Smooth handles?

[dtownknifekid]

I have been reading alot of reviews and watching a lot of youtube reviews an I've noticed a lot of people complaining about handles being too smooth/not aggressive enough, especially g-10 handles. The funny thing is I actually prefer smooth handles(like the Kulgera's G-10 and the mcusta MC'1's paper micarta) to agressively checkered handles. I can get a grip that is just fine on smooth handles, granted if the knife is used in a way where the handle regularly gets wet I'd prefer an agressively checkered handle, but for edc use I find that for some odd reason I prefer a smooth handle. Am I the only one or are there more people like me out there. What do you guys think? Smooth handles? Aggressive handles? Or do you have no preferance?

 

[joe-bob]

Having worked as a mechanic for a few decades, the smoother the better.

If you're going to be working with your bare hands for any length of time at all, why would something that's going to chew the skin off your hands be of any use at all?

 

[ExMachina]

I have been reading alot of reviews and watching a lot of youtube reviews an I've noticed a lot of people complaining about handles being too smooth/not aggressive enough, especially g-10 handles. The funny thing is I actually prefer smooth handles(like the Kulgera's G-10 and the mcusta MC'1's paper micarta) to agressively checkered handles. I can get a grip that is just fine on smooth handles, granted if the knife is used in a way where the handle regularly gets wet I'd prefer an agressively checkered handle, but for edc use I find that for some odd reason I prefer a smooth handle. Am I the only one or are there more people like me out there. What do you guys think? Smooth handles? Aggressive handles? Or do you have no preferance?

i LOVE the kulgera's handles--smooth on the pockets, yet the partially-exposed liner provides positive purchase on the knife in all conditions.

but back to the point of the post--yes, i agree that too many reviews equate smooth with slick. they're not the same and "smooth" g10 is plenty grippy when you need it to be.

 

[nozh2002]

After cutting 1/2" manila rope starting October 10 for 3200 times total with different knives I am absolutely positive that polished handles much better then handle with angles, checkered etc... Most terrible were tooth on the spine near the handle...

I found that smooth polished handle not only comfortable and does not injure my palm, but makes better contact with palm - kind of sticking effect, probably similar to what gekkos uses - that fingertip pattrern made by nature to make better contact and it work best with polished handle.

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[Reeek]

I'm growing more and more toward smoother scales too. I certainly want some grippy knives in my rotation but smooth is not a deal killer whatsoever and in many cases is a plus.

 

[firebert]

I too prefer smooth (wood) handles. Grip has most to do with handle geometry, not texture.

 

[cutter17]

I just polished the winewood handles I put on my 610 Rukus and have had no problems with any cutting chores I've used it on.

 

[65535]

For me as long as the handle is a decent shape and doesn't have needle points or sharp metal burrs or edges sticking out I have no issues, I have my SMF with checkered G-10 which is like a skin file to dead skin (had some peeling skin the other day and it brushed it right off) and it's comfy no matter how much I use it.

It's really personal preference, smooth handles are more pocketable though, and I love the look of Spyderco's smooth CF especially the Caly3.

 

[artmichalek]

I too prefer smooth (wood) handles. Grip has most to do with handle geometry, not texture.

Same here. I've seen a lot of knives, usually "tactical" folders, where checkering seems to have been added to compensate for poor ergonomics. A smooth handle won't slip if it fits your hand.

 

[Will Power]

Smooth dry

Textured wet

 

[Brutus013]

Well, as long as your hands stay dry and oil free, smooth works out fine. I have a few knives that are completely smooth, for instance a Sodbuster Jr. in black delrin, and they grip just fine as long as it's dry. I also have experience with even smooth metal, with just aesthetic marking, and it works fine.

 

[gazz98]

I'm over 6'7" and have a proportionate (sp?) sized hand. Considering I find most handles on the thin and short side and not ideally contoured for my size hand, I find a nicely textured FRN or G10 a great help. Nothing too extreme, I don't want to rip my hand or pockets, but the Spyderco Volcano grip is a favorite of mine (best example I can think of offhand).

 

[Grampa]

If you're going to be working with your bare hands for any length of time at all, why would something that's going to chew the skin off your hands be of any use at all?

Amen, brother! I just won't carry any knives with handles that are so rough or textured that they are going to rip my hands or give me blisters when I use them. Those "aggressively textured for sure grip" handles are for the Chairborne Ninja Rangers, IMHO!