Gentleman's fixed blade

[JAGknives]

Hello again. I decided to switch my designs to a smaller knife that can be carried and used regularly without scaring off women and children like my survival/tactical blades. I came up with a handful of approx 5" knives and finally made one that I was comfortable making. I first started with a 3" handle and 2" blade but ended up switching to 2.5" on each as the balance looked better, at least to my eyes. Also, who wouldn't want a longer blade? The blade was made with Aldo's 1084 at 1/8" heat treated with my oxyacetylene torch and quenched in veggie oil that was heated to about 80 degrees. On the butt is a small pry bar design/ screwdriver. I made the scales out of some red oak that I had laying around the garage from some trim that I installed a few years ago. A little stain and I think they came out pretty well. I would love any feedback/suggestions anyone has. I had drawn a larger belly on the blade but due to some grinding issues, had to shave it back some. Enough talk, here are some pics.

Thanks for looking.

 

[jac8610]

Not in any way, shape, or form a knife maker/craftsman; but does the handle end bite into the hand? Looks like it might be uncomfortable for long term use. Otherwise I like the file work on the spine and the overall shape-reminds me of a sgian-dubh.

 

[JAGknives]

The handle is actually quite comfortable. I had originally planned to thin the scales out some more but once they were on there and I started grinding, I began to like the feel quite a bit. The pry/screwdriver end barely comes in contact with my hand due to the scales being quite thick. Thanks for the comments.

 

[mlehto]

It would do you well to invest in a better camera, but a very cool little knife.

The scales being so thick, while they may be comfortable might make for a bulky sheath/carry piece.

I am also not a big fan of the polished look, but that is just me.

 

[JAGknives]

Thank you for the comments. I am using my phone for the pics, not the best but it gets the idea across. This knife making thing is rediculously expensive, at least I have a lot of blades sitting around the house though.

I agree with the scales being too thick for some modes of carry. As a neck knife, this thing would likely drive you crazy. I wore it on my belt today, even taking a nap with it on, and had no problem but I carry a Glock around everyday and have gotten used to it. If trying to conceal it, placing it in a pocket may do the trick. I really intend this knife to be carried and used regularly so I am really trying to make it look friendly.

I am also not very big on the polished look. At this stage in my making, it helps highlight any flaws in my grinds, which is the main reason I have used it. I am currently working on learning to hand-finish my knives and will leave a 400 grit finish on most user knives.

 

[Phydeaux]

Nice. I like the way you shaped the handle with the finger grooves. The only problem is that I'm going to have to make one and try your style of finger grooves on a small knife. It looks very comfortable in hand.

Have you thought about putting a lanyard hole in it? On a couple of little knives I made, I put a short fob on it just long enough to grab with my pinkie finger as I draw it from it's sheath. The length is adjusted so that the knife is positioned properly in my hand when it is drawn out. This works nicely for small neck knives.

Ric

 

[JAGknives]

Thank you Ric. I actually began profiling 6 more of this same design after I came home from work earlier tonight and plan on exploring different options in regards to grips and lanyard holes. I believe that if I trim the grips down to no more than 1/4", carrying around the neck would be a decent option. On this example, my grips are 1/4" at the thin sections towards the back of the knife and nearly 3/8" on the top of the peaks. I will most likely end up purchasing some black micarta grip material and explore having the knives coated in order to produce something I can more easily carry while I'm working.

If you would like, send me your mailing address in a private message and I will send this one over for you to take a look at, it will at least save you from making some grips yourself. I would just ask that you return it when you are done playing, although I wouldn't mind if you abused it a little either.

Nice. I like the way you shaped the handle with the finger grooves. The only problem is that I'm going to have to make one and try your style of finger grooves on a small knife. It looks very comfortable in hand.

Have you thought about putting a lanyard hole in it? On a couple of little knives I made, I put a short fob on it just long enough to grab with my pinkie finger as I draw it from it's sheath. The length is adjusted so that the knife is positioned properly in my hand when it is drawn out. This works nicely for small neck knives.

Ric