First knife design - Need feedback

Dannyboyupstate

Dannyboyupstate

Joined
Mar 5, 2010
Messages
76
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This was a lot harder than I thought. I really am not super excited about the handle, but once I'm on the grinder I think that I will be able to shape it the way I like and feels comfortable.

It will be made of 3/16 - 1084. The Dimensions are 4" blade, 4" handle. The blade will be about 1 1/2" tall. Full flat grind will be the plan.

What do you fellas think?
 
i think the design is simple and sound. the only critical remark i have is that the "bump" in the handle is overly pronounced, but like you said, you can fix that easily when shaping it.
 
The "bump" is a little exaggerated, also where the index finger will meet the ricasso, I think it would be more comfortable if it was rounded...just my opinion.
 
I totally agree with you guys about the bump. That is exactly what I was referring to when I said I didn't like the handle. It probably is just to pronounced.

Good point about the index finger position. I will move it back just a touch from the ricasso so there's enough room to finish off the arc.
 
Drawing knives was never my forte. I bought a french curve to help, but the curves were too sharp. I then found a set of Ship's curves... They sell them on different drafting supply sites. If you struggle getting the lines to flow the way you envision maybe try a set. I also bought a circle and oval template too... It was amazing how much better the drawings turned out.

I'd also make the ricasso slightly wider. Maybe a full 1/4"? Don't forget to do the old cardboard cut out to see how it feels in hand.
 
The reduced bump looks much better. You can always tweak it at the grinder until it looks and feels right. Good luck and keep us posted on its progress.
 
I concur on the handle bump and index finger spot. I would suggest starting the drop point near the ricasso, gradually increasing it until it again ends where the point currently is. IMHO this would go a long way to stream-lining the appearance. A set of french curves would help in drawing curves lines like this.

- Paul Meske, Wisconsin
 
Looks can be deceiving, you never really know how it will feel until it is in your hand. I love your blade shape, but the handle still looks kind of uncomfortable.. probably the best way to refine your design once you have it on paper is to cut out a cardboard/wood template and see how it really feels in your hand. I'd even say extend the handle another 1/2"-1" for comfort and balances sake.

When you start it please be sure to update us with more pictures =)
 
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Added more handle length. I think that makes sense. I have relatively big hands too. The handle looks better altogether with some more room for the curves.

Increased ricasso to full 1/4"
 
Yep, that's getting there. Looks good, but once you make a model you might find you still want to reduce the hump substantially. Where it sits no it might hit your fingers wrong depending on your hand. You'll end up playing with it a bit to get it just right for you, but you're well on your way. I like the design!
 
My sugestion: where the handle 'flows' in to the ricasso, there's a sharp point (where your index finger will be just before the edge)
Round it off. It will also help the flow of the knive
 
I like to make wooden knives to scale out of pine for new designs. It is a great way to get a feel for your ideas. If you find you need to modify it, you can mix up some bondo and smear it on and reshape in a matter of minutes. It has saved me from making ill fitting handles shapes before.
 
The large paint sticks available at lowes and home depot are great for making knife designs.

Looks good so far, I too agree that the handle hump may need a bit more refinement.

Also, a 3rd pin in the center isn't a bad idea.
 
Another suggestion I would make is depending on you choice for handle scales you should sketch on the line where the scale ends and the blade begins. You might find that 1/4" ricasso is too small to achieve an attractive handle. All you have to do is add one line to your sketch!
 
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