So I had this weird thought about a slight hollow grind to the spine of a Bushcraft knife, like an ice skate. Would it enhance use with a ferro rod, could it be used for shaving wood like a card scraper? The problem is skates are sharp, and this would essentially turn it into a double edged knife.
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Hollow ground spine??
- Thread starter smith357
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Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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A crisp edge to the spine would probably work better.
Some survival knives have a section of the edge just before the ricasso for scraping and such.
Some survival knives have a section of the edge just before the ricasso for scraping and such.
Just square up the spine, at least on one side. No need for a hollow grind on it. I saw someone using the spine of an opinel folder to shave wood/smooth it out and make some nice fuzz for fire starting. You could do a small section of the blade, too and not have to do the whole thing. A diamond file or diamond stone will work.
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Do not hollow grind it. That would be pointless because edges used for scraping get dull and resharpening with a flat stone, as you would in the field or as a customer would, will remove the hollow.
If you want sharper than a 90 degree spine, and I am not saying it’s necessary, decide if the knife is right or left handed and grind a slight angle in part of the spine, say 85deg instead of 90deg. I know bushcraft enthusiasts who do this with Moras.
Personally I like square 90 because I strike ferro rods off both sides. I also like rounding the spine in front of the handle for occasional thumb support, even though I know it is often discouraged.
If you want sharper than a 90 degree spine, and I am not saying it’s necessary, decide if the knife is right or left handed and grind a slight angle in part of the spine, say 85deg instead of 90deg. I know bushcraft enthusiasts who do this with Moras.
Personally I like square 90 because I strike ferro rods off both sides. I also like rounding the spine in front of the handle for occasional thumb support, even though I know it is often discouraged.