Why no jimping?

akadave2

akadave2

Joined
Jun 21, 2008
Messages
7,923
I see a lot of really nice customs coming out. Hard use knives not so much art knives. There are a couple of things I find less desireable about these new offerings, too thick blades, no tang tapering but my biggest "gripe" if that is what it is, is that there is no jimping on the spine of the blade in front of the handle scales. Or even in the scales for that matter. I dont consider them to be a cosmetic addition, I like the extra traction for my thumb when doing hard push cutting etc. The jimping can be very fine to keep it less cosmetically distracting but I feel a using blade needs it.

Just my thoughts...
 
I believe a well designed grip with proper ergonomics will out perform a knife that requires jimping any day of the week. If you feel the need for it, get a dremel and have at it, or a scoring file.
 
All my old Marbles and Randalls have it. I guess I should have indicated fixed blades only.

I guess its like front strap checkering on a 1911. Sure you can use the pistol just fine without it, but it sure is nice to have it.
 
I prefer jimping on my fixed blades and folders; some complain about jimping being too rough but I say they need to toughen up their hands a bit... :D
 
People with soft hands don't like jimping. :) I personally prefer it, especially on knives I use for hunting when the knife can get slippery under use. I wish more knife companies/makers would put some type of checkering or roughen up the scales somewhat, too. I usually have to end up wrapping mine in hockey tape, so I don't slice my fingers off field dressing a deer or hog. I fail to see how jimping in any way can detract from the function of the knife. The tenderfoots have won this one.
 
Last edited:
I don't care if there is jimping or not. I don't really see a need for it. If it's there, it won't turn me off the knife. If it is there, I will still get it if I like the design. It is just one of those things that I can live with or without.
 
I guessfor some knives its not a factor. I wouldnt need it on my Busse FFBM or any of them for that matter. More of a chopper and less a push cutter.
 
Could ask the maker to put a few lines on it, that's the goodness of a custom :)

Is your thumb slipping off the spine when wearing gloves?
 
I really dont think its a big deal. It seems knife companies these days are just playing a game of numbers... as in how thick, what steel, hrc, choil, jimping, batonable, micarta or g10 scale handle, lanyard hole, sheath design/material, and so on...which I blame the internet for :rolleyes:

Its sort of like whats happening with car manufacturers today as every company is trying to "perfect" the same car for its class. We might as well hold up a checklist and go down the list comparing every aspect... where one product will surely be deemed "inferior," according the the numbers. No company wants to be left out as the only one to make cars without a rearview camera. Well thats how I feel about jimping on a knife... it may be a plus for some, but def not a necessity.

Dont get me wrong, all of this criticism(or collective criticism should I say) has compelled knife manufacturers(and custon knife makers) to create some awesome knives recently due to competition... but we just shouldnt expect every knife to have every quality available. I saw a youtube video of this kid who broke 2 ka-bars while batoning, and claimed they "sucked." "Knife X did just fine, but not the ka-bar... how did the military ever claim this knife to be any good?"

Point being, today we have a wide range of knives we can buy... just buy what suits you and dont worry about the others for whatever they may be "lacking."
 
Last edited:
The most important component of a knife to me is the handle. It must fit my hand very well. This is top priority. When the proper fit to the hand is achieved, no jimping is necessary to me. I own quite a few hand tools, and none of the good ones have jimping.

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