Fixed blade preference questions

I don’t mind sledges on certain designs …… I rarely baton ….. in smaller knives i like wharnie’s and Japanese styles. On larger Japanese style and Bowie’s

I like carbon and micarta …. Grip should come through shape

If i want real grippy cord epoxy soaked wrap

Blackened kydex fasteners with taco style leather covered Kydex
 
Joey’s got it right.


Also, there’s nothing inherently more dangerous when working with carbon fiber. In fact, the dust and grit from the abrasives we use is probably far worse. Regardless, you don’t want stuff in your lungs that isn’t meant to be, so proper PPE is the correct answer.

One thing CF is that should be a concern is conductive. The dust gets everywhere, and that includes wall outlets, where it can arc. Take proper precautions.
 
G-carta lights me up like a Christmas tree when grinding it more than anything else.
 
Matthew Gregory said:
Joey’s got it right.


Also, there’s nothing inherently more dangerous when working with carbon fiber. In fact, the dust and grit from the abrasives we use is probably far worse. Regardless, you don’t want stuff in your lungs that isn’t meant to be, so proper PPE is the correct answer.

One thing CF is that should be a concern is conductive. The dust gets everywhere, and that includes wall outlets, where it can arc. Take proper precautions.
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I only know it from working on the occasional car or bike. Compared to the normal fiber glass, it really gets everywhere quickly, maybe because it's lighter ? Including hands, cloth, underpants :), etc.

Of course, fiber glass, G10, etc., is bad to breathe in, too.
 
David Mary said:
Some of the woods too. Unless you are in California. All the woods are bad to breathe in when you’re in California.
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Breathing in California is bad for you, whether you’re in the woods or not. I don’t know what’s worse, that or constantly getting propositioned.

If I ever go there again, I’m going to hold my breath at the border and not let it out until I cross back over.

Parker
 
Hi man. Just my 0.02, I can only tolerate swedges on ‘fighting style’ knives, and even then just for aesthetics. I can’t remember the last time I thought, “Hey, if only this puppy had a swedge.” For EDC carry and belt knives, I prefer a simple robust spine. If I can comfortably rest my thumb on the spine, even better.

Plain wood scales or micarta is nice.

I have a Recon Tanto with brass eyelets for quite a while now. Actually on the table in front of me right now as I type this. Originally had black coating but now the brass is showing where my hand usually grips the sheath. I like the worn aesthetic but that look may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Maybe plain brass eyelets are the safer choice? Not really sure.

EDIT: Curious, do you also wear eye protection while making knives?
 
David Mary said:
All the modern knife handle materials are bad to breathe in.

Some of the woods too. Unless you are in California. All the woods are bad to breathe in when you’re in California.
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I know you know this, but the only thing we’re supposed to breathe in is air. Any particles are bad, but there’s definitely some particles that are a heck of a lot worse. That was all I was trying to say. If you’re reacting to G-Carta, I’d guess there’s something in it. As it’s random materials, it’s anyone’s guess. I’m wrapped too tight to fool with stuff like that. Relying on someone to provide me with something when there’s no accountability on their end to define the materials makes me leery.



ferider said:
I only know it from working on the occasional car or bike. Compared to the normal fiber glass, it really gets everywhere quickly, maybe because it's lighter ? Including hands, cloth, underpants :), etc.

Of course, fiber glass, G10, etc., is bad to breathe in, too.
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I’ll wager it simply looks like it’s getting everywhere quickly, as it’s easy to see that black film versus clear fiberglass fines. Still, the idea is to contain it as best as you can, and wear the right PPE to keep it out of you.

I’m certainly not trying to diminish the impact it can have on your health - you don’t want this stuff getting into you. But, my point is that this holds true for EVERYTHING a knifemaker does, including grit from abrasive belts (OMG the worst to breathe in), steel dust, wood dust, G10, Micarta, and who knows what else were goofy enough to try.


I know Roland and David know this, but for everyone else, I sort of made working with materials like carbon fiber part of my passion. This is one of my latest, and I used this stuff:

DSC_9279-L.jpg




…to make this…


DSC_9276-L.jpg




Although I do work with premade carbon fiber sheet material, I also ‘make’ my own through resin impregnating raw carbon fiber cloth.
 
…that last post comes off sounding too much like a know-it-all.

I don’t.


But, there’s a high likelihood that I’ve researched this topic more than the average bear.


I’m giving my opinion, but strongly urge people to educate themselves before they dive in and start doing stuff. Knifemakers don’t know many of the things industry takes for granted, and our maverick attitudes tend to overlook really obvious and scary stuff.
 
1. A tasteful unsharpened swedge is a wonderful thing, and I think it could go on anything.

2. handle texture is definitely nice with carbon fiber. It doesn't have to be ridiculous, just present.

3. I've always loved how brass ages, but I've always felt that brass looks best with more natural materials and knives that also patina. is stainless an option?
 
1. I generally don't want a swedge (or at least, not a sharpened or semi-sharpened swedge) on a knife I intend to use for whittling or kitchen duty. But, it's kind of like defining obscenity: I can't tell you which designs are best for a swedge, but I know them when I see them. This one is perfect for a sharpened swedge, which I often find useful in practice, as are the others.

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2. I suppose I might try CF with appropriate contouring, but I generally avoid it because I'm just a cheapskate who is perfectly satisfied with micarta and suretouch.

3. Black eyelets that wear over time to show worn brass/copper are more pleasing to my eyes.
 
I agree with many post here, and see the side of those that I don't. With that said, my opinion:

1. I like swedges on most knives, in honesty, mostly for the added visual aspect.

2. Agree that carbon fiber is sometimes nicely suited with very small (micro) milling.

3. My preference would be black.
 
About point 2 : I have a knife from Colin Shannon with "Rubberized Carbon Fiber handle".
It's more grippy than normal CF. Very nice feel.
I don't know why we don't see this handle material more often.
 
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