First knife.

Tmack

Tmack

Joined
Apr 29, 2014
Messages
2,343
Hey guys brand new member here.
Just got my first forge. Its a dual burner gas, and does the job.

I've made some blanks to practice, and I used a piece of 1095 to make this one. California burl for the scales. I still need to finish the handle, and maybe clean up the blade, but I figured I'd post it just to get some feedback. Really working off tid bits online, and guess work.
Reading how to anneal, temper, and work the steel. I'm just gathering all the tools I need, and experimenting along the way. Well here's my little humble work in progress.
Maybe with some time, I can produce something to really be proud of. Till then, any guidance, or tips is greatly appreciated. Maybe things you wish you knew when you started.

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It really fits well in my hand. I has a strong feel to it when pushing and pulling due to the curve.
I'm very happy with the shape.
 
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Looks pretty good. It does have blocky handle syndrome. Otherwise, not bad for a first effort.
 
Good job on your first knife.
BTW, The handle looks like redwood burl, not California (Buckeye) Burl.

On the next one, try making the curves work together.....and use less curve. Even in a woman ( and especially in a knife), there is such thing as too much curve and in too many directions.

The impression of a well balanced knife is normally a slight and gentle curve from butt to tip. The drop should be more pronounced at the butt and again at the tip, with the main part between them just barely curved. When designing a blade or handle part that is heavily curved, ask - "Why is this or that part heavily curved". If it serves no function, straighten out the curve a bit. Most first knives have too much curve in the belly of the blade, and the spine is too straight. You may have gone a bit too far on trying to avoid a straight spine. :)

On this knife, if the spine was almost straight, with just a little drop toward the tip (basically, make it a drop point hunter shape, instead of the radical upward curve), it would have the same edge, but a completely different look. All you would loose is the rising tip, which is only really useful in skinning animals.
The handle isn't too bad, but again, straightening it out a tad would make it look and work better.
By making those two changes so the blade and handle curve in the same direction, this knife will look completely different and be much more useful and efficient.





Also, it is a bit hard to tell from the photos, but on the next knife, you might want to work a bit more on the final sanding.
 
Thank you very much everyone.
And this input is extremely helpful. The shape of the blade is very extreme, and it was a place where as you can see, was a figure it out as I go sort of thing. :)
The shape vs efficiency, is something I'll definitely change on my next blade.
I'm very happy to come here and learn from all the experience here.
She is SUPER curvey
 
I forgot to say - Welcome to Shop Talk.

Filling out your profile with all the info - age, location, occupation, hobbies and interests, etc. will help us give good answers and advice. It may also allow a local make to offer you a shop visit and some hands on help.
 
Great. I'll do that right away.
I've been using tapatalk, so I haven't had a chance to really finish setting up shop.
 
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