Design contest!

This was a really cool contest Allen! Would have loved to participate, but just couldn't find the time. I think the two winners are terrific examples and I can't wait to see them as real tools! Congrats Kg and coop!
 
Thank you Bartlax! I plan to post and share the new WAS gem and show off Allen's talents. I will purposefully be a banner of advertisement as I feel his work and line-up will gain popularity once they become more known amongst the fixed blade EDC and Bushcrafter fans. I think the design contest is great PR and stimulation for the the maker and actually gives back to customers and fans.

Andy (Fiddleback Forge) did this a few years ago and the result was the Arête. A popular model even today.

Offering this one or twice a year or so would be good for all involved I imagine. I have repeatedly thanked Allen for the opportunity. I believe this is the only "contest" I've ever won (or tied so to speak) so everyday has been filled with anticipation.

This is a blade I will never part with; it will have a deeper sentiment given it's origins. Thank you again Allen!!!
 
Very cool contest Allen. One of the things that I have learned with age is where some of my strengths are, and where some of my weaknesses are. Having an opinion is one of my strengths, and designing anything artistic is one of my weaknesses. This really does present me with a problem because I will have an opinion on any knife that you produce, but I cannot for the life of me design one that will result in a positive opinion from myself. Much of how I formulate an opinion about a knife is based upon how well it fits my hand for the tasks that I will be using the blade. Why all knife makers do not know exactly the dimensions of my hand, and design knives to fit it, is beyond my comprehension, but many of Andy's creations, and your creations, feel good in hand when using. Case in point, thurin recently did a review of Andy's Sneaky Pete in the trio exchange thread on Andy's subforum. Thurin has very large hands, and he was critical of the dorsal hump (thumb ramp/rest) on the SP knife. What I find that I love about the SP knife is this very feature. I find myself wanting when using a knife that does not have it. I completely understand thurin's criticism given his hand size and his applications. I guess the bottom line is that with all of the biological diversity and all of the diversity of application, you will never be able to design the perfect knife that is loved by all. Given my hand size, when I hold the SP or the Asp with my thumb on the dorsal thumb ramp, I have a very comfortable four finger grip on the handle. In contrast, when I hold your Moccasin knife the same way, I find that I only get a 3 finger grip on the handle. So, I would prefer a longer handle (I guess I just did something that I told you that I have no skills in doing). I find the Moccasin to be a very comfortable knife in all grips, but I like having a 4 finger purchase on a blade this size for my intended usage. It is a personal preference of mine. I do not mean to criticize or put down your Moccasin design at all. It is a good design, and a comfortable knife. Another person might take this very feature that I was indicating that I did not like, and they would rave about how this is just perfect for their application, or they might have smaller hands than me, and they get a perfect 4 finger purchase that fits them like a glove.

Very cool competition, and congratulations to the winners. I look forward to seeing these designs become a reality. I apologize for my long windedness in discussing my ideas about knife design, and my complete lack of skills in this art.
 
McVeyMac said:
Very cool contest Allen. One of the things that I have learned with age is where some of my strengths are, and where some of my weaknesses are. Having an opinion is one of my strengths, and designing anything artistic is one of my weaknesses. This really does present me with a problem because I will have an opinion on any knife that you produce, but I cannot for the life of me design one that will result in a positive opinion from myself. Much of how I formulate an opinion about a knife is based upon how well it fits my hand for the tasks that I will be using the blade. Why all knife makers do not know exactly the dimensions of my hand, and design knives to fit it, is beyond my comprehension, but many of Andy's creations, and your creations, feel good in hand when using. Case in point, thurin recently did a review of Andy's Sneaky Pete in the trio exchange thread on Andy's subforum. Thurin has very large hands, and he was critical of the dorsal hump (thumb ramp/rest) on the SP knife. What I find that I love about the SP knife is this very feature. I find myself wanting when using a knife that does not have it. I completely understand thurin's criticism given his hand size and his applications. I guess the bottom line is that with all of the biological diversity and all of the diversity of application, you will never be able to design the perfect knife that is loved by all. Given my hand size, when I hold the SP or the Asp with my thumb on the dorsal thumb ramp, I have a very comfortable four finger grip on the handle. In contrast, when I hold your Moccasin knife the same way, I find that I only get a 3 finger grip on the handle. So, I would prefer a longer handle (I guess I just did something that I told you that I have no skills in doing). I find the Moccasin to be a very comfortable knife in all grips, but I like having a 4 finger purchase on a blade this size for my intended usage. It is a personal preference of mine. I do not mean to criticize or put down your Moccasin design at all. It is a good design, and a comfortable knife. Another person might take this very feature that I was indicating that I did not like, and they would rave about how this is just perfect for their application, or they might have smaller hands than me, and they get a perfect 4 finger purchase that fits them like a glove.

Very cool competition, and congratulations to the winners. I look forward to seeing these designs become a reality. I apologize for my long windedness in discussing my ideas about knife design, and my complete lack of skills in this art.
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Thank you for the comments Walter! It is very hard to be able to fit every hand, especially features like a thumb ramp. My approach personally is a little different on the moccasin and the newer shortmuck. I actually place my thumb forward of the crest and use it more as a cradle or backstop for my thumb and it helps create better leverage. The thrasher is a bit longer handled, similar to the asp, but I have only made the one you saw in O1, which is still here at the house, lol.
 
Just to give a quick update, The first two of eaxh winning deaigns are out of heat treat and cleaned up. Scales going on soon!

 
Man, that is two great looking sets of scales. I can't wait to see the Skera scales take shape and show off the grain. It is looking pretty sweet. Awesome!
 
Coop,
Congrats, I know you can't wait to have it in hand. Before you know it, you'll be showing it off like a proud poppa.

And why not, it looks fantastic.
Preston
 
You guys took the words right out of my mouth! Thanks everyone and especially you Allen.
 
A Design contest?
Building the winner?
What a cool way to work with your customers!

I understand I own an example of one of the winners.
This is a knife I wouldn't want a tapered tang. It feels great heavy.
Although I have become a big fan of the thumb ramp aesthetically, this knife doesn't need it as there is a hefty land for your thumb if need be.
When you hold it, you just want to make a fist and sink it into something.
The shape of the handle is great for resisting slippage & twist, great leverage.
And of course, the workmanship is top shelf :)
The wood looks amazing.

fMoWwU9.jpg

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I'm pleased you are pleased. It's good to here real world feedback and comments. I love mine, but of course I'm biased.
 
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