Thumb ramps and jimping... I don't get it.

I like putting my thumb on top of the blade most times. I have greater control over it that way when cutting many things. Thumb ramps and jimping make it more secure(in placing) and more comfortable for me. Most jimping isn't that good as it doesn't go far enough out unless there is a thumb ramp.
 
I don't know about anybody else, but I don't spend a heck of a lot of time knife fighting in the streets...

I find jimping useful for utility purposes.
 
Cynic2701 said:
I don't know about anybody else, but I don't spend a heck of a lot of time knife fighting in the streets...

I find jimping useful for utility purposes.
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Agree.

Basically what I was trying to say before that one guy kept just telling me I was incorrect every time....one of those deals...

Is that any situation which requires traction, it IS, indisputably I would say; safer and more effective when things like jimping and choils are present to add some aggressive force to keep your hand off the blade, and in some situations give you more control.

I also stand by the thought that anyone who thinks it's 100% useless probably uses their knives for light tasks only, and wouldn't understand an area of task where choking up on a non-slip part of the blade is useful. (Not to mention if you're doing anything very precise with a blade, and you can't choke up securely, and/or aim the blade with a thumb or forefinger, your cut is going to suck... unless you have the world's best hand-eye co-ord.)

You're mileage won't vary.
 
Tim, carve 4 large feather sticks using with your thumb on top of your knife and tell me how your hand feels afterward.
 
Jimping is similar to serrations in my opinion. I saw a review of a knife a while back. the article said that the knife was quite sharp and cut well, but if you plan to cut manila rope, you should get the serrated version. Well, my response to that is that if you need to cut manila rope, you should get a sharper knife perhaps made from more abrasion resistant steel. Likewise, if you need jimping to improve grip, perhaps you should look at a different handle design.;)
 
dogstar said:
Tim, carve 4 large feather sticks using with your thumb on top of your knife and tell me how your hand feels afterward.
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Carve anything with your thumb on the back of your knife and tell me how you feel afterwards. Then use it to carve up some moleskin :p.

jdm61 said:
Jimping is similar to serrations in my opinion. I saw a review of a knife a while back. the article said that the knife was quite sharp and cut well, but if you plan to cut manila rope, you should get the serrated version. Well, my response to that is that if you need to cut manila rope, you should get a sharper knife perhaps made from more abrasion resistant steel. Likewise, if you need jimping to improve grip, perhaps you should look at a different handle design.;)
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Serrations can be useful, if they take up the entire knife and are used for steak. :thumbup:

Jimping has only a few uses beyond aesthetics, and is not a necessity for anything.
 
Only if you have an otherwise dull, cheap steak knife and nothing to sharpen with. :D
GWashington1732 said:
Carve anything with your thumb on the back of your knife and tell me how you feel afterwards. Then use it to carve up some moleskin :p.



Serrations can be useful, if they take up the entire knife and are used for steak. :thumbup:

Jimping has only a few uses beyond aesthetics, and is not a necessity for anything.
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jdm61 said:
Only if you have an otherwise dull, cheap steak knife and nothing to sharpen with. :D
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Ever try cutting a big old steak with a straight knife? You hit the ceramic plate and your edge is gone. :eek:

I suppose if you're careful that won't happen, but when I eat a steak, I attack that bad boy. :p
 
I like this thread. I think that same thing every time I hold my dad's Spyderco Endura. I don't give two buffalo nickels about jimping. I would definitely be willing to give all jimping up for lower knife prices.

The thumb ramp is really what bothers me. I've never used a grip like that in my life. For precisions cuts like with deer skinning, I put my index finger on the top of the blade (which I don't think you are even "supposed" to do if you are actually skilled with a knife). Thumb ramps annoy me because I can't do this with them in the way. For the most precise small cuts, I pinch the actual blade and just mainly use the tip of the knife. I guess thumb ramps are mainly thought to be safety features for stabbing people, but I've always wondered about that argument. I'm pretty sure the human body is fairly soft -- I've cut myself several times without EVER having to use a thumb ramp... I think most people (including me) haven't stabbed anyone and have this idea that a human body is made of titanium or oak wood.

I wonder what knife company first started putting thumb ramps on the blade??
 
dogstar said:
Tim, carve 4 large feather sticks using with your thumb on top of your knife and tell me how your hand feels afterward.
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I carry a lighter in my pocket and a pack of matches in case it fails.

I'll set a dried out tree on fire if my life is ever in the situation where even thinking about making something like a feather stick would be necessary.
 
GLDNDomer said:
I like this thread. I think that same thing every time I hold my dad's Spyderco Endura. I don't give two buffalo nickels about jimping. I would definitely be willing to give all jimping up for lower knife prices.

The thumb ramp is really what bothers me. I've never used a grip like that in my life. For precisions cuts like with deer skinning, I put my index finger on the top of the blade (which I don't think you are even "supposed" to do if you are actually skilled with a knife). Thumb ramps annoy me because I can't do this with them in the way. For the most precise small cuts, I pinch the actual blade and just mainly use the tip of the knife. I guess thumb ramps are mainly thought to be safety features for stabbing people, but I've always wondered about that argument. I'm pretty sure the human body is fairly soft -- I've cut myself several times without EVER having to use a thumb ramp... I think most people (including me) haven't stabbed anyone and have this idea that a human body is made of titanium or oak wood.

