I agree, just assumed it would or could be a pre-order option since we are basically ordering it to our liking (to a degree of course), it's just one less step in the build/finishing process in my opinion. Wouldn't assume it would be a large batch of blades going un-jimped unless folks ordered and already paid for that option anyhow. I'm sure Guy and Ellie could add some insight hopefully.

AFAIK it is NOT "one less step", it is actually a bunch more steps to add or not add jimping. The jimping is not cut by hand like the ferro-notch, it is CNC'd into the original blank. In order to present a 'jimp-less' option, one needs to program the CNC with a jimp-less design, or in this case one needs to edit out all of the jimping already programmed into the system. One could do so and then run two separate programs on two separate batches of steel, but given S!K 's tendency to gauge customer interest via pre-orders, there would need to be enough customer interest to make it worth their while for any given model. Adding a 'jimp-less' model only increases the cost to S!K at this point. *shrug*

 

[scout1sg]

AFAIK it is NOT "one less step", it is actually a bunch more steps to add or not add jimping. The jimping is not cut by hand like the ferro-notch, it is CNC'd into the original blank. In order to present a 'jimp-less' option, one needs to program the CNC with a jimp-less design, or in this case one needs to edit out all of the jimping already programmed into the system. One could do so and then run two separate programs on two separate batches of steel, but given S!K 's tendency to gauge customer interest via pre-orders, there would need to be enough customer interest to make it worth their while for any given model. Adding a 'jimp-less' model only increases the cost to S!K at this point. *shrug*

I wouldn't believe that is entirely true, again this may be something Ellie or Guy could possibly shed some light on. Again this would only be a small batch (maybe more) and based on interest (not to mention a pre-order as we have already paid for the knife so wouldn't be a need to sell knives not enviable to customers as they have already been purchased). I'm not an engineering major or machinist but do realize the CNC process would need to tweaked slightly for this process but the blades are not casted in a fixed mold either per say. Gauging some early interest within this thread there is some credible interest in jimpless models.

 

[Psybull]

For what it's worth I have found that I personally prefer jimpless models for ferro rod use over the ferro notch on a jimped model and that sharp spine can be used to scrape wood 'fuzz' for tinder. For carving the jimping comes into its own and offers better control. The secondary market has offered a few jimpless models for sale, but still few and far between.
They are both good blades jimping or not whatever model, just another reason to own more than 1 gso!

 

[CataD]

I wouldn't believe that is entirely true, again this may be something Ellie or Guy could possibly shed some light on. Again this would only be a small batch (maybe more) and based on interest (not to mention a pre-order as we have already paid for the knife so wouldn't be a need to sell knives not enviable to customers as they have already been purchased). I'm not an engineering major or machinist but do realize the CNC process would need to tweaked slightly for this process but the blades are not casted in a fixed mold either per say. Gauging some early interest within this thread there is some credible interest in jimpless models.

Actually, Chiral seems to be correct as per Ellie's reply not too long ago - please refer to comment #11: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...(long-and-PIC-HEAVY!)?p=16000855#post16000855

"Part of the issue is that they are cut out in large batches so there would need to be two different programing files for the machining. The bigger part of why we don't offer a no jimping option is because people didn't really seem interested in it in the past. The GSO-4.1 without jimping was the only thing that ever seemed to stay in stock for any length of time. With the new finish that could change, but we would have to get a substantial amount of requests to add that as an option."

Hope it helps

 

[hunterjrg]

Actually, Chiral seems to be correct as per Ellie's reply not too long ago - please refer to comment #11: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...(long-and-PIC-HEAVY!)?p=16000855#post16000855

"Part of the issue is that they are cut out in large batches so there would need to be two different programing files for the machining. The bigger part of why we don't offer a no jimping option is because people didn't really seem interested in it in the past. The GSO-4.1 without jimping was the only thing that ever seemed to stay in stock for any length of time. With the new finish that could change, but we would have to get a substantial amount of requests to add that as an option."

Hope it helps

I thought I remembered reading that about the 4.1 jimpless. Seems people always want what they can't get.

 

[scout1sg]

Actually, Chiral seems to be correct as per Ellie's reply not too long ago - please refer to comment #11: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...(long-and-PIC-HEAVY!)?p=16000855#post16000855

"Part of the issue is that they are cut out in large batches so there would need to be two different programing files for the machining. The bigger part of why we don't offer a no jimping option is because people didn't really seem interested in it in the past. The GSO-4.1 without jimping was the only thing that ever seemed to stay in stock for any length of time. With the new finish that could change, but we would have to get a substantial amount of requests to add that as an option."

