convex vs flat handle back

[TXoutback]

Hello, I am working on a knife design and I'd like some opinions on whether it would be worth the extra trouble to make the back of the handle rise up like a Mora knife vs. keeping it flat.

This knife is meant to be a companion knife to my McCurdy Kukri, and eventually to a tomahawk, once I'm set up to start forging. I would use this knife for carving, cordage, crafts, harvesting, cooking, and skinning.. so maybe its what you'd call a general bushcraft tool.

The concept is largely based on the beloved Mora knife, but it is intended to be just a little beefier. Stock is 1/8" (3.1mm) O1 steel, and will have a flat grind. Here are my narrowed down design options:

As you can see, the top model has a handle that bulges up into your palm some, just like a good-old Mora knife. This would take some extra time to build, as I would have to cut in from both sides of my stock to achieve this with a true full-tang.

The second option is really the same design, but with what we normally see in a self-made knife... the back is left flat to take advantage of the machined stock.

I've used a Mora knife for years and I must admit it feels wonderful in the hand, and it doesnt fatigue you...I'm just not sure if the extra work is worth it to get the humped handle vs one that curves down from the machined stock edge.

Thanks for your input.

 

[orangehero]

I think a swell slightly towards the rear of the handle from center is more comfortable. If you fold your hand and look at your palm you can see where it should be. To my eye the lower profile would be more comfortable.

 

[peppen108]

There are other Scandinavian knife traditions using basically the same stick tang blade shape that lacks the hump ore has a minor hump. Image-google "samekniv" ore "Wirkkala Whittler" for examples.

 

[lonepine]

I don't know this as a fact or if it even matters but maybe some of the Mora handles are plastic moldings making the top "bump" easier to do.

I notice in your drawing that you have the cutting edge meeting the handle material (no ricasso), very typical (in my experience) of the Mora type of knife.

Judging by the three pins in the handle it is a full tang design. I am not sure how you will work the area mentioned above. Could you share your plans for this please?

I like your design and it is the sort of knife I would get. I'm just confused on how to actually do some of the things as pictured.

- Paul Meske

 

[james terrio]

Both designs are quite good. It's a matter of personal preference.

 

[TXoutback]

Thanks for the comments everyone, its very encouraging.

Paul, to answer your questions, yes it will be a full-tang... I'm still undecided if there will be a ricasso past the handle or not. I plan to use a belt grinder that has a disc sander on the side... the disc sander might do fine for "machining" down the back of the blade a little so I can have a full-tang with the hump on the handle.