Holes in HANDLE of folding knives...why?

[justoneplease]

I'm interested in a durable EDC, easily sharpened and good retention.
my understanding is high carbon content is the way to go, if I take
care of it. that said, I CANNOT find an answer to the following:

Why do some folding knives have HOLES of various shapes in the handle?

(NOT thumbhole in blade, NOT finger hole, NOT lanyard hole)
for example....(searches google images...)... CRKT M16,
Beretta 232 skeleton sport, Gerber paraframe...

Does anyone personally value these holes? why?
I can only think weight reduction (but composites are light-weight)
or ease of cleaning out "gunk"? (carbon rusts, and gunk happens)

thanks for sharing your knowledge and EXP. I am 99% noob, getting better.

[jimmontg]

Most of it is for style, the weight reduction is minimal unless it's a huge knife which of course EDC pocket knives are not. Just style and looks. Do you have pics of the culprits you mentioned?

I have a Gerber Paraframe and having hardness tested it I use for checking hardness of knives, it's a paltry Rc54 BTW. Simply weight reduction and style. Would rather have a wood or jigged bone handle, but that costs more. I will say the holes are great for catching crap in your pocket and hanging up string.

[justoneplease]

thanks! I guess the holes *could* provide good hand grip, on a person by person basis.

I think i will go for a more solid handle, I'm already a world-class expert on collecting lint, string, cords, and wrapping them all together.

I'm leaning towards something like the CRKT delegate, kershaw amplitude or Kershaw leek, since i would like to be able to sharpen it easily. honestly may get a EDC utility knife for most tasks.