Camp knife design help

samuraistuart

samuraistuart

Joined
Dec 21, 2006
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I've got a bar of O7 (1.2519, 110WCrV5), about .215" thick, screaming at me to make it into a camp knife of sorts. I have all kinds of 4" drop point hunters, Cold Steel, and a few I made myself. I don't really have a larger size knife to beat around the bush with, and figured I'd make one. Went online looking for a particular design that I had in my head, but couldn't really find one to copy! Maybe that's a good thing. I'm more analytical than creative, so I tend to get lazy in the design department. I don't want anything too long, as a machete takes over. I don't want a chopping blade, as I always have a hatchet. Just something longer for the camp, to look cool, ya know? ;) I'm really liking this knife design, but I asked my wife and she thinks the handle needs to be longer. I had originally designed a longer handle, but ended up shortening it a bit. This is just a profile, obviously, so I would REALLY love your thoughts and opinions on the handle length....and any other suggestions you guys might have. FYI, the OAL as it is stands at 12", and the tip will have a proper "tip". I ran out of paper while drawing it! OK, here 'tis......SAM_1306.jpg
 
Basically it looks good Stuart but I suggest angling the handle downward a few degrees to get rid of the flat spine. Try just a little bit of a curve and I think you'll agree that it looks better. As far as handle length, 5" is about right for a camp knife. Just my .02.
 
Darrin, thanks for your thoughts. I tried the angled down handle. Didn't like it. The spine actually slopes up towards the tip of the pommel, just a hare, so it isn't dead straight. 5" handle, huh? Well, this one is just short of that.....by about half an inch or so. I'll add the extra inch. The handle droop has me thinking again, tho.
 
Design is subjective Stuart. I learned early on that no matter what design or materials I use on a knife there will be people who love it, people who hate it, & anywhere in between. So I make what I want and don't worry about it unless its a one off for a customer. If you like the straight spine then by all means, go for it. I'm sure it'll turn out nice no matter what you decide on.
 
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I don't draw or design knives maybe that's a good thing..!!! But how about this ? Its different and you could probably flip a burger with it....
 
Camp knives do normally have a curve to the handle and there is a reason for this. Its a chopping tool which needs the end of the blade to make contact before the bottom of the hand when chopping brush or cutting stakes. The cleaver above is a good example of a tool meant to chop. The handle is straight but the blade is wide to compensate for this. A knife meant for kitchen use will usually have a handle that projects on a straight tangent back along the spine. A camp knife deserves a lot of belly and tip for that is where the work is done with a knife of this intended use.

I'm interested to see what you come up with, Fred
 
Consider the Canadian belt knife. I think that handle angles up just a smidgen. That gives a little relief to the hand to avoid contact with the table. Might not look as good but your little finger will thank you for not picking up a splinter from a log or wood table when you are slicing potatoes.
 
You're right.....Bo T. They do have an upswept handle, don't they? I'm probably going to lengthen the handle just a tad and go from there. I got to thinking about Mr Moran's comment on the drop point....I wonder if he was referring to the clipped point on my blade. It's "clipped" because I ran out of paper when drawing it. I hope he doesn't think that's my version of a drop point!!! If there isn't any serious design flaws you guys can spot....I may just go with that design and a tad longer handle. It may be a week before I cut it out anyway....and I'd love to hear other thoughts. If you guys think that's good....I'll go for it! All much appreciated!!!
 
Stuart, sorry I took so long to get back to you. Yes I was referring to the clip on the blade, but I see your explanation.

As Darrin said, design is subjective and needs to suit the purpose of the user. Why I mentioned the point is; I had a knife that I liked and used a lot with a saber point. One day I got to thinking how plain it was and I needed to improve it, so I ground a small clip on the blade. The end result was that it didn't help the function of the knife, it looks ugly, and I haven't used it or carried it sense. That was in 1976.

My point is that you don't have to be creative, as far as coming up with something new. Take pride in your work, use good materials, and when you are finished, you will have created something beautiful.

John
 
Thanks John! And to Tim37a....I did in fact lengthen the handle just a bit to give it a full 5", if not a touch more. Knife was cut out last night....so no going back now!!! thanks for all of your thoughts.
 
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