Hope it helps

Hey I appreciate that research, always assumed it would have to a separate or special pre-order batch. Oh I suppose I'll just have to bump up an order of two or three if ever offered. Didn't realize the effort or man power of cutting out ferro divots would be less costly than re-running the machining program. I suppose a tour at S!K would settle my curiosity (lol).

 

[Silver Needle]

Actually, Chiral seems to be correct as per Ellie's reply not too long ago - please refer to comment #11: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...(long-and-PIC-HEAVY!)?p=16000855#post16000855

"Part of the issue is that they are cut out in large batches so there would need to be two different programing files for the machining. The bigger part of why we don't offer a no jimping option is because people didn't really seem interested in it in the past. The GSO-4.1 without jimping was the only thing that ever seemed to stay in stock for any length of time. With the new finish that could change, but we would have to get a substantial amount of requests to add that as an option."

Hope it helps

Wow, single digit post count, but digging up the needed information. Way to go :thumbup:
You found the thread I was thinking of, but couldn't find it myself. That does pretty much sum it up.

Has anyone had their thumb slip off a knife that didn't have jimping on it? I'll admit that my thumbs are sissies, so if I have a stretch of time between woodworking excursions, my thumbs really feel it. My 3.5 doesn't have jimping and I've never felt like my thumb would even start to slip. Then again my hands weren't full of blood (like if I were skinning game) and I wasn't whittling in a downpour either.

I don't feel like I need jimping, but I wouldn't really complain about having it either.

 

[B34NS]

I'm probably partially responsible for squawking loud enough to ask for them, but I'm a fan of the result

 

[CataD]

Hey I appreciate that research, always assumed it would have to a separate or special pre-order batch. Oh I suppose I'll just have to bump up an order of two or three if ever offered. Didn't realize the effort or man power of cutting out ferro divots would be less costly than re-running the machining program. I suppose a tour at S!K would settle my curiosity (lol).

No worries, man.. Yeah, I remembered that the jimping issue has been discussed recently so thought would be useful to add the info here..

Cheers!

 

[CataD]

Wow, single digit post count, but digging up the needed information. Way to go :thumbup:
You found the thread I was thinking of, but couldn't find it myself. That does pretty much sum it up.

Has anyone had their thumb slip off a knife that didn't have jimping on it? I'll admit that my thumbs are sissies, so if I have a stretch of time between woodworking excursions, my thumbs really feel it. My 3.5 doesn't have jimping and I've never felt like my thumb would even start to slip. Then again my hands weren't full of blood (like if I were skinning game) and I wasn't whittling in a downpour either.

I don't feel like I need jimping, but I wouldn't really complain about having it either.

Thanks Silver! I don't comment too much, but I've pretty much read everything around here.. Just remembered that Ellie recently posted something on the subject; had to do a bit of digging

Cheers!
C

 

[Flsurfer]

I dont have any Jimping on my Junglas or Pro Brush Knife and I like them without it.
Prolly not needed for the 10 and 12 but wouldnt matter if it had it because I still want both.

 

[Hard Knocks]

I'm probably partially responsible for squawking loud enough to ask for them, but I'm a fan of the result

I'd be a fan of that, too. Awesome knife and picture man.

IME, I dislike jimping on hunting blades, but see some value in it for bushcraft blades. If I could choose, I'd certainly leave the jimping off. But then I spend much more time in pursuit of critters than I do bushcraft. I believe Guy made the right decision business-wise by adding it, and if it must be there, nobody does it better than Survive!

 

[SURVIVE! Ellie]

Seems people always want what they can't get.

If you ever doubt that, start a business.

Hey I appreciate that research, always assumed it would have to a separate or special pre-order batch. Oh I suppose I'll just have to bump up an order of two or three if ever offered. Didn't realize the effort or man power of cutting out ferro divots would be less costly than re-running the machining program. I suppose a tour at S!K would settle my curiosity (lol).

The ferro notches are something we do here, the jimping is not. So it is automatically easier. Although, we are phasing out ferro notches now that the blades have a sharpened spine. They aren't necessary, easy to replicate, and take Guy away from finishing and sharpening, so it was an easy decision.