Knifemaker in training! Pics Added, Here ya go Matt

[The Warrior]

Wow, nice work my friend.

[Mitchell Knives]

Very nice!

[IMWILSON]

Nice work. Looks like we have another up and coming knife maker.

[KFU]

Matt, its crazy how much our first knives look alike. One thing I learned from advice from other makers like Bill is that the butt end is crucial to how a knife feels. I now start with the butt and go forward instead of the blade first. Ive found that if the butt at least as deep as the edge it just feels better in hand. In other words, the bottom of the handle should be on the same line as the bottom of the edge. Also, a little curve on the spine all the way back gives your hand a more comfortable place to rest. Nothing extreme but a little bit makes a huge difference. Some guys like straight flat spines, I don't. I have some bar stock that just came in, come on up sometime this week and you can grind one out. It looks like you have a good handle on the construction, now gotta practice on the grinds! Awesome work bro!

[tackett13]

i see what you mean chris on the handle thing i cannot seem to get the right curve or handle length for what i like at least. Just kinda throwing together now getting a feel ya know. i dont like having the blade so far down past the grip but i have murdered some good patterned steel with my less than pathetic, current grinder's poor excuse for a platen. but no excuses i need the guidance on this one. i will definetly come for the lesson if our schedules permit.

[KFU]

Im saving for a second grinder so Ill have a spare one for use anytime

[tackett13]

i got that other coming too so it should make life a little easier, still wont be a 72" so i may have to take ya up on that one!!

[tackett13]

i need to practice on paint sticks for my patterns or something im thinking everytime i end up with blade to long or handle to short or both. what a good standard handle length for say a decent bushcraft or spear point hunter?

[KFU]

Cant go wrong with 3.5 tp 4" blade with 4 1/2 to 4 3/4 handle with 3/8" scales. It will fit most hands. Get some graph paper, it works best. You can draw your stock width and than just draw inside. Start with the handle and go forward. I always have a notebook in my man bag so I can draw sitting on my lunch break...that and sleep.

[tackett13]

been at it some more here. got some better steel and upgraded grinders
what do ya guys think? all criticism more than welcome!!

[IMWILSON]

Looking real good Tackett. Bottom one looks like a nice edc.

[tackett13]

thanks IMW. that one feels comfy after i tweaked the handle a bit to fit the index finger!

[bacustomknives]

MY wisdom passed on to another knifeaholic! the addiction has just begun bro, keep it up!!nice work

[Veil]

Tackett,
Inspiring...
You've come a long way in just 2 months. Each one you make looks more and more professional. You make me want to give this knife making thing a shot for myself.
Keep up the good work.

[tackett13]

heres my latest. what do you guys think?

[bacustomknives]

Looks like things are moving right along,very nice man!

[KFU]

That top Kephart looking knife is sweet bro!

[tackett13]

thanks guys!!! i feel like im getting better each knife. got a way to go but my grinds are cleaner. gotta work on a better finish now.

[IMWILSON]

Looking good man, but we need details. Blade length, handle length, handle material, etc.....
I really like the middle one.

[KFU]

I handled that middle one Wayne, it was his best one yet!