Drawing to finished knife....

Clydetz

Clydetz

Joined
Dec 1, 2001
Messages
2,871
Just had an idea that someone might like to see a couple of my ideas that were turned into realities by a friendly knifemaker. Process included getting my idea on paper; getting the drawing to the craftsman; have him critique my drawing; put our heads together & make changes (I only had the idea-he has the knowledge & craftsmanship to put it all together). I hope my photos do justice to the final product! These 2 knives were made by Ken Largin. Three other masterful knifemakers are working on some of my other 'dreams' or 'nightmares'!
 
Just to let you know: Both knives are made of M-2 tool steel; the bowie has Elk Stag scales; while the 'simplistic' knife has polished Elk Stag. These are some of Ken Largin's favorite materials.
 
Atomic Zero, how are you doing! A quick note - I'm still waiting for my knife from Rob Davidson; you said awhile ago you were interested in his knives. So far the wait has been about 9 months.
Yes, the plans for both knives were made by me using a spreadsheet program that came with the computer for the straight lines & drawing curves with various 'stencils'. Better to make a lot of changes on the computer than trying to change your ideas after the knifemaker starts his metal work! The top knife was my 1st attempt at putting an idea that was bouncing around in my head since my 'teens onto paper. Glad you like it - thanks!
 
that's a beefy bowie. I like seeing the transformation fron sketch to finnished blade. You can see where the knnifemaker's art is breathed in...

Keith
 
Ferrous Wheel -
Your right about the Bowie being 'beefy' - 3/16" thick M-2 full tang construction; 2" wide blade; balance point just in front of the finger groove. I am very pleased with what the knifemaker 'breathed' into this 'beastly' creation! Ken was really breathing his abilities into the 2nd knife - almost 1/4" thick M-2; added a 'palm swell'; rounded my corners off; with a balance point right at the finger groove. I refer to this knife as 'Simple & to the point".

PhilL - Once I purchase the Adobe software & follow your tutorial, we'll have to see what 'nightmares' I can come up with!
 
Clydetz,

I also really like the look of that Bowie blade! I've used M2 for years as a machinist. Just this week, I ground several folder blades from it. Compared to D2 and 30V it was a BREEZE to work with. Heat treat is also quite easy. I'll be sending the blades to Bodycoat, I can't wait to try out the finished knives :)

Neil
 
Thanks for the compliment, Neil - much appreciated! I just want you to know, I've been admiring your knives that have appeared in threads & posts here at BF's. My budget is pretty much 'tapped out' but I will check with you in 2003 for a possible folder. I'll be checking your website. Any chance you could post any knives with drawings or do your ideas just 'happen' as you work the steel?
 
Way to go Clydetz!
I like the biggun. No nonsense knife, very cool.
I posted a drawing finish knife combo in the custom forum for you to see. It's in the thread about art & knives.

The only problem with photoshop is that you can draw them quicker than you can pay for 'em :D
 
Ebbtide,
I have been viewing that other thread - very interesting input! I got to be honest with you; it took me a few seconds to figure out which was the drawing & which one was the 'real' knife - good work! Bruce makes some fantastic knives! I sent Bruce a drawing & spoke with him on the phone: very pleasant to talk with & very knowledgeable. I left everything in his capable hands & can't wait to see the finished blade!
 
Clydetz,

I appreciate the compliments. The folder program is finally up and running!! As far as drawings, I only really make an outline. From that I cut an aluminum template or pattern. Once I finish the first knife from the pattern I may adjust it slightly, leave it as is or toss it in the trash :) I don't draw in bolsters or pin holes or grind lines. That is all done on the knife steel itself. On a few of my more popular fixed blades I have hole locations on the pattern for quick transfer and layout. Once I'm happy with the balance of a certain knife, I make sure I do the weight reduction holes in the tang the same each time.

For folders, I go from sketch to alumium mock up to CAD drawings! And........ I leave the CAD work to an expert ;)


Neil
 
Neil,

Thanks for the info! You have a trash can with metal - my trash can is filled with paper! Back to the drawing board!:D
 
While the forums were down, I happened to receive my Rob Davidson Bowie. Rob stuck pretty much to the drawing; it took awhile but I'm real pleased with Rob's craftsmanship - another 'Beast' for the collection! Hope you like it!
 
My God you like your bowies to have wide blades, don't you? I just can't warm up to that style of bowie. Not that you should care, but my preference is for narrower blades with less pronounced clips.
 
I got to admit, Keith, I do like them wide & heavy for the 'chopping' effect but for speed they will lose the race! I just like my Bowies on the heavy side; gives me a comfortin' feeling. I have another Bowie type with a narrower blade expected from a fine maker near the end of the year. I'll be snapping some pictures & posting - hope to hear your input on it.
 
Clydetz, I like -em big also, Im with Keith on the width, but I do alot of 3/16" stock stuff. I like the full tang heavy but balanced feeling. It can work, and be suprisingly comfortable....Nice job, and congrats on getting what you want while acknowleding interpretation. :cool:
 
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