Designing Fixed Blade Custom Fighter from Scratch...Need Help Please!!

A

Anthony

Joined
Jun 11, 1999
Messages
47
Hello Everyone,

Currently I am attempting to design a custom fixed blade knife and could use some experienced opinions as I am somewhat new to knife design.

First off I live in Dallas, Texas where the state law limits civilians to carrying a knife with a single sided blade of no more the 5 1/2 inches in length. I am not in law enforcement, but carry two firearms legally with a permit. In some cases the guns must be left behind and this knife will be my primary implement of deadly force.

The knife will be a pure fighter with no utilitarian tasks or second purpose. We are talking about a custom single minded machine that is to be optimized for fighting...nothing else. Further, I am not concerned with the appearance of the knife being "too aggressive" or "combat like" or other such thing. Texas seems much less concerned about such crap as other more liberal states. In fact, I would prefer a rather aggressive look to enhance the chance that the mere display of the piece might discourage hostilities altogether and avoid a messy legal entanglement.

Cost is not a factor. I want the best for this very critical mission.

Thus far I am very interested in making the knife with 1/4 inch stock for extra weight and cutting momentum.

The piece will either be carried inside the waistband on the weak side or in a special leather sheath added to my shoulder holster that carries my firearm in the cooler months. Please bear in mind that the knife will be used in some of the hotter months that can go as high as 110 degrees and near 100% humidity.

In my own cutting tests plain old 1050 carbon steel has been my favorite material from the standpoint of cutting power. Further, I have been very unimpressed by ATS-34 and its cutting power as rendered by a supposedly top drawer custom smith.

What custom knife maker(s) would you suggest for this project?

What material(s) would you use to fabricate the knife from?

What blade shape would allow the knife to be equally good at stabbing and slashing movements?

What blade shape would deliver maximum damage per wound?

What type of handle shape and material(s) would you use?

What type of guard would you use?

What additional features (e.g., skull crusher hilt, etc.) would you add to enhance the combat effectiveness and/or visual impact of the piece?

Lastly, I may opt to have the knife customized for appearance as well as utility...much as the fancy guns carried by the Texas Rangers of years past. Any input on features that are decorative, but do not detract from the utility of the piece would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for all of the help on this project.

- Anthony
 
Hmm...

I'd go with a persian style blade. Darrel Ralph makes an awesome persian fighter. Perhaps he can add a skull crusher and a guard. With a recurved blade canted with respect to the handle you get awesome slashing power and the point can still remain in line with the handle. That will make it accurate for stabbing.

Trace Rinaldi also makes some kick butt blades. And Jerry Hossom will change your mind about ATS-34 if you get a fighter from him. He makes beautiful fighters.

e-mail Jerry Hossom, Trace Rinaldi, Darrel Ralph, Rob Simonich and Kit Carson and tell them your plan. These makers can definitely make you what you want.
 
What custom knife maker(s) would you suggest for this project?
Lots of good makers out there. Depends on if you want it forged or ground out. You'll have to do some research if you're really serious.

What material(s) would you use to fabricate the knife from?
With a 5 1/2" blade I wouldn't be afraid to use plain old C1084 high carbon steel. In fact, I'd prefer it. 52100 would also be good.

What blade shape would allow the knife to be equally good at stabbing and slashing movements?
A mild recurve with an upswept tip. The tip should be long and come to a nice sharp point. A distal taper is an absolute must.

What blade shape would deliver maximum damage per wound?
The recurve shape is well known for it's ability to 'hang in there'.

What type of handle shape and material(s) would you use?
A nicely downturning sweep with a 'hand hanger' on the pommel end. My personal choice for material would be canvas micarta.

What type of guard would you use?
A sub-hilt is hard to beat for a fighter. It gives it an aggressive look and also adds tremendously to your 'holding on' during maneuvers.

You asked. Those are just my opinions. Good luck on your quest. If you don't have any knife fighting skills, I'd consider carrying something your opponent can't see instead. Like a good hawkbill folder or neck knife. Or maybe one of those telescoping metal spring whips. It won't feel as bad getting poked up yer butt.

