Clay Handle Studies

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer

Joined
Feb 28, 2006
Messages
3,494
Hi Folks,

There was a bit of a discussion on handle shapes on a recent thread of JoshTKnives'. Here's a couple of pix of some studies I did in modeling clay. I did three sizes for each design exploration: large (chopper size), medium (regular or full size) and small (three finger). Not sure where this approach will take me, but its fun! Some of you may want to give something similar a try. If you do, please share.

Thanks for looking, Phil
 

Attachments

  • HandleStudy1.jpg
    HandleStudy1.jpg
    46.8 KB · Views: 253
  • HandleStudy2.jpg
    HandleStudy2.jpg
    57.6 KB · Views: 217
Phyl,
Using clay is a great way to play with handle shapes.
You can mold it around a blade blank and figure out what looks best.
I have sent a dowel covered in clay to a client so they can squeeze it in their hand. From that model I was able to construct a fitted handle on a hunting knife ( that fit his fingers exactly). I did one for a man with only two fingers that way and made a knife he could grip securely.
You can shape it to try various designs for side by side comparison (as you did). You can dry (or fire and glaze) the good models and keep them for templates.
Stacy
 
Phil, you have waaaaaaay too much time on your hands (no pun intended) :D It's a really great idea!! Interesting designs although a few of them look really creepy :)
 
Geesh, you guys are tough. Okay, fess up, which ones look creepy...and why?

As for too much time on my hands, not sure about that one. This is a stress reliever for me. Kind of like knitting. Just a little at a time, every now and then.

I didn't even know there was a polymere clay. Hows that work and cure? Where do you source it?
 
Some of the ones in the 1st batch look like something that you might see in the really kinky section of an adult toy store...There I said it... I know I'm not the only one who sees it :o:D:eek:.
 
I edited out my post, but let's just say it prompted you to imagine the voice-over from the new VW commercials (silly German accent) speaking about these fine specimens of German engineering....

And it led into something along the lines as what rocketmann said ;)
 
Hey, by the way Louis- How do you know what the stuff in the really kinky section of an adult toy store looks like??? :p ;) :D
 
Honestly it's just the clay color / texture that's doing it for me (no snide comments please) :D The actual designs are really cool once you get over the human flesh factor :o
 
rocketmann said:
Some of the ones in the 1st batch look like something that you might see in the really kinky section of an adult toy store...There I said it... I know I'm not the only one who sees it :o:D:eek:.
Click to expand...

Oh gosh thankfully I am not the only one...... I had to double check to see which forum I was on when I saw the pictures hehehehe.:foot::D
 
I'll have to try the clay sometime, but I digress back to shaping handles.

I like to look at and handle different knives to get a feel for how the fit in my hand. Go to a knife show and handle knives from different makers, see what looks good to your eye, what feels good in your hand.

I can't remember what model it was, but I remember handling a Bob Dozier fixed blade. It felt just right in my hand.

When I shape my handles, I do a lot of file , sand, see if it feels right in my hand. Then go back and file and sand some more until I like it. I made a knife for one of my kids. Her hands are a little smaller than mine, so I made a rough profile with some masonite (cheap fiber board) to see how it fit in her hand. As I shaped the handle on the knife I had her hold it to see if it felt right in her hand. It was a small paring knife made of 01 with black paper Micarta handles.

Your knife is looking better. Make sure you keep posting the pics. It's been great to see how the suggestions and ideas from our fellow knife makers work (and help us to make better knives).

Ric
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top