Jimping

[Rhinoknives1]

I understand your perspective and respect the ability to do file work by hand. You guys are artists. However, I have had requests for genuine functional thumb or fore-finger traction on the spine of work knives. I'd love to have a serrated wheel for that.

Matt,
I do my functional thumb ramp jimping on hunters & camp blades with my Foredom Flex shaft hand drill and a few different carbide burrs.
I start shallow and move along to each one and then go back to even them up.
I use 1/16", & 1/8" and a 3mm carbide Burrs and all of this is done after hardening,Handling and my logo. You may find some 1-2" cutoff wheels that would work for what I think you want. Don't know where to get those.

 

[Drew Riley]

I mostly use a checkering file, but occasionally, I'll cut some half round grooves with a chainsaw file on either side of the checker to give some contrast. Not only that, but it actually enhances the grip that you get from a checkering file alone, IMO.

 

[tim37a]

Hey Chainring,
You and I are on the same page. All my skinning knives, backpacking knives, and hunting knives have jimping - takes about 2 hours/knife. I need a way to decrease that time. If you find a wheel, please let me know.
Tim

 

[AVigil]

I think jimping looks good some some knives but I really can not ever remember a time when it was actually needed. I just never had a problem with a finger or thumb slipping when put in the spine.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

I think jimping looks good some some knives but I really can not ever remember a time when it was actually needed. I just never had a problem with a finger or thumb slipping when put in the spine.

On a Hunter that's covered in blood it is beneficial safety tool.
Also I have reports from soldiers that it works well for field Combat & Jump/Chute knives when its dark as far as the user being able to index and feel exactly where their thumb or index finger is on the blades spine.

 

[james terrio]

I think jimping looks good some some knives but I really can not ever remember a time when it was actually needed. I just never had a problem with a finger or thumb slipping when put in the spine.

Agreed. I like to say, "I've been using knives for over 30 years and not once did I say to myself, 'boy I wish there was something sharp and rough here to give me a blister on my thumb.' "

Also I have reports from soldiers that it works well for field Combat & Jump/Chute knives when its dark as far as the user being able to index and feel exactly where their thumb or index finger is on the blades spine.

If someone has to fumble around with a digit to index their knife or tell where the handle ends and the blade begins, there's something seriously wrong with the handle design, and eventually they're going to get cut.

Having said all that, lots of people love jimping, so it's important to know at least one way to make it.

 

[rustyrazor]

I think jimping looks good some some knives but I really can not ever remember a time when it was actually needed. I just never had a problem with a finger or thumb slipping when put in the spine.

As pointed out by Rhinoknives1, there are situations where knives get slippery and gimping comes in super handy. blood, rain, wearing gloves and you'd be amazed how shitty your dexterity is when your hands are cold. these are the reasons i've decided on the large 1/8" Jimping on my blades... of course you don't "need" it most of the time, but its great when you do, and it does help you "choke up" somewhat.

P.S James.. I think it's the first time i've ever disagreed with you in 3 years on here, lol. I'll mark my calendar.