Thumb grooves... ?

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Apr 29, 2006
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I like em'. :thumbup: But most everyone has an opinion.

Yes, they can hold gunk (that includes moisture). Are tough to clean w/o a toothbrush or access to running water (camping and hunting). Also, if you are using your knife, for any length of time with some force, hotspots can be an issue on your digits. Aesthetically they can also break up the linear plane of the spine.

But... I like how they look if they are done right. Staggered and shallow are my preference. I have never had an issue with the hotspots but I don't use my knives to make a living either. They provide traction in wet/cold conditions especially with gloves. The texture also provides a landmark for the thumb/forefinger in lowlight (think camp chores by firelight or fish cleaning after sunset)

Thoughts?
 
I also like 'em! The first time I made a knife from a kit I did not include the thumb ramp grooves. It looked fine, but didn't feel right. Then I realized what was missing, grabbed my rotary tool, and a diamond bit. I didn't get them spaced evenly, but it feels great and I don't regret doing it.

Side question: Does Bark River have any models with spine grooves? If not, I'll bet that's no accident.
 
Most of my blades are used indoors these days. So weather isn' t really an issue in my particular case. I am a big fan of finger grooves cut into the spine. Most of my work is surrounded with oils, grease, lubes and solvents, not much food stuff. The grooves aid in a firm grip when I really have to bear down. The greasy stuff acts as a preservative for my blades! So all is needed is a quick wipe down between use. The appropriate spacing and depth of the cut will determine if prolonged use will "bite" the skin. The profile of the spine is a factor as well. A slightly rounded profile will cause less discomfort, whereas a squared off spine will probably irritate. You need to know what the blade will be used for. If you are an outdoorsman, a squared off profile will help to shave off wood slivers, strips off fire starting bars such as magnesium types and will make sparks fly a bit easier. I say get into the groove! :D

N.
 
Another one who likes them. Better grip, and I find that if they're done correctly, they can also make the knife look a bit better (but that's just my taste).
 
If they're done far enough up on the spine, they can also assist in really choking up on the knife--great for a better grip and more control. I own both a Ka-Bar Impact and Benchmade Activator that are more comfortable to grip that way than normal. Good stuff!

Also, on the Activator, the D2 has an almost blue-tint to it in the valley of each groove. I'm a detail guy--and I think that detail adds loads of character to the knife.
 
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