Bit of an update since so many folks seemed interested.
I never did get a real handle on it. We've been using it around the house since I wrapped it and I had taken the wrap off the other day and drilled for the handle and thong hole when Sarah asked me what I was doing with it. She really likes it with the cord wrap and thinks a handle would just take away from the simplicity.
We both tend to use it like a combination pocket knife and utility razor, which is roughly what I had in mind originally. In that role it has worked quite well for us. It basically sits around the computer room/office/lounge and gets used for everything from opening mail and packages to dealing with the occasional snack when someone forgot to bring a more appropriate knife in. I haven't even made a sheath yet, since I'd intended to put a regular handle on it. About the only change (other than having taken the wrap off and drilling some holes before being interrupted) has been some sanding and resharpening. It doesn't look quite so rough now.
The next step is to rewrap it and make a sheath, then lend it out to a few people to see how it works in their life. Generally speaking my day to day life is well served by a utility razor and letter opener so I'm not a very complete test. Sarah would use it for more variety, but she works on a college campus and they'd object to a fixed bladed knife. I prettied up a few folders for her but even there she keeps it small and discrete.
The main comments so far have been that it gives a very comfortable hand position when cutting into boxes and other packaging. The issue of no flat area has not come up but that's probably due to the nature of the uses so far. I can see a plumber or electrician potentially needing it, but stand by my earlier comments regarding more traditional designs not having a useful flat in most situations either. This design allows a nice gentle rocking motion to cut down through something on a flat surface. I have yet to use a fixed bladed knife other than some kitchen knives that allow the blade to rest flat on anything without the handle being off the edge of that surface, so the curved handle doesn't seem to change anything there other than the angle of approach so to speak. I'm considering a version with a more traditional wharncliffe blade profile to use as a comparison, I'd maintain the handle/blade angle and general sizing.
I never did get a real handle on it. We've been using it around the house since I wrapped it and I had taken the wrap off the other day and drilled for the handle and thong hole when Sarah asked me what I was doing with it. She really likes it with the cord wrap and thinks a handle would just take away from the simplicity.
We both tend to use it like a combination pocket knife and utility razor, which is roughly what I had in mind originally. In that role it has worked quite well for us. It basically sits around the computer room/office/lounge and gets used for everything from opening mail and packages to dealing with the occasional snack when someone forgot to bring a more appropriate knife in. I haven't even made a sheath yet, since I'd intended to put a regular handle on it. About the only change (other than having taken the wrap off and drilling some holes before being interrupted) has been some sanding and resharpening. It doesn't look quite so rough now.
The next step is to rewrap it and make a sheath, then lend it out to a few people to see how it works in their life. Generally speaking my day to day life is well served by a utility razor and letter opener so I'm not a very complete test. Sarah would use it for more variety, but she works on a college campus and they'd object to a fixed bladed knife. I prettied up a few folders for her but even there she keeps it small and discrete.
The main comments so far have been that it gives a very comfortable hand position when cutting into boxes and other packaging. The issue of no flat area has not come up but that's probably due to the nature of the uses so far. I can see a plumber or electrician potentially needing it, but stand by my earlier comments regarding more traditional designs not having a useful flat in most situations either. This design allows a nice gentle rocking motion to cut down through something on a flat surface. I have yet to use a fixed bladed knife other than some kitchen knives that allow the blade to rest flat on anything without the handle being off the edge of that surface, so the curved handle doesn't seem to change anything there other than the angle of approach so to speak. I'm considering a version with a more traditional wharncliffe blade profile to use as a comparison, I'd maintain the handle/blade angle and general sizing.
