Review File work and general design

Alex T.

Alex T.

Beginner knifemaker
Joined
Mar 10, 2019
Messages
119
Hi all, first time posting here :)
I am a new knife maker and would like your advice about my first file work (made with dremel, waiting for my foredom to arrive and refine the design) and the general design of this knife. It is a mix a forging and stock removal 5160 1/4" thick ready to be heat treated so I would LOVE to get advice on the general design of my fourth knife :) (Sorry if my english is a bit funky, I am french speaking)

Thank you for your time
p0z5xPw
 
It was actually a hole in the bar that I tought I could forge weld but it didn't work so thats why I was looking for advice/ideas as to what I could possibly do with this. Because it is a major weakness, I have tought about just make this knife as a "piece of art". I have gotten kind of mixed review about the blade, some people like it and others don't so I don't really know how to handle this case lol
 
JParanee said:
File work is not in demand

Spend your time on other areas
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Hi Joe. I respect you and your contributions to our industry a TON......

That said......I have to respectfully disagree with your statement....at least in general blanket terms.

I get asked for filework constantly. Some may not like it but others love it.

One thing is certain. IF you use filework, it needs to be well done.
 
Looney36 said:
It was actually a hole in the bar that I tought I could forge weld but it didn't work so thats why I was looking for advice/ideas as to what I could possibly do with this. Because it is a major weakness, I have tought about just make this knife as a "piece of art". I have gotten kind of mixed review about the blade, some people like it and others don't so I don't really know how to handle this case lol
Click to expand...
Makes sense. I have to give you respect for taking an inherent issue and trying to make it a design feature. That's very creative.
 
J. Doyle said:
Hi Joe. I respect you and your contributions to our industry a TON......

That said......I have to respectfully disagree with your statement....at least in general blanket terms.

I get asked for filework constantly. Some may not like it but others love it.

One thing is certain. IF you use filework, it needs to be well done.
Click to expand...


I love your work my friend and I’m not speaking of file work on fittings etc but I stopped buying knives with file work down the spine 30 years ago and don’t know many that like it

On fittings etc that’s different but the op has the entire spine done

So my advice to any maker working on their craft would be to concentrate on aesthetic flow and fit and finish not file work but to each his own
 
Haha! I've always liked filework. It is TOTALLY superfluous, understood. It only adds visual appeal, and it only adds visual appeal if it is EXTREMELY precise and flowing.

I just purchased a small utility with file work all around it. From the late Steve Likarich. That was the appeal. I have NEVER seen more symmetry or deeper cuts. Photos within a week or so.

This said, Joe P. is VERY pragmatic, and his bias will always be about function. Hold your course, Joe! :thumbsup:

Alex T. Alex T. the premise of the pattern you show us is a 'vine and thorns'. It's been around for decades. It's SO nineties. Sigh.

I'm neither a fan of this style, and yet I have seen it done to perfection. You need to understand that those interested in this want symmetry and flow. I can't put this more tactful: yours is rough.

'Attaboys' for asking, but be careful what you ask for! ;) (When I look at my first photos I cringe. You will look at this with a chuckle someday as well.)
 
JParanee said:
I love your work my friend and I’m not speaking of file work on fittings etc but I stopped buying knives with file work down the spine 30 years ago and don’t know many that like it

On fittings etc that’s different but the op has the entire spine done

So my advice to any maker working on their craft would be to concentrate on aesthetic flow and fit and finish not file work but to each his own
Click to expand...

That makes sense. Thanks for expounding on that a bit. A lot of wise advice in your post too and I agree with it.
 
Thank you all for your answer, it is really appreciated to get feedback. This only makes me more motivated about getting better. Crtitics from more experienced guys like you can only benefit me as a knifemaker :)
 
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