Military handle ergonomics

[Cliff Stamp]

Am I the only one that finds the ergonomics of the handle a little off in regards to the liner lock release. I would prefer a more symmetric finger cutout on both sides of the blade (like the mini-AFCK, I would assume on the full size AFCK as well but I have not handled one). I realize that this would make the liner lock a lot harder to release but it would be a lot more comfortable to use. I do like the size of the handle on the Military though, 1/2" longer and it would be perfect.

-Cliff

 

[Jackal]

The large finger cut-out I believe is to make it easier to operate with gloves on. I'd like to see a Military with a 3 1/4" - 3 1/2" CPM440V / 420V blade. Now that I'd buy. -AR

------------------
- Intelligent men, unfortunately, learn from fools, more often than fools learn from intelligent men.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Cliff - I guess that is the difference is in design. The Native has a "double cutout" on both sides of the knife (Like the AFCK). It was very difficult to design the model so the middle finger didn't drop "up" into the handle too much or it changed the balance of the knife as well as the location of the sweet spot. To me, the AFCK is uncomfortable "choked up". It is most comfortable when the index finger is in the "double cutout". In this case, I beleive the handle is too far from the blade for precision cutting. Just a matter of opinion.

Jackyl - Being a knife designed for "tough working conditions", the entire knife was designed with gloves in mind. We do have a design for a 3" blade Military with a RL. Don't know when we could build it. Planning a "Concept Model" for opinion collecting at the Blade Show.
sal

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Sal, I can understand how complex it is to get the design correct and I can surely understand how different people wnat different things in their knife. I was just curious if I was the only one who felt cut-out was a bit off.

One thing I do like about all three Spyderco's I have used in terms of ergonomics (Military, Calypso Jr., old stye Endura) was little effect the clip has. I was concerned about the Calypso in this regard as it is so small I assumed that the clip would be awkward. However it curves in all the right places and I can barely feel it in my hand. This is drastically different from the mini-afck where I had to take a dremel to the clip and grind it out to match the finger groove.

-Cliff