Before I make this, is it a bad idea? (spot for gut hook).

[oic0]

I am wondering about the gut hook. Someone has to have tried one there before but I never see them. Is putting one there a bad idea?
Plan sofar is from 1/8th inch stock. The image is to scale with the canvas being 6 inches wide by 2 inches tall. I probably won't do the swage, I just drew it on there to see what it would look like.

 

[setlab]

Personally I wouldn't want to stick my knife handle into a bunch of blood and guts to use the hook on the end, minus that I really like the design.

 

[Broomhead]

I'd say just lose the gut hook altogether, I never did like the way they looked. I have heard, or rather read, that some hunters think they're useless on a knife.

 

[Mudbug007]

I've gutted and skinned a lot of whitetails, some with a knife that had a gut hook. Never needed one nor do I know of anyone who has used one. I did use a Wyoming knife once and it was alright, but I prefer a knife.

The place you have that gut hook is dangerous in my opinion. You run the chance of sticking a finger of part of the hand when removing the knife from the sheath. If your hand slips while working with the knife, you also stand a chance of hurting yourself. I second the opinion to forget the gut hook altogether. They're a gimmick at best if you ask me. For someone who knows what they're doing, they're not needed.

 

[oic0]

Ended up ditching the gut hook and extending the handle so its the same width at the end as it is at the finger ridge (or whatever you call that thing). Like you guys said, a gut hook is sorta gimmicky and the extra length makes it a solid little 3 finger knife.

I'm thinkin 1084 since that's the best thing I can heat treat, stone wash finish with a little vinegar patina, and ivory paper micarta scales since that's all I've got on hand lol. Soon as my steel comes in ill see if I can pull it off without any major aesthetic blemishes lol.