Getting Started on My First Knife

I would make the choil a bit bigger, drop the tip flat with the rest of the edge, and maybe drop the back of the handle a bit.
 
I see a sharp corner where the finger groove meets the rest of the handle; this will make it almost immediately uncomfortable to use. I agree with Jarrett that the finger groove should be enlarged, but also more rounded in the transitions. The handle should feel natural in the hand. Try making cardboard cut-outs of the knife, hold it in your hand, and imagine that it is about 5/8" thick. Does it feel natural and comfortable? If so, go for it.

Mike L.
 
They saw it.

The finger groove needs to be rounded back into the handle bottom, removing that pointed place. There is no need for finger grooves on a Wharncliffe.

The point should be a bit wider at the tip, dropping down more abruptly. As it is, it will snap off easily. A wharnie curves down to the tip, not tapering to it.

Draw it again with these improvements. I think we are about ready to start talking steel next.
 
Yes! I was up last night working on it. Thanks for checking in (I was just about to upload pics from my camera). The overall design was bothering me so I read 101 Knife Designs by Carter last night and started on various cardboard cut outs to see how well it works for my hand and intended usage (small convenient EDC, neck/waist carry, excellent tip control, and slicing. Not overly concerned about the tactical/defense aspect but if it could be incorporated into the wharncliffe design then why not).

I made several design variations. I ended up making the finger groove for the index finger significantly less subtle. I found that the slight indent for the index finger gave me significantly better control of the tip versus completely removing the indent. I also fattened up the tip to make it a bit stronger while still trying to maintain a decent tip for penetration. I also removed the slight belly on the blade edge and made it straight (the original idea behind the slight curve was to allow for cutting in a slight rocking motion).

I will upload and post pictures of the design I ended up with and some of the iterations.

THANK YOU for all the suggestions. I am open to anymore if you have any thoughts or concerns.
 
Design Iterations:

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http://i60.tinypic.com/xpydyb.png
 
That looks good. The tiny finger grip won't be such a problem. I can tell you that you will probably round it a bit more in making the knife, as it still has a point.

There is a "rule of thumb" that says...the only point on a knife should be at the tip.

email me that sketch and I will print it out full size.

Now, about steel choice:
You have the options of several steels. The ones I keep on hand suitable for this style blade are Hitachi blue steel, CPM S35VN, and AEB-L. For a knife you want a really sharp edge on, the Hitachi blue is really good. S35VN is a great stainless with a dynamite edge... and long edge holding. AEB-L is a stainless material that has a keen edge, but lower edge holding. I call it stainless 1080.
 
That's a good rule of thumb. I will sand it down when the time comes.

Which steel would you recommend? Looking for something that will stay sharp and be easy to sharpen . Also, something that will be easy to heat treat. I only have access to an cooking oven and gas bbq.
 
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The HT will be best done by someone with the proper skills on your first knife. If someone else near you doesn't offer to do the HT, I will do it for you.

I sent you a long email about steel choices and such, but my recommendation for this project is Hitachi Blue steel.

When you get ready to start doing your own HT with simple equipment ( a BBQ grill isn't good enough), I suggest 1084.

I printed out the profile and will try and cut it out this weekend. Send me a direct email to sapelt@cox.net so I cam make the shipping arrangements.
 
There is a lot of awesomeness in this thread. Very generous of you Stacey. If I were the OP I'd be as happy as a clam.
 
Yes, this is one heck of an offer from Stacy. Kudos to all. I hope the project ends up well.

Mike L.
 
LX, logem,

I am on cloud nine. I'm constantly pinching myself.

Stacy's character speaks for itself.

I hope I can do this knife justice.


Now to find someone in my area who can heat treat this Hitachi Blue Steel. And of course, Stacy offered to do it for me if I can't find someone. The guy is a class act.
 
Just have him treat it! He'll do a great job (he knows his stuff) and you will only need to worry about a handle.
 
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