Choil

Choil refers to a small groove or notch carved into the ricasso of a knife blade. The ricasso is the unsharpened portion of the blade directly above the guard. The choil serves several practical purposes. Primarily, it provides a place for the user's index finger to rest, offering a more secure and controlled grip, especially during tasks that require precise cutting or when applying significant force. This extended grip area can improve ergonomics and reduce the risk of the hand slipping onto the blade.

Beyond grip enhancement, a choil can also function as a sharpening choil. This means its presence allows the knife to be sharpened all the way to the guard without creating a burr or an unsharpened section at the heel of the blade. Sharpening a blade completely to the ricasso ensures maximum cutting edge utilization. Some knives, particularly fixed blades designed for heavy use or tactical applications, feature a larger, more pronounced choil. The design and size of a choil can vary significantly depending on the knife's intended purpose and the aesthetic preferences of the maker.