" HSO wrote:
Izzy77, Col. Applegate and other designers improved upon the Sykes-Fiarbairn design by abandoning the round grip and switching to oval or rectangular grips that allow the knife to be indexed by feel. It also makes for a stronger more stable grip since the knife without a round grip is less prone to rotate in the hand. Eikhorn switched to a rectangular grip on this blade shape as well. "
I have one of the square handled ones form Eickhorn, and prefer the round ones...not such an improvement in my book.
The Boker Applegate is a decent STAINLESS ( for better and worse!) version with a square handle...if your really wanting a foil type grip on a thrusting weapon like a dirk ( a flawed approach IMHO) the BOKER is a decent knife.
I would think a design patent had more to do with a grip change than "twisting" ...hard to make money off a good knife when the cheaper sheffield firms make knockoffs for the rest of the world. Marketing is everything....
Either way the ribs on the "round" Handle of the Eickhorn hold my hand very well. It's thinner round grip fits my hand better YMMV.
Ha Ha Cant believe I found this old article, Cooper Lives!
" Handgunner: I take it you are referring to the classic argument of which is more effective, a thrust or a cut. Flavius Vegetus Renetus wrote that the leaders of the Imperial Roman Legions had discovered in battle that the enemy was felled quicker with a thrust than he was with a cut. This discovery was later confirmed by fencing master Giacomo DiGrassi in the late 16th century-- about the same era of Pizzaro-- when pointed swords and pointed daggers with dull edges were the norm.
JC: Further support of this theory is demonstrated in the Battle of Balaclava where the sabers of the cavalry had little or no effect through heavy clothing.
Handgunner: Chopping is just not as effective.
JC: One of the most respected steel weapons is that of the Gurkhas called a Kukri. A Gurkha's discipline, courage and sense of humor are unsurpassed. As for their weapon, the Kukri, it can, with a lot of effort, behead a calf for ceremonial purposes on New Years Day. (
IZZY77 Comment, only with large ceremonial sword like Kukri's)
Handgunner: Have you ever stabbed anyone?
JC: No. When you have unlimited ammo, you have no need for a knife."
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BTT/is_156_26/ai_82533210/