Broomstick handle.

[jdm61]

I was told early on in my knifemaking journey by guys like Jerry Fisk that a handle shaped like a broomstick was oft times the sign of an inexperienced maker. In recent years, I see hundreds of bushcraft/woods/survival knives with said way too round handles. From the written description that we have, even the dead simple nay crude original Kephart knife had a handle that tapered. Did I miss a memo?

 

[lonepine]

In my experience when I've made a knife with a handle that that while not exactly a cylinder, was very "roundish", I found that it was harder to control due to the handle rotating in my hand, especially when wet. I think in general terms it is good advice to avoid cylindrical, i.e. round (ish), handles for the reason I just gave, but that doesn't mean you can NEVER make a round handle. The WW2 Fairbain-Sikes dagger had a round handle, and many of the other fighting knives with leather handles were round, BUT, they also had texture in the form of the material the handle was made of or grooves cut into the handle material. Wire wrapping can also be used on a round handle to provide better grip and control. For me the big issue is control of the knife.

Just my opinion.

- Paul Meske

 

[Sosa]

My dexter oyster knife has a broomhandle and works quite well.

 

[Lieblad]

My Sameknives are quite roundish. But a flared pommel. That design is widely popular going on a couple hundred years.
Dont forget the classic Moras & Pukkos...

 

[jdm61]

The Dexter ouster knives that I see on line have peanut/ wasp waist shaped handles that are slightly flattened top and bottom.

My dexter oyster knife has a broomhandle and works quite well.

 

[JTknives]

I like the roundish handles on puukko blades. But I like the oval shape with a swell

 

[jdm61]

A lot of the higher end puukkos that do not have a swell or "hook"at the butt but have that classic "beer barrel" handle that I see on line may be round(ish) in the middle of the handle but appear to be oval at the guard end for sure.

I like the roundish handles on puukko blades. But I like the oval shape with a swell