Why are folder handles so un-ergonomically curved?

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RH

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I've recently come to realize that the folders I like best, that is, the ones that feel most natural in my hand - are the ones that look like they could be fixed blades. When I open my CRKT Mirage, for instance, it looks like it could be a fixed blade. The handle is almost straight, and flows into the spear/drop point blade. On the other end of the spectrum is for example, the Meyerco speedster, which arcs wildly in the handle. When opened, it has almost a half-moon shape.

Why is that?

From the looks of it, the SERE also has a very straight handle, that I would probably like.

Think about it - look at your kitchen knives, huning knives, or a FB "combat" knife - tools that are made to be used and held comfortably. The vast majority have almost straight handle spine, perhaps with a finger groove or a gusrd of some sort for safety. I have yet to see a fixed blade with a handle arc like most folders have. Why do manufacturers make folders with crescent shaped handles?
 
The answer obviously depends on which specific knife you're looking at, but there are two possible reasons that I can think of.

First and most obvious, is that the handle shape is dictated by the need to cover the tip when the blade is closed. The designer is forced to either curve the grip towards the tip, or make a very wide (top to bottom) grip.

The second possibility is "Mechanical Advantage."

Canting the blade forward and imparting that "crescent" shape you're talking about increases the natural cutting power that the hand can impart to the blade. Look at a Khukri, or for that matter, a typical single bit axe.

The marked and drastic curve of the Khukri is what gives the Khukri it's incredible chopping power. Likewise with the single bit axe, as the haft curves toward the end, with a proper swing (something rarely seen anymore) there is a vast increase in the speed of the axe head just prior to the moment of impact.

This is also part of what makes knives with "bellied" blades desirable. The only difference is that the forward cant is designed into the blade rather than (or in addition to) the grip.
 
Ken nailed it down pretty good.
I feel your pain, I like straight grips too. I love my Sebenza, and the Buck Strider looks great.

Paul
 
I don't know about that......

the spyderco military couldn't be any more ergo for my hand.

same with the endura they both fit my hand very very well!
 
I guess it all comes down to user comfort and preference. Many people like handles that have an ergonomic shape like the Spyderco Wegner, Benchmade AFCK, etc. On the other end, look at knives like the Buck Strider. Not exactly designed for user comfort, but the rough texture on the G-10 scales provide a solid grip.
 
Try a MT Kestrel or Vector.
 
Based on my layman observation it seems that the forward cant would be advantageous in slicing/slashing vs. a straight aligned blade and handle which would be advantageous in piercing/stabbing. For example, a spear or arrow would not be efficient if they were designed with a "forward cant." Which design to use may depend upon the chore at hand. Nice problem to have, it justifies carrying two knives--one for each type of chore. ;)
 
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