Becker Knife and Tool, A User's Manual????

[Cliff Stamp]

fisk:

a flat ground with convex edge.

That is what the 1/4" bowie I currenty use has, it does decently well except on the occasional thick bolts of the softer woods like Pine and Alder.

The side "hook" is a swell on the side at the back or even a tapered handle with the cross section of the back being wider than the guard area.

So something like the handle on the far right :

http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/images/blackwood_hawk_pw_ms.jpg

Concerning the blade, why did you put the balance where you did? In regards to the edge geometry, what kind of requirements or performance issues did you use to determine the working specs for the edge thickness and bevel angle?

In regards to the crowning, I have seen the same design on traditional jungle blades, in them its much deeper. I have not used it on a bowie, but have it in the design of the convex blade I described in the above.

-Cliff

 

[Darrel Ralph]

Fisk,
Your thought process about big blades is right on the money. The first time I observed you cutting a 2 dia. x 12 in long section of rope in mid air it floored me. It was a small snap of the wrist.... that was it.

Proper edge thickness and final edge grind are a big factor. The technique of the person using the knife makes difference as you said in the demo.

It must be a real chore to explain a nuance of this type.

Please continue.


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[This message has been edited by Darrel Ralph (edited 11-20-2000).]

 

[Will Fennell]

Lets see if I can answer Cliff's last question about the balance of the BK&T MAGNUM CAMP BLADE. Jerry, please step in and correct me if I'm off base.

Cliff,
I'm not sure if you have handled a BK&T MCK[I don't remeber it coming up], but it has a very neutral balance. The balance point is almost right on top of your 'trigger finger' in a natural grasp. For me, this means not as much momentum in chopping, but more control and less fatigue in 'smaller', finer detail work.

Remember, a 'camp knife' should do alot of things. From chopping the occasional tree limb for shelter, to food prep to feed the 'camp'. With the right technique[as Jerry is describing in this thread] the MCK can do a VERY credible job of chopping. But as I have witnessed Ethan working in the camp kitchen, it handles cooking duties wonderfully. I can attest to its virtures butchering meat....its awesome! The long, thin, graceful arc of the curved blade slices like a lightsaber.

If the MCK was very blade heavy, it would seriously compromise its usefulness in many areas, mainly the finer, 'lighter touch work' described above.

Try one, I think as long as you don't pry with it like it was a .250" blade, you will be very happy with it.

Did I get close to right Jerry?



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Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery
www.camillusknives.com

 

[fisk]

Will
You did good bubba. You ought to go into the knife business. Could not have answered better.
jf