design parameters needed

[Mannlicher]

I want a new knife. While there are a lot of wonderful designs out there, I have not as yet found one with all the things I want.
I am not a knife maker, nor am I particularly knowledgeable about the different aspects of knife design.
What I want is a knife for heavy use. I camp, hike and hunt a lot. Right now, I am using an Ontario RAT 7, and a Rowen RC-3.
Randall Made knives have always been a favorite of mine, and I have more than a few. They are not good at bushcraft though. The blade grind does not lend itself well to chopping and splitting wood. Great for skinning and gutting, but not for working with wood. I am concerned about chipping and cutting edge damage. I want the knife to take a good edge, and keep it.
The model #25 Trapper is the look I want. A different steel than O1 might work better, and certainly a different grind. I want a slight bend at the handle/blade area, and a length of about 5 1/2 inches.
I have spoken to a couple of folks, but I really am not sure of what steel would work best, and what grind..

Long intro for a question, but before spending a fair amount of money, I want to be sure I am asking the blade smith for the right things.

I appreciate the help, I really do guys.

Sam

 

[Patrickknives]

Not sure if I can cover all you want but here goes,

O1 is a good choice but I do more in A2 for your type of application, just a little more corrosion protection in wet situations and I like the air hardening. With the proper heat treat A2 will hold a good edge and not be damaged by chopping.

For wood I like a full flat grind and keep the edge at 0.040 so you have some strength behind it. I think 5" is a little small for chopping/splitting I typically do about 8", you need a little sticking out the other side from battoning and some weight for chopping.

I do agree on the angle of the handle and blade, 5 degrees allows the wrist to stay straight when chopping at waist level.