Acceptable thickness

J

jtwodogs

Joined
Feb 1, 2009
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What would be the general acceptable thickness at the spine just above the ricasso for a flat grind 4-5 inch drop point or clip point hunter?
 
Most of mine are 3/16, 5/32, or 1/8. Sometimes you'll see forged blades a little thicker, like .2 or so.
 
I typically use 1/8", but I have used 0.210 on a 6" blade with a extreme distal taper. For 3-4" blades, I use 3/32" but those are more like a skinner that looks like a hunter.
 
1/8 isn't quite thick enough to baton on for a 6" blade... and I think that's what a 5-12" blade is generally used for. imho. I'd say go with 5/32 or 3/16.
 
does one really need a different knife for skinning and gutting? don't you only need one blade outdoors? a knife and an axe, that's all you'll ever need.
 
If you're only gonna use it on hair, hide, & flesh go with 3/32". If you're gonna be breaking breastbones and popping open pelvic bones then go with 1/8" or 5/32".
 
.125 is a great thickness for a general purpose hunter skinner. Adjust thickness for intended jobs other than that.
 
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The best knife is the one you have when you need one.
Still, I"m with the comment above- wouldn't you be better off having a light knife for cutting and a small axe for chopping?
I"ve never quite "gotten" most of the bushcraft theorycraft, though....s'all good! Nice to have a 5/32 sturdy blade that you have total confidence in!
 
elementfe said:
The best knife is the one you have when you need one.
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Nothing personal, but I really despise that "answer". The best knife is the one you planned ahead to have in hand for the task you're most likely to encounter... in this case, the OP asked specifically about letting the insides out of a game animal. Not building a shelter, or carving a spoon, or fighting off bad guys.

jtwodogs said:
What would be the general acceptable thickness at the spine just above the ricasso for a flat grind 4-5 inch drop point or clip point hunter?
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My clients prefer stock no more than .125", and I would prefer to put both a full flat grind and a distal taper on it, to maximize cutting performance. When in doubt, thinner is better for that style of blade. Slicy! :)

chemistguy said:
1/8 isn't quite thick enough to baton on for a 6" blade... and I think that's what a 5-12" blade is generally used for. imho. I'd say go with 5/32 or 3/16.
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chemistguy said:
does one really need a different knife for skinning and gutting? don't you only need one blade outdoors? a knife and an axe, that's all you'll ever need.
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First of all, you're wrong. It's not a problem to process wood with a thin knife and a baton - assuming one employs a bit of common sense. Moreso, you seem to be responding to a completely different question than the OP asked; perhaps even a different subforum.
 
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My customers have all been very happy with the 1/8"-5/32" thick steel upswept 7 drop point hunters i have made.

I do a FFG and a distal taper that ends up in the 3/32" and less thickness.. This one was 1/8" thick by a 5" blade on this drop point.image.jpg Bog Oak bolsters & Sunspot Pearl Kirinite scales with S/S loveless bolts & thong tube.
 
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