Thumb ramp or naw?

[Spyderwebs]

I voted yes just because it complements the opening hole function. Models without a ramp make the spydie hole slightly harder to access, and I value easy access.

But like others said its nuanced. a good design can be made with or without one.

My favorite thumb ramp is on the Ayoob because the blade height is significantly reduced immediately in front of the ramp, so the knife carries smaller than its 5" handle implies.

[Bolster]

For me it depends on the knife. It certainly is not a binary decision. As a culture, we really need to stop making everything an either/or proposition.

I couldnt agree more. Its like a form of dichotomous thinking that causes people to treat everything like a competition.

Either we should always think in binary, or we should never think in binary...there is no other choice.

Thumb ramps: Spyderco designs, with their large holes, rather lend themselves to ramps. It's more about making room for the hole than designing a ramp, I think. Abrupt ramps can be problematic, as others have said. The thumb ramp on the Mule is problematic for me, and can be painful if a thrust stops short.

[araneae]

I voted for, but I like designs with either. My favorites tend to have them though.

[Wartstein]

....

Endura family: Really only one main grip, and it's a good compromise for me between thumb cramping and being too far away from the edge. Choking up on ricasso (looking at you, Wartstein!!) is a good alternative, too. Thumb comfortable beyond the ramp but far up the spine for control.

......

.. glad you are a "fellow ricasso-grip user"

Honestly, I think this (choking up on the ricasso) is something people just should try without being pre - biased.
Will not work for everyone, but I am certain still for many people, concerning control, safety and even comfort.

I stand by it and can say coming from a lot of real life experience: For me personally (in typical folder tasks!) choking up on the Endura-style ricasso works better than on most dedicated choils.