Handle width questions

[Randydb]

Hi,
I realize there is a lot of "personal preference" but I am interested in "general rules of thumb" here. When you are making a smaller camp knife what is a reasonable overall width for the handle? 3" blade with 4" handle. Would 1/2" to 5/8" be a good overall width?

Randy

 

[Cody Hofsommer]

I think a lot has to do with how much shaping you do. I think that handles are thinner then most would think. It seems like the bush crafters like them a bit thicker too. I would say 1/2" is a bit thin for a camp knife, maybe good for a necker. I put shape in all of mine, so maybe 1/2" at the thinest and 3/4 at the thickest. I like big butts!

 

[Matt Rochester]

I normally start with 1/4"-5/16" scales and an 1/8" tang. I would say they end up around 5/8" when finished.

 

[Randydb]

Yes, I realize once I shape them they don't feel nearly as wide as when I start. This knife is sort of in between a necker and a camp knife I suppose. It's for a friend of mine who does a lot of remote back country adventuring. Weight and size is a concern. He wanted something substantial enough to cut and carve but small enough to be light. I have just been perseverating on how wide to make the handle. I guess a chunk of it comes down to it feeling good in the hand. I am at 5/8" right now and I think it looks and feels quite nice.