- Joined
- Mar 6, 2007
- Messages
- 779
I have posted this elsewhere, but I guess it's time to come to the pros. I have some mods for the next prototype and have been taking other suggestions on how to improve it a bit more, so give me some more to consider. A hole for arrow stripping was a good suggestion and I have thought about adding a bow drill divot, but I don't think it would be big enough due to the size. A reduction of the top to create a smaller, but better hook will allow the thumb to travel further down the spine to increase pressure. I originally wanted to be able to get my thumb all the way down into the area, but it was just to small. I could do a gut hook, but I don't hunt and figure the need is minimal.
I think the next one will be a combo of the 2 prototypes. I also will probably go with a thinner stock for the next one(s), 1/8" 1095 is pretty darn thick for a small little guy.
Surprisingly it is very comfy in a number of handholds. Resting it on your index & middle finger, using your thumb for pressure on the spine is good, but my favorite is using the middle & ring fingers in the groves and extending the index finger on the top is really comfy.
The testing was pretty successful and I gained some other insights. I ended up giving this away to a good friend so I can't get more pics of the various hand holds or the sheath (bummer). It was a real quick sheath, but it had a little pocket on the back to hold a 1/4" ferro rod and was pretty neat. Kydex would be my first choice, but I really have to think about the best way to tackle that.
As with my first prototype, keep in mind the primary function of this tool is a ferro rod striker, everything else is gravy.
Scraps fatwood - check
makes sparks with ferro rods - check
Makes tents stakes and trap notches - check
guts fish - check
skins critters - i dunno, but i'm sure it will
makes a last ditch weapon - check
Fits in your altoids tin - check
Makes a nice little neck tool - check
read the whole story of my testing here
Here is a pic of the first proto for reference.
I think the next one will be a combo of the 2 prototypes. I also will probably go with a thinner stock for the next one(s), 1/8" 1095 is pretty darn thick for a small little guy.
Surprisingly it is very comfy in a number of handholds. Resting it on your index & middle finger, using your thumb for pressure on the spine is good, but my favorite is using the middle & ring fingers in the groves and extending the index finger on the top is really comfy.
The testing was pretty successful and I gained some other insights. I ended up giving this away to a good friend so I can't get more pics of the various hand holds or the sheath (bummer). It was a real quick sheath, but it had a little pocket on the back to hold a 1/4" ferro rod and was pretty neat. Kydex would be my first choice, but I really have to think about the best way to tackle that.
As with my first prototype, keep in mind the primary function of this tool is a ferro rod striker, everything else is gravy.
Scraps fatwood - check
makes sparks with ferro rods - check
Makes tents stakes and trap notches - check
guts fish - check
skins critters - i dunno, but i'm sure it will
makes a last ditch weapon - check
Fits in your altoids tin - check
Makes a nice little neck tool - check
read the whole story of my testing here
Here is a pic of the first proto for reference.
I'd think about some super thin scales, something with a lot of friction, or a lot of jimping. Other than than, it looks pretty useful for what you intended. Awesome!!
