I Need Your Help!

Laredo7mm · Oct 30, 2002

I have been working on a cable damascus Bowie Knife for my buddy's x-mas gift. I am getting ready to put the furniture on and I want to get your opions on how long the handle should be. Below are my two proposals.

The only difference between the two knives is the length of the handle. I can't decide which looks better. Both will be completely funtional for the size of his hand.

Also, on the gaurd, should I leave the gaurd on the edge side longer like it is or just make it symetrical?

If you all could let me know what you think, I would truely appreciate it. Thanks.

Danbo · Oct 30, 2002

When it comes to bowie handles, I like a longer handle. I prefer the handle to stick out about an inch behind my hand. Better to err on the longer side than to have too short of a handle. Worse thing that can happen with your bowie, is that it may become a little less blade heavy, which isn't that bad of a thing anyway.

B . Buxton · Oct 30, 2002

Nice looking design, I would leave the guard as is, but I would change the handle taper just a little. I made myself a bowie a few years back and I tapered the handle from ricasso (larger) to pommel (smaller). To me that was a big mistake, I removed the old handle, changed the taper from ricasso (smaller) to pommel (larger) and it handled a lot nicer, it doesn't need to be a dramatic taper just a little thicker in the pommel area. As for handle length, I like a longer handled knife, especially on a working knife. Just my .02 cents, thats all.

Bill

Mike Hull · Oct 30, 2002

I like the shorter handle. I would make the guard symetrical. IMO, they look better that way.

southriv · Oct 30, 2002

Short handles on beautiful kives have always bugged me ( the Marbles Loveless is one that comes to mind). Besides the comfort issue, there is the balance. I feel that a heavier blade often needs the weight balance. How long? ...I feel that anywhere beyond the heel of the palm on a bowie. Wher you stop gets into aesthtics and balance. (anyway- just the way I do it!)

Bob

ddavelarsen · Oct 30, 2002

Just 2 more cents... I think the longer handle is better. If I err I'd rather have the knife set more in my hand than on the blade. As to symmetry of the guard - I'd say from the tang hole, asymmetrical; if you're measuring the extent of the guard above and below the blade, I'd shoot for the same distance both ways. Hope that makes sense.

Dave

Mike Hull · Oct 30, 2002

Just to clear things up a little here, I am assuming that the shorter handle is at least 43/4" long.
What exactly are the blade and handle measurements, in your drawings?

Bruce Bump · Oct 30, 2002

I like the top one.

D.A. Guertin · Oct 30, 2002

I like it with the guard as is, and with the longer handle.

Laredo7mm · Oct 31, 2002

well. here it is. It is kinda inbetween the two sketches shown above.

The balance point is just to the rear of the big choil cut. Feels nice! Thanks for all your input, i appreciate your feedback.

All I have to do now is the finish shape and polish the furniture and grip core.

Thanks again for your help.

By the way, the top picture's grip core was 3.5 inches long and the bottom grip core was 4 inches long. The grip on the actual knife is about 3 and 7/8 inch.