Use of finger choils

CPP

CPP

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Simply, my question is this: is it necessary to choke up on a knife having a finger choil or not? This could vary from knife to knife. This thread is not about debating the merits of finger choils although I'm sure that may come up.

I have two knives, both Spydercos, that have finger choils, the Dragonfly II and the Sage 1. With the first, I would never hold it without having my forefinger in the choil and it wouldn't be usable, in my opinion, without doing so. The Sage can be used in a saber and hammer grip without using the choil but would increase the distance between cutting edge and the user's hand to the extent that I would never do so. Are there other folding knives–or smaller fixed blades–where it would be equally practical to use and not use the finger choil depending on the use of the knife?

My question is general to all knives but I do have a specific knife in mind, the CFK Peace Duke.
 
In general I use them on a large fixed blades and not often on a 4" or less fixed blade. If the Choil is intregal to the design, I obviously use it. Good examples are the Spyderco Kiwi 4 or Cold Steel Tuff Lite for folders. I noticed the other day sharpening a machete that I used the choil to hold it closer to the edge to sharpen part of the blade. Generally speaking I like choils, but don't make them too long on a shorter fixed blade or they look stupid.
 
I use my finger choils A LOT. Mostly to bear down while cutting something like carpet, extra thick plastics, etc. Sometime press cutting or tough slicing jobs. It really depends on the knife design though.
 
I'm so thankful for that feature I am starting to avoid knives that don't have them.

Zieg
 
I like folders that use a finger choil. I don't need a long blade but I like a long handle. If I can incorporate a little of the handle's length into the blade, it helps to make the folded knife shorter and easier to carry. Every little bit helps.

I also like that if there is some sort of failure of the locking mechanism, I have control of the blade... and I like the ability to control the blade directly. These last two things I really didn't notice until after carrying a choiled folder and then going back to non-choiled.
 
If I need finer control then a choil is very helpful, another instance is when I need more power in a push cut.

A choil of course sacrifices some edge but here is one maker's solution; the shape of the spine on the Mini Samaritan allows it to function like the Dauntless using the choil, it actually has more edge too.

Can't deny that a big handle aids leverage but I love the ease of carry with the smaller knife. Maximum utility in the smallest package is an design attribute I appreciate.
edd50e30d565e3fd32be9a0953349c68.jpg



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It would depend on the knife and the design.

Something like an SMF/SnG or an XM-18 have "finger choils" that are designed with absolute purpose and are a pleasure to use.

I am sure on some knives they don't feel as well designed?

Then there are knives where you really don't miss or feel like you could even really use a choil, like a Sebenza 21....

My opinion. It all comes down to the design of the knife. If you are going to add a finger choil, make sure it's really functional, and if you aren't, then make sure the ergonomics don't leave the user wanting one....
 
I feel the same, that choils have a use and offer advantages, but do you ever find yourselves using a knife that has a finger choil but not using that choil? From my limited use of knives with a finger choil it seems using the finger choil is more a rule than an exception. The two pictures below illustrate what I mean (conveniently on the knife I am interested in).
Without using the choil seems to be as viable an option on the Peace Duke as using it:
3383.75.JPG
 
Spyderco's signature 50/50 choil is really part of the handle design, which lets them get more grip area in a very compact space. I think it works brilliantly. On larger fixed blades with full-size handles, it can get in the way or be super necessary, depending on size. I find once a blade gets past 6" long, being able to choke up is a real feature.
 
A finger choil on the blade gives you more control of the knife and may be advantageous for more delicate work. Other than that, I see no usefulness of having a finger choil. For example, when breaking down cardboard boxes with my Manix 2, I wish it were without the choil.
 
My Buck Slimline has a finger choil which I use on finer work but I would've preferred it didn't have the choil and instead extend the blade further back. It's only a 3.25 inch blade but minus the choil the cutting edge is only 2.75. I don't think a blade that small needs a choil. Don't misunderstand though, I like the Slimline and using the choil is automatic, it's not like I curse it or anything, but a little longer cutting edge on that size of knife would've probably served better. No choil on my SAK, and that's the one that gets 95% of usage.
 
I generally like them wider then too narrow.

The 50/50 choil on the Spyderco Military, Para-Military 2, Manix 2 and Manix 2 XL are too small for me, so I don't use them. They are still great knives regardless.

They do work very well on Spyderco's smaller knives: The discontinued Caly Jr., Caly 3.5 and current Chaparral and Dragonfly work great.

The 50/50 choil that works the best for me is on the Cold Steel Voyagers. I don't find myself using them very much though.
 
I don't like finger choils... I'm always afraid that my finger will slip and I'll cut myself.


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I find i prefer not to use the choil on my domino but it definitely gets used when I'm using my caly 3. I wish more knife designs had a choil that work as well as the caly's does.
 
I find them very useful for some tasks and useless for others. For EDC tasks I use my Spyderco's most often because of the choil but when I go woods walking or camping or backpacking a simple Mora or other lightweight/compact tool works best. They do not lend themselves to great blade/handle ratios which is why (when I am being weight conscious) I occasionally prefer something else.
 
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