How much handle height for a chef knife?

[JParisi48]

I am making a chefs knife, but my handle is 1'' tall from spine to where your fingers grip. Is that too much, what is average, here is a pic. I haven't finished the profile yet but I am getting close. Thanks for the help

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[Hesparus]

1" is a little bigger than is typical, but if you have big hands (or if you just like bigger handles) it's fine. Thinning the handle by 1/8"-1/4" would make it more typical, even if you only do it at the end near the blade. On your knife, the handle is more than half the width of the blade, which looks a little bit out of proportion IMO.
I think a tapered handle looks best anyway. This one is 7/8" near the blade, and goes to a hair over an inch at the butt:

- Chris

 

[IrishSteel]

Just looking at my wife's cooking knives, the handles are about 7/8" to 1 1/8" thick. I'd agree with Hesparus with the tapered handle. All the chef's knives I've used had tapered handles (in some form or another) and they have amazing control and comfort. Maybe something about the taper lets people with different hand sizes hold the knife where it's most comfortable.

 

[Lycosa]

The Wilkin's chef knife is 2 1/4 w at the heel. It's perfect. Your knuckles will not hit the cutting board. And, smooth or round your spine.

 

[JParisi48]

thanks guys, ill file it down a little bit.