Received my JKM-1 today

[chutestrate]

Very nice knife. Had a little rust that will easily buff off. I find the handle to be a little to short. I can't get my whole hand on it. Is this by design?

 

[leebrewer]

I have 3 JKM-1s. The handles are small. My index finger rests on top of the handles and wraps around the rather large ricasso. I added Elk antler tip extensions to one of them. It covered up the markings. The other two I left the way they were. I've gotten used to using them this way. All of my smaller HI knives, 9" and below have small handles. I have no problem using them with index finger resting on the hibaki or handle. There has always been enough space between handle, cho, ricasso, blade. Before I started buying, I read every HI thread in the archives for 2 weeks. All is explained. Hope you still like it and take the time to practice cutting with it. The JKM-1 is a great tool you can count on.

 

[wildmike]

The handle is meant as a three finger handle. Proper grip is with the thumb and forefinger on the blade to guide it in fine tasks such as skining. Fantastic little knives.

 

[chutestrate]

Thank you for the replies. I came up with the conclusion that the short grip was to provide a space for guiding the knife through its various fuctions. I've been playing with it, and I think I like the grip type. I tend to grip my hunting knife the same way, so no big deal.

I'm looking forward to sharpening this knife to its potential. It came very sharp on its inner edge close to the handle, but not so sharp towards the curve of the blade.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

sounds like you have a real winner:thumbup: Congrats!

Like the others have said, it is meant to be gripped in a three finger type of hold. However, what some have done (myself included) is take a half round bastard file to the area of the blade just up from the tang slabs and make a choil. Remember, modding your knife to suit you needs is half the fun:thumbup:

 

[C.S. Graves]

I have no problem using them with index finger resting on the hibaki or handle. There has always been enough space between handle, cho, ricasso, blade.

This is what I've found with the smallest of my Kumar Kardas as well. I haven't really broken the knife in, but I imagine it could be a handy little beast when the need arises.