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The S.R. "Steve" Johnson Forum Specialized knife making tips, technique and training for "ultra precision" design work enthusiasts.

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  #1  
Old 01-05-2006, 01:12 PM
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Finger grooves?

I don't recall seeing any discussion on this matter, so.............. Do you like finger grooves? I do. However, that being said, are they really a good thing? For a little hunter, they'd probably not be a problem, even help keep the grip more securely MOST OF THE TIME. Not a real big deal. Go with what you like.

On a fighter, however, I'm feeling that they are probably more of a hindrance. OK in the one position, but trouble in almost every other hold.

Let's hear your opinions and experiences. Perhaps one index finger groove is not a problem, if it's minimal.


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Last edited by Steve; 01-05-2006 at 02:31 PM.
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Old 01-05-2006, 02:04 PM
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I like them! Almost every knife I have has at least a forward finger grip. Ive even done ones with very extreme finger grips:


It has to suit the knife. On a little artsy knife like this one, I think it is aesthetic and I like how they feel and look. On a camp knife that may be used for chopping, slicing, stabbing, etc, i want a different handle. This one is pretty subjective. Some knifes are enhanced and others are ruined by them!

Most of my knives usually have something like this:
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Old 01-05-2006, 02:29 PM
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Thanks, Ed. Beautiful wood and work! Grooves surely do add to the look.


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Old 01-05-2006, 02:58 PM
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I guess for me it has to to with the flow & the lines of the knife. Sometimes I use them as they add to the idea. I like the way it works with the design, very obvious and actually ahead of the handle. One's a gent, the other an EDC.



On this the finger grove is more of a flow of the handle, a bit more subtle.



On the following blade (still in works) it's very obvious that it really won't work with the design though it would not interfer with the grip.



Jim

Last edited by Drac; 03-23-2006 at 04:51 PM.
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Old 01-05-2006, 03:36 PM
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Very nice work, Jim. I'm loving that sheath! What did you do the tooling with, it's not a common stamp, is it? Thanks!


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Old 01-06-2006, 01:53 AM
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im a big fan of having one finger groove for the index finger. the handle i do most often (other than a typical straight taper on a wrapped tanto handle) is one groove for the index finger and another "groove" for the other 3 fingers. i think it aids in grip and gives better control. to me it feels good in just about any grip except having the edge up instead of down...in that grip its a big disadvantage.
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Old 01-06-2006, 07:27 AM
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Thanks Steve,

The sheath is made by Paul Long. He calls it a peacock stamp.

Jim
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Old 01-06-2006, 07:49 AM
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From reading forum posts, many don't like "finger grooves".

A single groove for the index finger seems to be more accepted than multiple grooves.

In the pic below, those grooves fit my hand perfectly, however, if it were for sale, and not built to a customer's specifications (fingers), it may not fit anyone elses fingers like it does mine.

Robert

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Old 01-06-2006, 09:11 AM
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Thanks, Jim. Great sheathmaker!

That's a good point, Robert. Beauty of a camp knife, also.

I have a Draper "Jungle Bowie" that I made in the 60's with finger grooves. It looks great, but, still, 30 or so yrs. later, doesn't fit my hand. I love the knife but every time I pick it up I wish it wasn't so long and the grooves so spaced apart. Without finger grooves, or with only one, there wouldn't be a problem.

On a fishing knife, or any knife that may be used edge up, they seem to be a big negative. That's one reason the Loveless handle is so great, it's almost as comfortable with the edge up as it is edge down, the way the angle on the butt nestles into the hand.


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Old 01-08-2006, 11:57 AM
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I thought I'd posted on this, but it turns out there were two threads going...

I like a finger spot on the ricasso, so I can hook a finger over the guard (if there is a guard) but other then that I'm not a big fan.


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Old 01-09-2006, 06:04 PM
Jerry Shorter Jerry Shorter is offline
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Well I'm not a real big fan of finger grooves but after making the knife pictured below I will utilize the design in more ways. The single finger groove is not really a hinderence in the edge up position. This is the most comfortable grip I have ever made, or even held for that matter. it just brings a grin to your face when you hold it

Jerry

[IMG][/IMG]
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Old 01-10-2006, 01:59 AM
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In an effort to be original, I've adopted a two-groove handle on many of my designs where the second groove is half as deep as the first. Nearly all my knives have at least one.


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Old 01-10-2006, 02:24 AM
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Steve,

I was just in the gallery looking at one of your sub-hilt fighters. It occurs to me that a sub-hilt is just a finger groove which exists outside the bottom line of the tang rather than being cut into it to some degree. The function would seem to be exactly the same--to prevent unwanted movement of the handle. In fact, I would think that a groove rather than a thin metal protrusion would be more forgiving in grip positions other than the primary one.

Thoughts?


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Old 01-10-2006, 10:39 AM
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Nice looking handle Jerry, it even "looks" like it'd be comfortable. The forward rake on the rear of the handle is reminiscent of the Loveless handle, also. That helps it feel good when the edge is up. Nice!

Good point on the sub-hilt, Andrew. That design is almost a "one grip" knife. I've been going to approach the sub-hilt concept, but was holding off, however, it's only natural that this thread would go in that direction. The sub-hilt is nothing more than an exaggerated finger groove, as you state. It feels good in the fencing grip, that's about it, though, IMO. They sure are popular!


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