Most comfortable handles (fixed blade)?

Daniel L

Daniel L

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 2, 1998
Messages
1,978
Hi all,

I'm putting together a little project and was interested in what you thought were some of the most comfortable handles out there for fixed blades. I'm looking at larger sized blades (like 7" +) and by comfort I'm talking about:

- minimises hand strain (esp during use)
- retention (doesn't slip around in use)
- feel in the hand... hard / soft / medium

I've got a HI WWII kukri - I found the buffalo handle too thin (and I started getting hand cramps). I'm not a big fan of kraton handles...

I'm still looking for my perfect handler! (I've got a Newt Livesay RTAK in the mail, so that will be interesting!)

Cheers from New Zealand,
 
Obviously what is a comfortable handle for one person may not be for another for obvious reasons. When you talk about big knives, you add an extra dimention to the problem because knife weight (after all some large knives are much heavier than others of the same over-all size). For example, the thick cord wrap feels real good on my light but high tech Aki machete, but would be completely inappropriate on a much heavier Livesay RCM which is otherwise about the same size.

Newt has a way with handles though. Let us know what you think of the RTAK
 
Mad Dog Knives:

tim_sealatak821_grip_s.jpg


Image linked without permission from Tim Tang's Mad Dog Knives - Taiwan web site.
 
I recently acquired an RJ Martin Vanguard Oddyssey. The handle is absolutely one of the most comfortable I have ever felt. It almost melts into the hand.

Photo from Les's site:

http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rmartin66.htm

In terms of big, hard use blades, I also like Busse's E-line. I think these grips offer good security and control, and I find them comfortable for prolonged use.
 
Hi Daniel

Drop me an e-mail. I may be coming your way over Christmas time.

Phil
 
Most comfortable: single finger grip of polished material. See the Mad DOk Knives handle above for an example! There are also great pics of such handles on Newt's site. Look at his HKR.

Comfort doesn't necessarily mean the best though. I think there are handles out there that would offer more retention than a polished single finger grip. You have to weigh the importance of your needs before buying.
 
I have been seriously looking at the "index finger" cutout style of handle as used by Mad Dog / Newt and others. You can also see the "semi-subhilt" as used the Trace Rinaldi's Armageddon... kinda similar principle.

What about the Camillus Beckers with the GV6H scales - how do they compare?

BTW - I have a Spyderco Moran which has lots of curves and fits my hand beautifully for small stuff!
 
I second Jerry Hossom's Handle style. THE most comfortable fixed blade handle I've used. No slip, fits my hand well.

Jer, I borrowed this pic from your site:D Thanks.
img53.jpg

The Millennium Zealot:D
 
Busse "E".

Bill Siegle Combat/Survival Knife.

Buck Nighthawk.
 
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