Why is there a blade cutout?

A

AlphalphaPB

Joined
Apr 29, 2002
Messages
1,273
Hi, I was wondering why many Strider knives have the semi-circular cutout at the base of the blade.

Is it there to keep the edge distinct from the thickened area just behind the edge?
 
Its there so you can choke up on the knife for fine work gives a different blade feel. I use my Model BT that way alot for smaller jobs.
 
We use it as an inactive choil.
On knives that have a round choil, EB's , AR/GB's and SnG's, we use it as an inactive choil. Which is to say that it cannot be used for your finger, but still functions to maintain blade geometry by giving the sharp part of the blade somewhere to end.

Hope it helps

Mick
 

Attachments

  • dscf0019.jpg
    dscf0019.jpg
    45 KB · Views: 398
One of my main pet peeves is that notch, it does make for easier sharpening, but in use I find that what you intend to cut can often get snagged in that area and cause you to hang up and that can limit you or worse cause you to not cut smoothly and when it comes out of the notch, the blade can go farther than you intended, since you were pulling against the material. It's better to have it be a smooth area leading into the sharpened blade edge, but that is my pet peeve. That is common from many makers/manufacturers not just Strider.
When I have a custom knife made for me I request it to not include that little beginning notch. One maker told me that to NOT have the notch would, A: Cost me more and B: Add a lot longer lead time to the order...naturally I didn't order from that fellow! ;)

G2
 
Mick, thanks for the reply. So my guess was right.

Although you say it's an "inactive choil", I use it for very precise cutting (maybe I should be using a smaller knife instead :)). I place my index finger on that area (mainly the area just behind the cutout, but some of the index finger ends up hanging over).

I like the cutout. The fact that there is a clearly defined end to the edge helps keep my finger from getting cut, and it also avoids the problem of having a nasty semi-sharpened (but not sharp) thick choil area.

G2, that must have been a cranky custom maker. I don't have problems with the material-to-be-cut getting snagged in the choil cutout, since my Buck-Strider is mainly a hacking/digging/prying tool. I do see your point though. I would prefer for smaller (< 3") knives not to have the cutout.
 
If you are talking about the 5mm 1/2 cutout as you stated, I believe that it is a positive blade stop for when the knife is closed.
 
That doesn't seem to be the case, at least on the Buck-Strider. The stop bar hits the depression in the area behind the 5 mm cutout.

Is this different in AR/GB's?

BTW, where did the PB in your name come from? I've got a long story behind mine. For the short version, see my sig and my avatar.
 
Alphalpha, my name originated from my dog. A five yearold Pitbull named Blade. The breeder's name was Green. A Strider knife or two is the next best thing to having him with me. Later
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top