Makers, what is your opinion in "Jimping"?

[Hengelo_77]

Here are two three-finger-knives i am working on.
I added (actualy removed) jimping where the index finger holds the handle to prefent the finger slipping on the edge and to let you feel blindly where the edge is.
I did round the jimping to prefent the finger from hurting.
A bit different then the other jimping in this discussion but still jimping and jimping with good reason imho

 

[javand]

Here are two three-finger-knives i am working on.
I added (actualy removed) jimping where the index finger holds the handle to prefent the finger slipping on the edge and to let you feel blindly where the edge is.
I did round the jimping to prefent the finger from hurting.
A bit different then the other jimping in this discussion but still jimping and jimping with good reason imho

This style looks much nicer on the hands, and while I still doubt it's efficacy for "adding grip", it's definitely a tasteful design flourish, as nice coining of tang or liners, or certain fine file work (which it essentially is). In fact, I personally would refer to this as coined.

The only way jimping works in adding grip, is if it creates larger surface and angles of contact. If it's recessed, it's doing very little of that IMO. However, I'm a huge fan of not arguing with placebo if it works.

You want to see something add real grip? Blast it with course media, or stipple it. Tang, handle, whatever. Here's an example from a couple years ago, the bolsters are textured similarly. It's not aggressive enough to cause hand wear, but it's beyond grippy. On the other hand, it wants to collect dirt, and has to be cleaned occasionally. IMO, it looks super nice also, sparkles in the light.

 

[HSC ///]

let me add to this debate, I mean body of knowledge..
this is a Howard Hitchmough slim hunter I own of a Loveless design.
I don't know that this jimping was part of the Loveless design or Hitchmough execution.

I've not used this knife as it's a collector piece but gripping on the jimping feels quite grabby in the thumb flesh and secure.
I've previously purchased knives for cutting tests, one made by a famous maker and MS and with thumb ramp and jimping and it was very uncomfortable during cutting.

Anyway, you asked for an opinion and mine is that in general, you should try to give your customer what he wants.
Provided it's within your capabilities to execute well and you have tested out the execution, in the case of the jimping/checkering or grippiness. I also think that because people come in different shapes and sizes, not all knives fit well into every customer's hands.
As a collector that's the primary thing I learned, that a knife in the hand can be very different than the pictures.

In other words, the execution of the jimping may not fit the user's hands as well as your own.

 

[jdm61]

Jimping serves the same purposes as weird Klingon looking G-10 and Micarta handle "texturing". It helps you grip the blade with your combat golf gloves when you have zombie blood up to your elbows But seriously< I think that you could argue that tasteful and conservative jumping/checkering does have arguably have a function on straight razors.

 

[A.McPherson]

Meh, I've never cut myself with my straight razor because I was slippery. It's all because I quit paying attention to what I was doing.
That said I do like the looks of jimping on razors...

 

[LCoop]

As a newbie and I've google it. What exactly do you consider "jimping" Is a vine file work jimping?

 

[Will52100]

I'm not a fan, the only sharp, non rounded and non smooth area I want on a knife is the cutting edge. That said, I have done it a few times per the customer's request, but on a knife I normally buff it so it's textured and smooth, not sharp. The one exception is a straight razor, I do like a good grip there for my fat fingers.

 

[Col Defender]

So what do you tell your customers it is? This is a very confusing post...

You do but you don't unless they ask but you tell em and then they do... but you normally don't?

Rick I just saw your post and you are absolutely right. Reading now what I posted weeks ago, I don't understand it either. Senior moment I guess. Sorry!

 

[kuraki]

Rick I just saw your post and you are absolutely right. Reading now what I posted weeks ago, I don't understand it either. Senior moment I guess. Sorry!

No I get it, because I run into it all the time with certain features.

Guy wants you to make him a knife but wants to look at some examples. You show him one with some jimping and he decides yeah he likes that jimmy stuff, put some jimmies on his jam knife. You show another one and yeah he likes the jamming ok but doesn't want it on his blade because he doesn't want to pay extra for the jinking.

Very few people come to me knowing exactly what they want. And if they do, it's mostly related to 1 single feature or material.