Having a knife like that for just one thing can get you in trouble dude. Imagine an officer asking you what in the world you use a knife like that for. 'Well officer, I use it to kill people with'. Won't win you any huamitarian awards. These are just my 'off the cuff' thoughts. Take em or leave em.
 
I have an interesting question... well it is probably more rhetorical to this crowd though. Anyways, how come in states that allow people to carry handguns for self defense, it is still "wrong" to carry a knife just for that purpose? How come you have to carry a "utility" knife and press it into fighting service, while you can carry a handgun to be used 100% for fighting and 0% for "utility"?




(Answer: SHEEPLE)
 
well crayola self defence falls under the utility category as far as i am concerned. LOL
 
I could make you a piece in the length you are wanting with either my Dragonslayer design or my regular straight fighting bowie design,Both have back edges that can be sharpened or left at almost sherp to give a better cutting effect,I would sugest a slightly foward curved double guard for maximum hand protection and aid in stabbing force,Then I would also suggest my slightly down curved version of a hawk bill style handle that I use on my Dragon Slayer handle,The 1/4 inch thick blade is a little much on this size knife in my humble opinion but if that is what you want I could that instead of my 3/16 inch thik blades.The knife could be dressed up some for looks or left utilitarion style just for use and toughness looking.Have you thought about 5160 or the 1084 steels they both are very tough and hold really great edges and I would be forging this blade also.If you are interested in my ideas just email me,and if you would like to know more about my knives just ask around the forums and check out my web site.
These are just my ideas,And I wll work with you anyway I can to make the knife the way you want it.Just email if you are interested..
Bruce
 
Since you live in Dallas, go look up Bailey Bradshaw. He will make you something in CPM3V or 52100.
 
i concur with bruce evans that 1/4" is a bit much for the blade lenth, you would do better with 3/16" i would pass on the sub hilt, yes it is scary looking but does not allow you roll or change grip very easy. and we are not taking time to show the finer points of our knife to mr. badguy. also i would pass on a skull crusher point in the rear. i have talked with several combat vets that say that your more likely to hurt your self with those if you get knocked down in the initail attack. having it dig into you side or ribs. bruce evans or jerry hossom could make you one hell of a fighter. good luck
 
YOUR TEXAS PERMIT DOES NOT PERMIT YOU TO CARRY A KNIFE AS A CONCEALED
WEAPON... IN OTHER WORDS..DONT SAY "THATS ITS PURPOSE" IN PUBLIC OR WHERE IT MAY BE USED AGIANST YOU SOME DAY BY SOMEONE HAVING TO TESTIFY TO WHAT YOU PREVIOUSLY SAID THE KNIFES PURPOSE WAS IN A COURT OF LAW...LIKE A FRIEND OR RELATIVE...
if you draw it first..its deemed a weapon..if you justifiably draw it in self-defense as a last resort..its still deemed a tool after its all said and done..( thats current case law,texas)a legal knife is a tool untill its used as a weapon...(excecpt in caifornia where
you need a weapons liscense to cut up your steak at a restraunt with anything sharper than a butter knife)
just good advise..........
happy cuttin..........:D :D :D :D :D dkman
 
Anthony, this is the wrong forum for me to get into this so I'll keep it short. First, get some instruction on knife fighting. If you get a design because it looks wicked you have problems. Forget the legal end. The bottom line with a defense knife is "if they see it before you use it, you are halfway to getting your butt kicked", or worse. I have the scars to prove I know what I'm talking about.

Second, there are a ton of the most masterful knife makers right here. Any one of them can make you what you want. I've gotta admit, I've always been partial to Bruce Evans knives but that's just personal taste. Most of the makers here can give what you need.

Third and last. Cutting and stabbing are as much in the technique as in the weapon itself. Find a design you are comfortable with and practise. The cutting targets I use range from green bamboo to full water jugs. Good luck, your interest concerns me.
 
1050 sounds good or 5160 etc.
well rounded handle
full hilt or subhilt
chisel grind leaves a messy hole
a recon bowie shape
 
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