Shane Wink
Well-Known Member
I made a couple hunting knives for some hog hunters a while back and they insisted that the blades both have large finger choils in front of the guard. I did as they asked but just never could understand why they wanted them and for what real purpose they really served. If I am going to be stabbing a hog or any creature for that matter the last thing I would want would be to place my fingers in front of the guard. Also if a good deep stab is made the finger choils look lik they could hang up inside the body when trying to recall the blade.
When I played with the blades checking the edges and such the choils did feel comfortable but still they seemed to be just wasted space on a blade. Other than stabbing something the very edge next to the ricaso is the most used area of the blade for me.
I can see where a choil behind the guard like on a randal or maybe even as Shiva Kia has done being useful for allowing a very strong grip with a slash or thrust but still would be cumbersome when using the knife for general use.
So what am I missing when it comes to integrating a choil into a design? Why would I want/need one?
Personally I am struggling with staying open minded about them but thought I would ask before making a final judgment on them.
When I played with the blades checking the edges and such the choils did feel comfortable but still they seemed to be just wasted space on a blade. Other than stabbing something the very edge next to the ricaso is the most used area of the blade for me.
I can see where a choil behind the guard like on a randal or maybe even as Shiva Kia has done being useful for allowing a very strong grip with a slash or thrust but still would be cumbersome when using the knife for general use.
So what am I missing when it comes to integrating a choil into a design? Why would I want/need one?
Personally I am struggling with staying open minded about them but thought I would ask before making a final judgment on them.