Which traditional folder has the best ergonomics?

I am with the sodbuster guys

But also I like the way a teardrop sits

The laguiole works brilliantly well for what it is for
 
My favourite is a Canoe pattern. Upon opening the main blade, there is a perfect sized finger groove from the kick-to-bolster.
 
I prefer the bigger knives so I'd have to go with the 4 1/4" Case or Queen stockman pattern as far as best feel in the hand for me, with the Buck 301 and Case Medium Stockman 3318 being very near. Though I usually carry a Buck 303 due to how it rides in pocket.
 
Based on what I have handled I've got to say that my Lanny's Clip Jr. is very comfortable in hand.
DSC02410.jpg

For a muti-blade knife my Norfolk gets the vote. Particularly when using the Wharncliffe blade.
DSC01910.jpg
 
Thanks very much for the replies and photos. I'm learning a lot about traditional knives here. One thing I find interesting is the answers to "what is your favorite pattern" and "what is the most ergonomic" give different answers.
 
dogstar said:
One thing I find interesting is the answers to "what is your favorite pattern" and "what is the most ergonomic" give different answers.
Click to expand...

The fact that one's favorite pattern may not be their "most" ergonomic isn't a problem since for the most part it's a matter of degree imho.

I wouldn't give up my stock or cattle knives willingly even if other patterns might be slightly more comfortable in use overall.

For example, when I whittle I may use my "congress" pattern for hours at a time and even though it's not one of my most ergonomic patterns I don't ordinarily find my hands and fingers any worse for wear at the end of the day.
 
Ergonomics usually win for me. I like to use knives and the more comfortable they are to use the more apt I am to use them. I find a knife initally perfect in hand. I will use it for a while and get used to it. Then I can try a new knife, initially finding it less natural or ergonimic. I will still use it for a while. When I switch back to the other knife that was initially perfect I find myself surprised.

I think the ones that initially feel perfect are the ones similar to the knives I am familiar with carrying. Knives end up being like old baseball gloves IMO :)
 
Last edited:
Not my favourite knife by any means, but an Opinel is fantastic in the hand. Rounded wooden handle ensures a fine comfortable grip matched with a thin sharp blade means you can do a lot. It even locks too!
 
some best ergo's on a knife has been: #73 GEC and # 12 toothpick. THe GEC toothpick is... well... it fits like a glove.
 
willgoy said:
Not my favourite knife by any means, but an Opinel is fantastic in the hand. Rounded wooden handle ensures a fine comfortable grip matched with a thin sharp blade means you can do a lot. It even locks too!
Click to expand...

The Opinel might have an 'unfair advantage' too, in that it's SO easy to modify/sand/carve/shape the handle to personal preference. :thumbup:
 
My Buck 301 in yellow Derlin has to be one of the most ergonomic multi-blade slipjoints I've ever used it just has a nice "round" feel to it.
 
I really like the S&M Swaybelly frame
So I have a "Swayback" with a Wharnie blade but is really a Swaybelly frame
It is 4 1/4" and the Swaybelly fits in my hand as it curves forward
And it had enough bulk in the width to be comfortable

I have a GEC 72 frame also very comfortable, but mine is in Ebony so a bit narrow, it would be amazing in some fat Stag :)
 
For my hand it is these two Case 39 series and 47 series, the coperhead in a jackknife feels as good....
008-1.jpg

the cattleknife is still my prefered pattern though!
 
Hi,

I might be a bit of the odd duck. I find the boxier shapes a bit more comfortable to use. So for me, my Boker Barlow is pretty comfortable in my hand. I like the squarish shape. And I particularly like the slight flair of the butt end. I suspect because it is smaller than my hand, the bigger end provides a more secure and comfortable grip.

Dale.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top