The English word “choil” refers to a notch on a knife blade located near the handle. One example of a choil in Mikov’s product line is the notch on the Patronknife .
Many technical terms in the field of knives have ancient historical roots or are related to the method of construction. However, when we investigate the origin of the term “choil” in cutlery, we are surprised to find that it has no historical roots at all. As far as we’ve been able to determine, the choil was not used at all on knives in ancient or medieval times. One reason for this may be that its production is not particularly simple, which is why it began to appear only in the 19th and, especially, in the 20th and 21st centuries. In English, the language from which the word originates, it has no linguistic or historical connections that would suggest its derivation. Simply put, the word “choil” originated among knife makers, and people who aren’t interested in knives generally have little idea what it refers to.
So why do knife makers—and, of course, Mikov—use a choil on the blade? It provides a place to rest your finger, which allows for a better grip and control of the knife, especially during detailed work. Furthermore, when sharpening a knife, it acts as a protective zone that facilitates even sharpening along the entire length of the blade. Finally, it also serves as a barrier that prevents the hand from slipping all the way to the knife’s edge while working, thus preventing injury.
Of course, the choil also has certain disadvantages, as it shortens the blade and slightly complicates the manufacturing process. Therefore, knife designers must always consider whether it is suitable for the purposes for which they are designing the knife. Likewise, customers must carefully decide whether they need a choil or if a knife with a classic design would better meet their needs.