Finding Balance

The only successful knife I've made so far (in terms of cutting ability) has horrible proportions (handle heavy) and it wasn't until that one when I learned how important the designing step is. What I do know is simply mentally look over the knife's design and simply add/reduce weight in areas where I think it'll bring the balance point to where I want it. A better option is to make a wood/metal simple version of the knife to check how it feels..I would recommend with going with a metal version though so it could be used as a template if you was to make more knifes of the same style.

A few weight reduction holes in the blade's tang if necessary, lighter weight handle material, designing the front bolsters in a way that adds a bit of weight to the blade section, etc. Then there's also tapering-but I have no experience at using that method.
 
I make no claim of knowing a lot about balance for knives except generalities. Mr Apelt gave a good explanation. Some knives work best when the balance is in front of the handle, like with zombie-choppers, and some work better when the balance is where the index finger normally goes, and some work best when the balance is back further (small carvers maybe?). How do you want your knives to balance or is that part of your question too?

- Paul Meske
 
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