Hunting knife with guthook. Opinions, Suggestions?

Shaw Blades

Shaw Blades

Joined
May 18, 2009
Messages
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Hello all,

A friend wanted a knife with a guthook so this is what I came up with. I had a little Loveless inspiration on this one. This is the first tapered tang with guard I have done. I am still trying to find the "trick" to getting perfect symmetry with my guards but this one is pretty close. It is O1 with a nice sharp convex edge, tapered tang, black micarta with toxic green spacers. The guard is pinned and JB welded on. Next I think I'm going to try soldering the guard on.

It feels really good in hand. The balance is right behind the first corby bolt. Does anyone have any tips on getting the pins/bolts PERFECTLY centered on your handles?

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One thing I picked up from S R Johnsons DVD is that perfectly centered pins are not necessarily what "looks" right, he raised his a few thousandths after finding center (with calipers) if I recall correctly.

Nice looking knife :) How did you do the hook, with a chainsaw file? I am thinking of making one for myself for hunting season this year.
 
Just left the excess metal on the tip when I profiled it. Scribed out what looked right and drilled a hole where I wanted the edge on the hook. Then chainsaw file. The long end of the hook is rounded, its hard to see in that picture. The first one I made was sharp but then I realized that would probably tear right through the skin so I scrapped it.

Thanks.
 
If you've ever seen an experienced hunter clean an animal, you would see the folly of gut hooks.

It sure isn't like they are popular.

There is probably a good reason for that.

Just the humble opinion of a seasoned guide.
 
I won't comment on the gut hook... For centering the pins use a caliper to measure the width at the point of the pin, half that and using one edge against the tang scratch a line from both sides to make sure the line is centered on the tang. Then punch a mark where you want it so your drill bit will hopefully bite right at that spot.
 
Thanks for taking the time to post Grizz.

Madness that sounds like a no brainer. Don't know why I didn't do that. :foot: Thanks for the suggestion.
 
I like the moderate thickness of the guard. Loveless-inspired but not a direct copy. :thumbup:

mgysgthath said:
One thing I picked up from S R Johnsons DVD is that perfectly centered pins are not necessarily what "looks" right, he raised his a few thousandths after finding center (with calipers) if I recall correctly.
Click to expand...

I completely agree. Perfectly centered pins look weird. Slightly above center looks good, as long as they're the same distance from the spine. I can't explain it, it's just a trick of the human eye, the same way a perfectly square guard will "look" like it's leaning back.

As for the guthook... it's a custom order. If that's what the client wants, that's what he should get. How is it beveled? I think a "chisel" grind inside the hook would be sharpest.
 
grizzled gizzard said:
If you've ever seen an experienced hunter clean an animal, you would see the folly of gut hooks.

It sure isn't like they are popular.

There is probably a good reason for that.

Just the humble opinion of a seasoned guide.
Click to expand...

I have to agree about the guthook, it's not necessary at all. But part of me wants to try making one just to see how it's done, and if I can do it. Also I've had a few uses for the one on my leatherman multi tool, it's handy for cutting paper (when it's sharp), or cordage and things. For skinning animals? I probably wouldn't use it at all.
 
I appreciate everyone's "philosophy" on the usefulness of guthooks. For me it was a fun little detail to add to a standard everyday Loveless style dropped point knife. I enjoyed making it.

James the gut hook edge is centered. A chisel grind might have been a better idea. I plan on making more, I'll try that on the next one.
 
My apologies if I sounded condescending at all about it. I think it's cool if you like it, and I will try it myself one day, more power to ya.
 
mgysgthath said:
My apologies if I sounded condescending at all about it. I think it's cool if you like it, and I will try it myself one day, more power to ya.
Click to expand...

No worries. Personally I think it takes away from the flow of the handle to blade but its something different.
 
Nice looking knife. You are doing very well. I think maddness has the right idea on centering the pins.
 
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