XM-18 3" Grip/Choil Question

[MostMenAreRuthless]

Brothers,

I am enjoying my 3" Slicer and I have a couple questions for you:

In general, how are you gripping your 3" XM-18?

Like this:


Or, Like this:


If you ever grip it in the latter fashion, do you find your finger meat too close to the blade for comfort? The corner of the blade edge is pressing into my finger and I am curious to know if this cutout was designed to be a true finger choil for digit placement, or if it was designed in this manner for some other reason I am not aware of.

Here is the area in question:

 

[kwazyjuice]

My usual grip is the first one... But the second one for more control cutting

 

[Need2Know]

I use the choil as my hands are not kid sized and usually as I'm working w/ the 3" it's more index fingertip than knuckle deep.

 

[Kyle_4]

I use the choil as my hands are not kid sized and usually as I'm working w/ the 3" it's more index fingertip than knuckle deep.

x2...I just use my fingertip in the choil

 

[MostMenAreRuthless]

I use the choil as my hands are not kid sized and usually as I'm working w/ the 3" it's more index fingertip than knuckle deep.

I see. Something like this?:

 

[Need2Know]

Pretty much yes. Or even a bit less finger in the choil as I position the knife in my hand for whatever task or as tasking. Whatever is comfortable and task appropriate is how I roll. Hope any of this was helpful.

 

[uofaengr]

Generally like the first grip. I do appreciate a nice choil for sharpening purposes.

 

[MostMenAreRuthless]

Pretty much yes. Or even a bit less finger in the choil as I position the knife in my hand for whatever task or as tasking. Whatever is comfortable and task appropriate is how I roll. Hope any of this was helpful.

Yes, the input received has been very helpful. I had not yet considered the idea of just using the tip of my finger in the choil.

 

[RDA]

You can always take off a little bit of the pointiness of the blade edge right at the choil as well.

 

[MostMenAreRuthless]

You can always take off a little bit of the pointiness of the blade edge right at the choil as well.

That is true. I have heard of another maker doing that from the factory on his choils.

 

[RubiconSS]

That is true. I have heard of another maker doing that from the factory on his choils.

I'm glad Rick leaves the choice to us. I use that very sharp point sometimes to start things off (example: cork cover on a wine bottle) or anything round that I am opening a line cut on. But for those who do put their fingers in that area with any regularity an easing of the very sharp point could save on band-aids.

 

[cha0s13]

My grip is usually the first one, but a little higher because all my 3" Xms are non flippers.

 

[MostMenAreRuthless]

My grip is usually the first one, but a little higher because all my 3" Xms are non flippers.

Mr. Chaos,

Would you mind posting some in-hand pics with your non-flipper 3"? I am curious to see the difference in where you grip it vs the flipper model. .

Anyone else who has in-hand shots of the 3" non-flipper your input would also be appreciated!