What pattern is most comfortable in the hand?

Big Dave

Big Dave

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 18, 1998
Messages
548
Hi,

One thing I admire about Ken Onion's work is how well he thinks though the ergonomics.

I was wondering what traditional folder patterns are the most ergonomic? What pattern really fits your hand well for those everyday task like opening mail / cutting boxes, etc.

The swayback looks like it would be real comfy but I've never held one.

Thanks,
Dave
 
I find large trappers and related patterns to be very comfortable.
 
I have to agree with Blues that a Trapper is my personal choice of comfort...

Sunburst
 
Not really traditional, but one of my favorite knives to handle is my Spyderco Native. It just handles really well. As far as slippies go I like my stockman patterns and my single blade slimline trapper. I've also been impressed at how nice a congress rests in your hand when cutting. The sway in that pattern is really ergonomic.
 
The Schrade Old Timer 61OT. It has an extra-slender exgerated serpentine shape that fits my hands very well.

61OT.jpg
 
You're right... a swayback is a very comfortable pattern. Another one I was surprised to like the feel of so much is a Congress.

Mike
 
I find single blade trappers to be easy on the hand. I've got a swayback on order and am anxious to see how that feels.
 
I think the saddlehorn, especially the single blade version, ranks pretty high on the hand comfort scale.

IMG_1876_2_2.jpg
 
I have to agree with Rob,this particular style of trapper handle allows the hand to really grip nicely.Nice Joe Allen knife Rob !

PS then again,a swayback is pretty comfy,too.My most comfortable slip for me,has to be my Lanny's Clip by Tony Bose.
-Vince
 
not a traditional american pattern, but i love opinel handles.

my beef with alot of layer folders is that the handles feel very boxy and square. opinels have a very rounded soft feel that just sits in the hand so nicely.

single blades are comfy too, or multi blades where the blades ride really low. alot of multiblade slipjionts are uncomfortable for me because the other blades get in the way of a nice firm grip.
 
My favorite is a large Texas Toothpick, or a Laguiole, which has the same basic shape, sometimes with thicker scales.
 
A single blade Slimline Trapper.
A small serpentine Stockman, especially the spey blade if it comes at an obtuse angle out the back of the knife, it then gives you the round of the spey naturally.
The small size give me the natural radius of my hand on the blades close to the tang of the blades.
 
Case Barehead Slimline Trapper and Case Peanut
Case Mini-Trapper
Case Full Size Trapper
Case Sodbuster Jr.
Case Stockman.
 
As others have noted, the trapper and sod buster are two of my pics, also think the 2-3 swiss knives are comfortable to use.
 
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