Opinions wanted

[Kloepper Knife Works]

So I've been sanding a knife that is the first version of "The Westin" and after working with my new revision for the last few days I find myself preferring parts of the original design that I changed based on feedback from people. One request I heard often was a choil so one could choke up on it for precise work. Before I share my thoughts I'd like to get your opinions on the original vs the new design.

Old version :

New version, this one is ground back to accommodate people who prefer ease of sharpening over choking up, for the others the edge stops about 1/4" forward of the point where the radius transitions to the flat:

 

[aarongough]

I think I prefer the new one actually. The smaller more angular choil on the older one looks a little jarring to me...

 

[samuraistuart]

I'm with Aaron....second one looks better. Not a big fan of the tang design, how it hooks down like that. But that may be a prying tool...and is meant to be there. Carry on!

 

[james terrio]

Are you trying to design a comfortable knife that performs well, or one that looks "tacticool"?

I'm concerned about the finger groove. It seems shallow and abrupt. When in doubt, make finger grooves wider rather than more narrow. No one wants a knife that pinches their finger.

As for the choil, the one in the second example is a waste of space. Either make it full-size to fit a large or gloved finger, or bring the edge back as close to the handle as possible - don't half-step it. That's the worst of both worlds.

A sharpening notch only needs to be 1/4" diameter at the very most. Putting a tiny notch behind the plunge as in the first pic accomplishes nothing at all... except probably hanging up on stuff.

 

[Kloepper Knife Works]

The hook on the back is actually to allow for a three finger grip with the pinky hanging off the back to make it a more effective chopping tool when needed. It actually works quite well, and does a good job of keeping it in your hand. It will not be exposed like the picture of the finished one, the exposed metal is a bit hard on the fingers even rounded over.

On the one that is ground to the radius, I plan to grind the forward edge of the radius to act as a single large serration for cutting rope and whatnot. It's not going to be for a choke up grip. In my hands the finger groove is quite comfortable, I'll have to see what people have to say once they hit the wild.

I think my biggest problem with the choil is that on a 5" blade it makes the overall knife seem unbalanced and like there is too much handle for the blade length.

Thanks for the comments, keep'em coming. I'm glad that the consensus is that the profile is moving in a positive direction from the original version. I guess I'm going to be drug along kicking and screaming.

 

[Kloepper Knife Works]

Here's what it looks like with a choil big enough to use.

 

[Frank Niro]

I see the choil as still being too small and as well so is that finger cut out. Certainly NOT a good design for a knife to be used and I'm sure it would not be a popular knife to sell. As well that hook on the back will be in the way on a hunter. Now as was mentioned, stay with all of the handle except for a bit more finger hole, change the blade shape, and you could have a super looking tactical, in my opinion. Frank

 

[Kloepper Knife Works]

Well crud, looks like I might be pulling out the endmills and making a small program to open up the spot for the index finger area.