I wonder what knife company first started putting thumb ramps on the blade??
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I do exactly the same things you do when precision is required. I carved a spoon from a block of pine and found that jimping on my knife caused hot spots on my hand if I worked for over 30 minutes.

As for stabbing, the human body is soft, and can be penetrated without much force, but if the person is wearing body armor, is carrying a flask, zippo, etc. your hand might slip forward and get cut. To be honest, a life or death knife fight is one of the furthest things on my mind. If it came to that, I'd fight with my Vic classic if I had to.
 
When cutting strips of rubber and decals on a cutting board at work i hold my Delica 4 ffg like a pencil - with my index finger pressed directly into the jimping and it holds the blade nice and steady. Spyderco does jimping best but i like the jimping on my Strider PT too. I've never field dressed a deer but for pig my old Randall #25 with both jimping and finger choil does an excellant job. Jimping and choils are there to provide extra grip on a blade for when choking up on the knife blade and using it in a pencil hold or index hold - not for knife fighting. I like jimping but i have never used a knife with jimping for carving, whenever i carve with a knife i usually always use my Buck 301 or other slip joint. I'm pretty sure i could just as easily plunge a knife into someones belly with or without jimping - but i'm pretty sure i wouldnt need to anyhow because if going for my folder to defend myself, that means i've already emptied a clip of 9mm into the dude and if he's still coming after that i dont think i'm going to be able to put him down with the knife either - jimped or not...
 
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dogstar said:
CWL, I studied Okinawan Karate. The only thing I know about FMA is from the book "Modern Arnis" by Remy Presas. Not to discount what you said; I'm sure there are other styles and philosophies.

In the page titled "the grip," it reads: to grasp the arnis stick properly, hold it firmly as if shaking hands and fold your thumb on top of your first finger. Do not leave the thumb exposed on top of the stick, as this may cause injury.

The photo showing how not to hold the stick is exactly how a knife would be gripped using thumb ramp/jimping.
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So you flipped thru a book and that means everything I've learned is incorrect? How's that? You were looking at stick techniques, weren't you? When I studied Arnis, I did not put my thumb out, but then I was using the stick to block and make impact strikes which I would not do with a knife.

Here's a picture of Michael Janich holding a knife thumb forward, and countering someone holding his weapon "stick" style. I guess Michael must be wrong too.
foot-quad-2-web.jpg
 
CWL said:
So you flipped thru a book and that means everything I've learned is incorrect?
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Nope, never meant that. If you want to take it that way, I can't stop you. I accept that there are different philosophies and not one way is correct. I agree, if you want to fight someone with that grip, thumb ramps and jimping are the way to go. It's not for me, though.
 
I find jimping can be useful when dressing game or especially fish and the grip becomes excessively slippery, not that a well designed handle couldn't solve that problem. Or better yet a choil I can put my middle finger in and place my index down the spine of the blade. It annoys me to no end when carving.
I think for all you guys arguing about its use tactically, think about it, if you were to stab someone either you're going to do it right and hit something soft and it's not a problem, or you just threw a full-force stab that hit shallow bone and I seriously doubt any amount of jimping and nothing short of a gigantic thumb ramp (certain spydercos maybe?) is going to stop your hand from sliding forward. If you're honestly worried about getting into that kind of situation I say invest in some proper training instead of equipment that may or may not protect you when you make an uneducated split-second decision that involves your personal well being. :rolleyes:
 
Fat Goat Forge said:
It is possible to run out of ammo. It is possible to defend oneself with a knife. Regular practice would be a good idea.
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Sure, I guess practice is a good idea. It's certainly a better use of your time than watching tv. But remember, for combat to get down to knives, TWO guys have to run out of ammo. ;-)

As for jimping etc., knife buyers are an extremely trendy lot on whole, and Spyderco (which -- don't get me wrong -- makes fine knives) is masterful at capitalizing on modern knife knuts' "need" for the latest, greatest fad.
 
I have an older Russel fixed blade "Belt Knife" made in the early 60s I believe. It's a general purpose camp and trail knife, it can do some skinning. It has some jimping on the rear of the spine. Nothing aggressive, and had nothing to do with defensive use of the knife. Mostly it's there as some extra assurence against a thumb slipping when slicing downward on something.

I have an older Kershaw "Folding Field" model 1050 knife which also has some jimping along the rear of the spine. Serves about the same purpose, but also ornamental. Nothing "tactical" intended in it's purpose.

Jimping on knives, either fixed blade or folders, has been around for a good many years from what I have seen. There is more of it these days though and it doesn't always seem to serve a useful purpose on some knives other than ornament or to serve as a selling point. But this is not new either. There are a good many things about some knives that look less than useful to some of us here. Alot of it comes down to preference and taste.

tipoc
 
I find jimping only causes abrasion when actually using a knife. Handle design is what keeps the knife in your hand.
 
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hardheart said:
I find jimping only causes abrasion when actually using a knife. Handle design is what keeps the knife in your hand.
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This. In my opinion a well-designed handle should be secure in your hand even if made out of oiled glass.
 
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