Critique

[Phade]

I came up with this design and would like some critiques.

 

[Frank Niro]

Perhaps if you told us what the knife's main use was to be it would be a lot easier to respond. As well, what particular materials were you planning on using. I made one similar in the blade part of your knife about twenty years ago. It was to a customer's design. It had an ATS-34 blade and a handle of wood micarta. He told me he would use it to skin pigs. Frank

 

[Phade]

I'm planning on using G10 for the handle, not sure on the blade steel yet.
It will be an outdoors/general use knife.
Suggestions would be great.

 

[CarpScot]

What is the overall length?

 

[Mike Quesenberry]

I like #1 with the clip, I like clips.

 

[Phade]

8" or so
I don't have all the exact details nailed down yet.

 

[Hengelo_77]

Looking at it I wonder if the handle wille be comfortable.
make a card board (or ply wood etc.) tmplate and feel if it feels good.
make the template as thisck as you plan to make it for real, it makes quite a difference

 

[C_Kyle]

Print that out, glue it to 1/4" poplar and play with it for a few days. Poplar is cheap and makes a good template that lasts for a long time.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Making a wooden knife is a good idea when trying to think out a design. Don't worry about the little details like the front of the scales or blade style, just rough out a handle with a tapered blade coming from it. Try and get the feel in the hand so it seems natural.

I like #3.

Now, as to a critique on the designs:
I'm not sure about the dip on the front of the scales at the ricasso. Maybe a smoother curve?
Not sure that the finger choil is going to work as it is drawn. Looks like the transition will chafe the fingers.
You might need to take the two small points off the scales at the lanyard hole. They might be problematic in shaping and finishing.

 

[Phade]

I made a few changes to the handle.

I'll try to get some poplar wood later today.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

IMHO, #3 is much improved. You probably will need to lift the thong tube a bit higher.

 

[GrizzlyBear]

I like #3 as well, it may look a bit better with a tad more ricasso area like #4.

 

[Phade]

Like this?

Also, anyone have any suggestions for a good steel for a beginner?

 

[GrizzlyBear]

Yes, that works nicely. It's amazing how much the look can change by just a simple addition of a little space between the handle top and the plunge!

 

[GrizzlyBear]

I think 1084, 1095 and O1 are some recommended for beginners. If my reading serves me correctly. I'm not sure on stainless steels.

 

[Phade]

I think I'll go with O1.
Still need to fix the curve at the thumb ramp though.