What are the pros and cons of a finger hole in a blade?

Nates_Knives

Nates_Knives

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Jan 8, 2012
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I am just staring to make my own knives for hunting/ skinning north American big game, so my design is going to be focus around that activity. I was looking at the finger hole on fixed blades and was wondering if anybody had any comments on that design feature and maybe some tips on how to fit it into my design. I'm going to have my blank cut by water jet so I'm thinking they could do the hole for me also?

Thanks
 
I definately would not make a hunting knife with a finger hole. Only one I know well is the Knives Of Alaska Big Cleaver. Ok for choking up on it while skinning but?? If you want a knife with holes get a Wyoming Knife. Opens game in a second. Make yourself a nice skinner or drop point hunter or both.
 
Yeah, for a hunter that is just as likely to be used for other camp chores or fire starting or any type of marginal abuse I would not want a big hole in the blade at a point that is already a weak spot. I find that I use a "pinch grip" when processing game, just like on a chefs knife when mincing quickly. I think forward tapering bolsters would be better suited for what your looking for.

But if this knife is going to be for personal use only, then make whatever you want!


-Xander
 
I don't want my finger stuck in any hole in any knife for any reason. They are dangerous.
 
Thanks for all the info!
I've been trying to figure if that finger hole would be comfortable when skinning or not.

I'll probably start with a basic drop point for my first attempt and see what happens.
 
Here's one I made with a finger hole. I used a carbide 7/8" hole saw to drill it.
IMHO it feels very comfortable, but I've only fondled it. No real work till hunting season...
IMAG0258.jpg
 
I'm not much for holes and such in blades, guess they look cool to some. I'm with Fred in not wanting
my fingers to be in anything in blades I can't get away from. Now if its any sort of use- hard use knife
being used the way intended I'll bet I can guess where the quickest hot spots will be.
Ken.
 
I´m constantly changing my grip on the knife during gutting, skinning and processing, so I would not want my finger stuck in a hole or anywhere else for that matter. A relatively straight handle with subtle shaping to help index the knife, and a droppoint or semiskinner bladeshape is my choise. A little boring, I know, but Loveless might have been on to something;)

Brian
 
Nice looking knife. Your right about always switching grips while skinning. I might go find one at a store somewhere and try it out before I take the time to build one
 
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