What are the ridges on the back of a knife's spine for?

[johnnyKnives]

Some I can see look like decoration but others are clearly "ridged" for some use. Is that just to aid the user for not sliding too much when cutting, the grip? Thanks.

 

[Heiheit]

That is correct. The proper term is "jimping" or "gimping".

 

[unit]

Her pleasure.















Sorry could not resist. Some users enjoy a little added grip these provide.

 

[seniormcblade]

Some I can see look like decoration but others are clearly "ridged" for some use. Is that just to aid the user for not sliding too much when cutting, the grip? Thanks.

for resting your thumb on. yes its a aid.

 

[seniormcblade]

Her pleasure.















Sorry could not resist. Some users enjoy a little added grip these provide.

i was wrong that makes sense:thumbup:

 

[link2derek]

I have used mine to get a spark from a firesteel.

 

[MrPres]

Ya it's jimping, and it's for when you're choking up on your blade and you dig your thumb into it. It's for thumb grip. Many people won't buy a knife without it.

 

[RevDevil]

That is correct. The proper term is "jimping" or "gimping"

The first spelling is correct, the latter refers to taking pictures with a camera of othere while taking pictures with a camera.

 

[daoud]

And you wouldn't want to say "BRING OUT THE JIMP!" either!

 

[RevDevil]

And you wouldn't want to say "BRING OUT THE JIMP!" either!

Unless he had spinal gimping

 

[seniormcblade]

unless he had spinal gimping

lol. A gimp.:d:d

 

[MikeNope]

Firstly - funny, well done all. Secondly, jimping is usually a ramped section bridging between the handle and the start of the spine, where your thumb might naturally rest as you coke up toward the blade for crafting control.

I think johnnyKnives might be asking about the deep row of notches all along the spine on some "survival" knives:
http://3udbku1grxyaflo81itpgvt6-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/Rambo-II-knife.jpg

Often called "jimping" because the knife maker is aping other designs and doesn't know what it is for.

If the row all down the spine ever had a use it was most likely a "sword breaker" attempt. The deep notches catch and lock on to a blocked blade in a fight and then twisting the knife either strips the knife from the opponents hands or snaps their blade. You would need a very heavy blade and quite long to get leverage... not sure it could really work against a modern combat knife.

Once again - well done on the lols.

 

[Twindog]

Jimping is an admission of a design failure. It serves a purpose only on poorly designed knives. Otherwise, it's just there for marketing.

 

[danbot]

I think the OP got his answer 10 years ago.

 

[Danke42]

Re begun again have the jimping wars been.

 

[Henry Beige]

In case any of the zombies are still moving about:

On a Dadley, nobody is quite sure what they are for. On an Anza, they could be file teeth or file work.

 

[GIRLYmann]

on some knives, what
may seem like some decorative custom work on the back of the knife spine

may be more than j6st fancy wavy
hollowed indentations, but rather
for allowing some flexibility
or lateral stress relief.

 

[MikeNope]

1. Yes the OP got "an" answer.
Not the answer IMO. I found this thread when curious if anyone knew what those ridges were doing.
2. Nothing wrong with wavy notches for decoration. But they do not improve the performance of the blade. The missing metal just creates a focal point for stress tear propagation and so weaken the spine.
3.Some people like the jimp. Some like to keep a grasp of their own handle, some get right up all in there... a mans life choices are his own. Live and let live.

too late for a come back?