How much of a point for a drop point blade?

[Jakeboy]

Can any of you guys give me some advice as to how fine a point a drop point blade should have? I'm in the process of making a blade and I'm thinking that a stronger (less pointed) point would be better from the strength standpoint. My thoughts are that if I go with too fine a point, it would be more prone to tip breakage as compared to a more conservative point. The knife is going to be for general camp usage, so would see some wood prep work (possibly some light batoning), whittling and food prep work. The blade is 1/8" thick and is 1095 steel.

Any replies are appreciated.

 

[BePrepared]

I'm no expert, but i have a couple of drop point customs, and i've got some personal preferences in this area, so i'll throw out some generalizations

For skinning, and ONLY skinning, i prefer a tip that thins pretty significantly. It gives me greater cutting potential at the tip of the blade and makes very fine work easier.

for general camp work, i like a pretty obtuse angle at the tip as nothing bugs me worse than bending the tip of my knife while someone is around to see it.

I tend to abuse my camp knives mercilessly and like to have 3/16 thick or better for my midsized drop points. It gives me a stout blade that isn't likely to deform under batoning

with what you're describing, i don't think you'd want a lot of taper to the tip... but again, i'm not an expert, i'm just a user

 

[fast14riot]

Sounds like you're looking for a nessmuk type design. Great camp and woods knife, strong tip for drilling if needed. My other suggestion would be to go for a Mora type blade, very proven and still good looking.

I think it's over in the custom & handmade sub forum there is a photo thread called "show us your camp knives" or something like that. Search it, look through it and get ideas. Go make your knife and then show us!


-Xander