Jimping. Why?

O

Omega Leather Works

Joined
Jun 13, 2007
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Does anyone actually use the jimping on a folder? Honestly now.

What are you doing exactly that requires jimping?

I'm not judging, I'm honestly wondering because I've never ever needed it. Maybe I'm more of a slicer person and less a stabber?

:confused:
 
I've used jimping while cutting/stabbing/slicing, but I've yet to find that I missed it on knives that lacked it. For example, my BM 555 has plenty, while my Mini Barrage does not. I find both to be great knives, never noticed a lack of functionality with the Mini.
 
I don't really need it nor do I care if the next knife I buy has it or not. I have noticed though when breaking down some heavier duty boxes it helps from slipping and cutting your fingers which I have done. Or when you're outdoors doing any kind of wood prep it does help. It is also great when you have gloves on which I normally do in the winter when I'm outside doing anything. For normal edc type tasks gimping is more a want for some people, I'm sure others do have a use for it daily but I'm not one of those people. A swiss army knife suits my needs well most of the time.
 
When I make a bale at work I like one with jimping, otherwise I don't mind if there is any or not. I will say that the Spyder hole with jimping gives me excellent control for precision cuts
 
Whenever I play with wood, or something that requires lots of strength and control. For the most part, I like it because it makes the knife feels grippier since my hands tend to over sweat. Worst fear besides cutting my fingers off would be slipping forward on a knife.
 
Meh, I don't care for it, but I usually don't mind it either. I don't see much use for it, especially when combined with thumbs ramps and especially if stabbing something.
 
I would prefer to have jimping on most knives as it gives me more control over the knife. However if the knife has a flipper, I do not feel that it really needs jimping as the flipper is good at keeping my hand in place. And if a knife is going to have jimping, I would hope it is functional rather than cosmetic....
 
Hairlesstwinkie said:
Worst fear besides cutting my fingers off would be slipping forward on a knife.
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A pat on the back and imaginary chiclets sent to the first cave man that fashioned a guard on his blade. :D

Jimping can be very useful and very artistic.

DC
 
Okay, wood as a cutting media and precision work have been cited.

For wood, I still don't get it. First, if you're doing heavy work with your knife you're going to want a fixed blade, or better, a hatchet, saw or axe. If it's not heavy work, well, none of my woodworking knives have any jimping. In fact, they are all very smooth hardwood. Same goes for precision, although now that I think of it there is knurling on things like xacto knives so I guess that's something.

One of my edcs is a Contego and the thing is practically made entirely of jimping (joke) and I love it, I just don't get it.

Thumb ramps, choils, flippers and guards do serve a purpose, sometimes secondary, but those I get. ;)
 
You bring up a good point whether or not jimping is actually needed.
I personally don't buy a knife without jimping as I want my thumb to be secure. Now, is that just effective marketing, or is it something I actually need? I guess I couldn't say 100% for sure as I don't own a knife without it. I don't want to find out the hard way if it is needed!
I do know that I like good a good quality jimping. I acutually like my Rat 1 quite a bit, but the thing I can't stand about it is that the jimping is way too big and pointy. The jimping on the Delica/Endura line on the other hand is great!
The jimping on the Spyderco Dragonfly 2 gives it a much more secure feeling than the earlier Dragonfly line that didn't have the jimping. It allows much better control.
I guess for me, having a knife with jimping gives me peace of mind, and that's half the fun in owning a knife!
In reality what makes a knife secure in the hand is how well the handle is designed.
My 2 cents.
 
Doug C said:
A pat on the back and imaginary chiclets sent to the first cave man that fashioned a guard on his blade. :D

Jimping can be very useful and very artistic.

DC
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What Doug said.... I like it on my hunting knives. When it is done tastefully, it looks nice too
 
I especially like jimping on the top side of my blades where the blade and handle meet. Some of my fixed blades have jimping on the blade itself where it first protrudes form the handle. This is done to index my hand in the dark or slippery conditions. Several of my Randall's have this feature. Some guardless boot knives put jimping on the blade top and bottom of the blade to stop your hand from sliding forward causing slicing of your fingers. As far as a tactical folders placing jimping all over the handle I believe is more of the "tactical look" and a marketing ploy.
 
I like jimping as much as I like certain edges radiused - it shows extra attention to detail. However, like radiusing edges, jimping can be overdone.
 
To make knives more uncomfortable. I kid, I kid. Personally, the only time I've found it usefully was while wearing gloves. It gave me a higher degree of tactile feedback, which was quite welcome. Other than that I mostly find it annoying.
 
I fend off multiple attackers with my BM mini BC on a daily basis. I'm not gonna say the jimping makes the difference, but when faced with sword-wielding opponents, I'm sure glad it's there.

Prof.
 
It is ok with me when done right. On alot of knives it seems useless its not where i hold the knife. And it pisses me off when its extra sharp especially on flippers. But if its well placed and not ridiculously sharp i do like it.
 
Hairlesstwinkie said:
Whenever I play with wood, or something that requires lots of strength and control. For the most part, I like it because it makes the knife feels grippier since my hands tend to over sweat. Worst fear besides cutting my fingers off would be slipping forward on a knife.
Click to expand...
The same hre. The "jimping" comes in handy when you are wearing gloves and need to reorient your grasp on the knife.
 
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