Bushcraft knife - 2nd Prototype done - Need Feedback!!!

What thickness for handle material? 3/16" or 1/4"

  • 3/16" (thinner, lighter)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • 1/4" (more palm swell)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Either way is fine

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
  • Poll closed .
Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
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20,978
Yes...I am kickin' some tail...:D


Here's the 2nd prototype:

Same basic idea, but with 1/4" handles.

I like the contouring...definitely fills the hand more...but it throws the balance back - and definitely feels heavier in the hand.

What you guys think?

Bushcraft-Prototype2-09.jpg



Bushcraft-Prototype2-10.jpg


Bushcraft-Prototype2-12.jpg


And, as you can see - given the contouring I did...the only place it really adds thickness is in the palm swell area and at the end of the butt.





Bushcraft-Prototype2-11.jpg


Here's a pic of the 1st Prototype for comparison:

Bushcraft-Prototype09.jpg







I need to get some opinions on this - and soon.


I'm going to add a poll - please take some time to vote. Also, feel free to add your post your vote in this thread as well.

Daniel Koster







----------------------------------------
*****IMPORTANT UPDATE*****



I've decided to open up the option for a 1/4" handle. Read the whole thread for details.


If you have a Bushcraft on order:

Go back to the original "Pre-Order" thread and make your preference known there.

I will update the first post to reflect those that want 1/4" scales. Everybody else's will just show the material. So, if you want 1/4" scales....better make sure it says 1/4" next to yours. ;)
 
Hmm... If I send you my address, could you mail the knives to me so i can do an official hand test? I promise to send them back! sometime... :D
 
is there really a weight difference? Your first one came in at 4.9 oz's, what is the weight of the 2nd proto?
 
Great question - it weighs in at 5.3 oz.

0.4 oz doesn't seem like much (and it's not really much...about 8% more) - but that with the balance being farther back "in the hand"...there is defintely a difference you can feel very easily.



The balance on the 1st Prototype is at the first lanyard hole, whereas this one is just a tad behind center of the first pin.


Not trying to sway you guys one way or the other. Personally, I'm torn. I like the thinner handle & better balance, but I also like the extra palm swell. *shrug*
 
I like the thicker scales better Dan. I'm going to be happy either way, but the thicker scales will make it more workable. JMO.
 
Very torn, but after thinking about it, I like the one with palm swells. Looks more comfortable in the hand for any extended use.

And worse case, if I don't like the extra thickness I have sand paper! A lot easier to take off than put back on... ;)
 
I voted thicker. Contour is gravy but as long as you got some width along the back it will be a good for extended use.

Damn Dan! You can turn out a knife quick:thumbup::eek:

Here's a few difft contours of popular bushcraft models

Here's a Bark River Aurora contour
auroracontour.jpg



Shing Baby Bushcraft
belly.jpg


Here's a Fallkniven F1 I think it's 5/8 in the widest, a bushcraft from SWC I think it's 3/4 in the widest part, then there's a Bark River Northstar not contoured but wide across most of the back, and a Skookum Bush Tool. I've never measured but I'm thinking it's 3/4 or better.
attachment.php
 
1/4" definately.

What a beautiful knife, simple elegance without any pretence.

I liked the 1st proto too, but the thicker scales really finish this off.

I have been following this design periodically, what was the price +/- of the 3V model again?
 
I voted for the second one. In this size knife, I don't believe the balance being further back in the hand would be an issue. It is not a chopper. With this type of extended use, and remember "bushcraft" knife, extended use comfort should be high priority.

Although, it is hard to tell for sure without holding them.

That thing just keeps getting better looking every time I look at it :) Again, great job on this one.
 
Here's one final one. I really love this one but I wish the blade were the same thickness as this one Dan is doing. On this one the blade is 4mm so not as good for slicing. Pic show over:rolleyes::D
prifile.jpg
 
I personally would like the thinner scales, but will be happy either way.

Thanks, :thumbup:
 
I'll take either, but I think the thinner scales would work better for me. Since this is not a chopper, I don't need extra weight anywhere on it and I like it balanced forward on the handle better.
 
1/4" all the way! Thicker is better!

That is an awesome lookin knife Dan. Is this one in 3V or still O1?
 
Since this knife has no guard I like a little thicker handle. I have a Fallkniven F1 and it is a little thin for my taste. For hunting knife work I often turn my blade edge-up and choke-up my grip towards the blade. I need to pinch the handle with my finger tips and this requires a bit of thickness. I like the idea of the thin handle, but it just doesn't work as well for me.
 
1/4" gotta have some good palm swell,my goodness thats one fine looking knife great jobe Dan.
 
I going with 1/4 in. as long as it tapers from the middle to the bolster.
 
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