MS-Paint CHOP >>> BOSS Street Choil Options

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Thanks Pink.... I am still around. I have been lurking mostly lately. I have needed to prioritize some other things and I was given some incentive to do so. Although, I miss chatting with certain people who I have enjoyed conversing with over the years. :thumbup:

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I can appreciate why some might need a sharpening choil - depends on your method for sharpening. I use a belt sander with both regular belts and leather belts..... I don't want the sharpening choil as I prefer the "Function" without one and I don't need the sharpening choil for my method of sharpening. :thumbup: But, at least the VERY small sharpening choil doesn't snag nearly as bad and doesn't give up so much otherwise VERY functional cutting edge. Still, I would rather not have it and still contend that it is VERY easy to add for those who do want it. 2-5 minutes with a Dremel or 10 - 20 minutes with a round file should be a VERY simple modification. And again, I still contend that both could be offered pretty easily. I would probably agree that the elf choil "Looks" nicer...


.... On that note and for that matter, all three could probably be offered. Elf choils for those who prefer aesthetics over function, collectors, etc. .... And the other two: "small choil" or "no choil" options (* with a bit narrower guard as well!!!) for users. :thumbup: . Personally, "IF" I have to choose between aesthetics and function, I will choose function for myself - EVERY TIME.


I know many will disagree, but quite honestly, there are MANY nicer "Looking" knives out there. I own some VERY fine (GORGEOUS!!!) customs that cost less than many comparable Busse knives. Yet, I own many Busse knives because of the quality of steel. I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that MOST Hogs (not so much including the safe queen collectors) appreciated Busse for the end all be all of "PERFORMANCE" provided. No doubt "Beauty" is in the eye of the beholder and EXTREMELY subjective. And while performance still seems to be "somewhat" subjective depending on different peoples preferences, ways of using, etc. - at least performance on many levels is a bit less subjective than looks. Ergos relevant to the large variety of different hand shapes and sizes is even another subject.... but not related to non-functioning choils. So, while Busse is still the reigning king for all out performance in "Steel" quality, I would think those of us interested in "Performance" would STILL strive for "Other" similar such details in knife "DESIGN" as well that maximize/optimize performance.

Sorry, but I "agree" with MM on this. The elf choils might look aesthetically pleasing, but in NO WAY are the elf choils better for function. While I keep saying I can appreciate why some might want a small one for sharpening purposes, I have yet to see ANYONE come up with a reasonable argument as to the "Functional" justification for the size of the "Elf" choils which are too small for the smallest fingers and WAY larger than needed for sharpening. Preferring an elf choil on aesthetics alone is fine - to each their own - their money and all... For me, performance DEFINITELY includes the amazing steels and quality heat treat provided by Busse. But, for me, performance SHOULD "ALSO" include optimizing EVERY other functional aspect of the knife including edge geometry, sharpness, ERGOS of the knife, etc.

When it comes to smaller knives, I tend to be much more particular about little details as every little 1/8" inch starts to be more and more relevant to function. Elf choils and oversized guards waste as much as 1/2" or MORE of what could be functional knife. From my experience, the elf choils are prone to snagging. And worse, the Elf choil can't be realistically modified to be fixed or improved. .... no doubt some will disagree - such is life.

But, that is my opinion and I am confident in my opinion as it applies to "MY" wants and needs..... - whatever that is worth.

I haven't commented on this yet because I try to be polite about other peoples speaking manner (in this case typing manner), but I think it's worth mentioning. Your posting style makes it very difficult for me to read from top to bottom. By putting a line break in between each sentence it makes it appear as though there is no cohesive thread running through the entire post. Rather than reading 3 or 4 opinions, It comes off as 50 individual statements that are not related.

I'm not saying you have to use the "thesis, supporting statements, conclusion" paragraph structure, but linking the sentences together by topic would make them a lot easier to read. If there is a specific reason for the formatting style, I apologize.


On the subject of design reasons for elf choils:
-It removes the likelihood of a dip forming from sharpening (where the edge starts to become recurved and that location is ground thinner by the sharpening stone). With a smaller sharpening choil, your stone still has the same problematic irregularity of pressure caused by the naturally tendencies of the sharpeners arm and hand motion at the end of the stroke. With an elf choil, the edge will be uniform from tip to choil and wear down evenly throughout the life of the blade.
-They function better as a lashing point than smaller sharpening choils. If you already have a lanyard through the talon hole or the rope/vine your using is to big to thread through the holes in the knife, you can lash it around the elf choil.
-They provide more room for "tired, shaky handed, weak grip" sharpening without banging your sharpening medium on the guard of the knife.
-It provides a (sorta) usable second point/corner for.... cornery... type tasks...

In reality I think it comes down to machining. it's easier to round out a larger choil than a tiny one during the finishing process.