>>1567168>>1567129The choil is to help keep the bolster and/or handle away from the whetstone as you sharpen the edge. It is a common design feature. It isn't intended for grip. A "finger grip" is intended for grip. If the knife has been incorrectly designed, it will feature a finger grip that doubles as the choil. Those are extremely dangerous and can get you seriously cut.
Some people erroneously label them, "finger choil," and, "sharpening choil." The correct term is just, "choil."
