Has Dan ever commented on the thumb ramp and why it's there. I was looking at some bark river steel and happened to come across a discription of the thumb ramp. They state it's not designed to have the thumb behind it, but actually in front of the thumb ramp when you choke up. They say the back of the thumb ramp is scored to use with a firesteel.

Thought that was a great idea. I will try to use the back of my thumb ramp with a firesteel.

Hey Guys- I actually like the ramp <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. Hell- I liked it so much I bought several S5s <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. SR101- great design- great mudders at an unreal price <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />.If I had to mod the knife I most likely would have passed on the offering. Yours looks sweet Bruce- but I think I'll keep my ramps <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. Thanks- just my 2 cents <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I love the ramp--but I have fairly small hands. When I choke up on the blade, if I grasp the guard like a trigger, my thumb rests right on the ramp. It's like it was designed for my hand!

I like it too.

The thumb ramp works for me, too. Lots of my favorite knives have one, like DFLE, SOD, Bravo-1, Bravo-2, and several other non-Busse survival type knives.

I prefer the thumb ramp, too. It is useful in manipulation of the blade and some tip thrusting scenarios.

love the thumb ramp, i can put my thmb behind or in front with ease!

Not only is the ramp functional for me, but I like the profile of that blade (the drop point like a shark head) a lot! The ramp reminds me a little of a shark fin.

I am with rackemup the S5 works great for me~RT

I say: use and like whatever works for "you".

But, for me, I thought the S5's thumb-ramp was just OK. While I generally felt the ramp was well placed, I still found it to have restrictions on my holds and hand movement. And I personally DON'T feel it offers so much in control for my uses. So, I find the negatives outweigh the benefits and felt it would be better without.

So, I have removed the thumb-ramp on one of my S5's. And as I suspected, I find I prefer it without.
But, considering the BEST improvement I made on the S5 was to grind the bump/guard of Res-C behind the steel guard into a single guard by tapering the Res-C into the steel, the hand placement is moved forward about 1/4" and the ramp was even less desirable. That and rounding and deepening the choil have made HUGE improvements to my S5. I also just slightly dropped the point a bit. I still have some finish detials and I hope to get some pics up soon. Maybe tomorrow - lots to do today.

*** Side note: I think it is interesting that the Mudder grips fit and work fine on all other Mudder grip knives I have owned: Bog Dog, SS4, MPLE. Probably because of how the Res-C guard and steel guard are effectively aligned and integrated together. But, the S5's Res-C guard and steel guard are mis-aligned IMO. And just don't feel right in my hand. Luckily, the Res-C mods pretty easily and with the modification, the S5's handle is now AWESOME!!!!!

Anyway, with some reasonably minor tweaks, the S5 is becoming a MAJOR go-to blade!!!

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Mike Stewart and Bark River can say what they want about how they "intend" their ramps (Bravo-1) to be used. But, ultimately it still varies from person to person. And personally, I don't like the thumb ramp on my Bravo1 either. I have not yet removed the ramp on my Bravo1, but I actually use and prefer my Canadian Special WAY more than my Bravo1. I even prefer the Aurora and Mini Montana Guide over the Bravo1. But, that is me and my preferences. I am actually quite a fan of Bark River knives. I don't care for "all" Bark River designs. I am not a Cool-Aid drinker anywhere. I call designs like I see them. And Bark River has a LOT of designs that work VERY well and I especially feel Bark River excells with their smaller knives - although many have too small handle ergos for my large hands! - But, many others are VERY good. Anyway, I am a HUGE fan of satin finishes, Full convex blades, Factory razor sharp blades, A2 and 52100, and nicely finished handles. So, I think Bark River offers a LOT. But, for me, while still a VERY good knife with lots of potential, the Bravo1 sits in my drawer. I just have a few others including my modified S5 that I prefer more. Along with removing my Bravo1's ramp, I would also like to drop the point. I prefer dropped points on my task/woods knives. But, to each their own.

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I personally don't find the ramp to offer much in regards to improved manipulation. And I find it's restrictions vs. the the improved thumb manueverability I gain without the ramp easily trump any very small fraction of a percentage gain I might find in control with the ramp.

But, I concure a "bit" about "some" improvement in "thrusting". However, I find that to be a good way to jamb your thumb and not the best grip for thrusting unless trying to parry in a knife fight or something and I just don't really have any real need or concerns about that.

But, again, whateve works for you.