Combatchet Proto WIP

[Rick Haney Design]

Someone suggested the traction notches might be uncomfortable using the finger ring as a ulu.What do you think?

 

[Keith_H]

I think so, too. I think that if you were to make them shallower, it may help.

What the second smaller hole in the centre on the head was for? I seemed to have missed that.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

Keith,Actually the smaller hole was to balance the finger hole aestetically.Now it has evolved to be a detent for head retention,Kydex molded to the smaller hole.
Another suggestion,If I could incorporate a two piece sheath for the skull crusher.It would facilitate horizonal carry option.This way,The strap makes it two piece.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

It was suggested that the traction notches may be uncomfortable using the finger ring.I eliminated the notches.

 

[Keith_H]

ok, I just figured that it might reduce the heft a little.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

ok, I just figured that it might reduce the heft a little.

Keith,Now that I think about it.

 

[shane justice]

Cool idea!

I wonder if you added a bit more "poll" so that when needed a guy could BATON the crap out of it....

I am thinking of meebe 55 gallon drum the way Dietmer Pohl showed in his book on tactical knives.

It was in the part where they talked about Ben Conrads designs of a machete.

Prolly you mean for this to be a fighting type ax...so my suggestion is prolly not needed.

I just remeber my buddy using the knife I made him to pry froxzen mortar rounds out of an ammo crate...I never meant for that knife to do that sort of prying, but thats what it got used for.

Shutting up now..

 

[Rick Haney Design]

Shane,I designed this to be a compact fighting hatchet.Not as cumbersome as a axe.With the great input I have received,It has evolved into quite a weapon!1/4" A2 will probably be the steel of choice for this application.I think the only question that I have about this design is,I'm not sure the width of the nylon strapping?The slots measurements need to be accurate.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

This is a one piece sheath design suggested on the forums.You should be able to rock it in or out of the sheath.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

Refining the sheath shape.

 

[hardheart]

Just to throw it out there, I would like thicker stock, personally. 3/8" would be nicer. More heft and wider hammer face.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

hardheart.After talking with Mr Waterjet guy today, We decided S-7 would be the material for this design.Especially with the hammer poll.At least 1/4",Might use 3/8" stock.

I streamlined the spine if the sheath,Should cut down on bulk & weight.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

Another design suggestion,Swivel belt loop.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

I did some hawk sheath research earlier today,On almost all the sheaths they had retention straps snap type on both ends.It's a back up safety from dislodging the blade or handle from a fall of impact.

Retention straps in place.

 

[Patrickknives]

I would go for 58 -60 with a good temper, I have bent alot of blades in this range and they are quite flexable. With 1/4 thickness I think it would work fine. Are you going to get these water jet cut? I highly recommend for this complexity.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

Definately being waterjet cut, Blank & kydex.58 to 60 RC,We will definately make one for a passaround on BF!Getting some hands-on input.

Another suggestion,Black oxide finish.DLC,Gunkote,Ceracote.Between the three,DLC I would think would hold up longer.I could be wrong about that.

 

[Rick Haney Design]

Refined the area at the skull crusher,Widened the head face slightly.Subtle changes.

 

[hardheart]

instead of those strap positions, how about one with a thumbbreak that could be cut loose while the hatchet is grabbed/drawn? I don't know if one of these placements would work, but it might.

 

[fishface5]

I'm liking watching this design evolve! My .02 on the pommel - if it was in a flatter pry-bar shape rather than a sharp point, (1) it would have additional practical value as a pry-bar (2) you wouldn't need to sheath the pommel, greatly reducing sheath complexity and cost (3) it would still serve the actual function of a skull-crusher in CQB. I'm guessing this tool would see roughly 100,000 times more use for prying than for skull-crushing.

As to stock, 3/8" makes a good hammer head but a heavy implement. I'd suggest going to the hardware store, buying one of those $6 cast-steel hammer/axe/prybar tools, taking it out in the yard to beat on it for a while, and then ask yourself "how does my design [aside from looking cool] improve on this for the average soldier?" I think the main reason those aren't used by combat troops is that although small they are too bulky and heavy.

 

[Keith_H]

I agree with fishface. If it was a life or death situation and I had an axe, I don't think I would be stabbing somebody with it.