Which traditional folder has the best ergonomics?

The one that fits your hand the best ;-p

Seriously, its such a subjective question. My two most ergonomic so far are the GEC Big Jack and the GEC 73. They just fit my hand right and are very "natural" to use.
 
I think the demand for Case knives is pretty high but so is the supply... ;) :p ...Er ...Uh ...Single blades or multi-blades with sunk joints and round bolsters are pretty comfortable to hold.
 
I am a sucker for sunk joints and rounded bolsters too for the most part as far as carry knives, but ya never know. :)
 
I like the feel of a trapper in my hand. I have in mind one 3 3/4" Camillus that feels just right. If it were a Wharncliffe trapper instead of a regular, my search for the perfect traditional knife would be done. (not sure whether that would actually be a good thing. I like trying them all.)
 
Size is first consideration, for me. Something around 3.75" to 4.25" is ideal, fills my hand enough to inspire confidence in a good grip. Beyond that, generally rounded profiles & radiused edges are very comfortable. In that vein, I particularly like these:

Opinel No. 08 (the most comfortable in-hand I've ever held)
Sodbuster (larger ones in particular)
Case Sowbelly
 
Sodbuster and Sodbuster Jr. for me. With no other blades protruding from the handle while in use, the Sodbuster offers a grip with no hot spots.
 
If pressed (and I reserve the right to change my mind) I think I'd go with my 5 1/2" "Bulldog" from Jerry Halfrich:

orig.jpg


You want ergonomics? It's got that in spades. :cool:
 
sowbelly stockmans seem to sit in my hand comfortably, the bottom of the curve sits nicely in the middle of my palm...i wasnt keen on sowbellys but they grew on me.
 
Since you limit it to folders, I would like to submit these. I find them to be be pleasing both to the hand and the eye, although I don't plan on using them. When the dust clears, I usually have a CASE/BOSE dogleg jack in my pocket and I am doing kitchen and field work with a fixed blade knife.

ergonomics001.jpg
 
I have to go with a single blade as well for ergonomics, and the one I find the most pleasing to use is this Dogleg from Bret Dowell.


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Blues said:
If pressed (and I reserve the right to change my mind) I think I'd go with my 5 1/2" "Bulldog" from Jerry Halfrich:

You want ergonomics? It's got that in spades. :cool:
Click to expand...

Day-Yum, Elliott. That's freakin' fabulous.

My most ergonomic slippie is comparatively rather humble, but this Gene Wiseman Hunter has a sunken joint, and the nicely rounded scales and two-finger contour fit my hand to a tee:

GeneWisemanHunter01.jpg
 
The only real answer is to go to a store and feel some for yourself. Everything else is subjective; some folks swear by the feel of a Trapper pattern, i can't stand them and prefer a 4" hunter myself. One other possibility is to try a bunch of patterns in the inexpensive lines like Rough Rider.
 
I went on a limb and gave the GEC conductor pattern a go and I must say AMAZING!!! I wish I had a good pic. It has been my constant companion since May and it is truly amazing. Best part is I have a second one for my little boy. It is already marked for his high school graduation. Rick Gene's stuff really gives me the shakes thanks for the pics. I believe I will be giving him some work very soon.
 
Rick said:
Day-Yum, Elliott. That's freakin' fabulous.

My most ergonomic slippie is comparatively rather humble, but this Gene Wiseman Hunter has a sunken joint, and the nicely rounded scales and two-finger contour fit my hand to a tee:

GeneWisemanHunter01.jpg
Click to expand...

That is not humble, it is amazing IMO. Beautiful knife and photo.
 
I agree with Bastid. Sunk joints and round bolsters, but to be more specific, I like a copperhead. The 3-3/4" size is just right, and the curved copperhead bolster not only hides the tang, but acts like a half-guard when the blades are open.
 
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