Juggling knife questions

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
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Have a guy coming over Friday - wants to make a few knives he can use to juggle. He wants to be able to sharpen them eventually (not at first) and wants a tip that will stick in if thrown. And wants a handle on it - not just a blade blank.

My gut reaction is a symmetrical spear-point blade, 1/8" thick, and a handle with a thin profile, and just a lil' bit of palm swell.

I'm familiar with throwing knives....but since he wants a handle, I should probably figure out something a little nicer.

I was thinking that 1050 or 5160 steel, tempered to around 55 would make a decent knife that could handle being dropped.

What do you guys think? I need some guidance/suggestions...

Search is disabled...I'd usually head there first.

So, any ideas?
 
i have no idea about knives for juggling, but i would wonder if something heavier than 1/8 would be better, slower spin, more controllable. i don't juggle, but i do throw a bit and like a heavier blade for a more controllable spin, other than that, i would think something with a pretty springy temper would definetely be good, i have a throwing knife that is made of 01 (3/16 or 1/4, dont' remember) with thin blued steel scales, the scales worked loose eventually, but that was partially from neglect.
seems to me when you see people juggling knives in movies they are huge and heavy looking, and we all know that movies would lie, so there you go:rolleyes:
anyway, sounds like a interesting project, good luck
 
great suggestions....O-1 steel is a good tough steel. Maybe 5/32" stock?

I remember Bobby Branton saying that a large throwing knife should weigh one pound overall, and doesn't have to be "balanced" (at the guard, etc). Just needs to be straight and somewhat spring-tempered.

Maybe simple screws to hold the handle scales on? Then no glue to mess with. He could tighten/loosen the screws as needed.
 
thanks for the links, Sweany. Guess I forgot to say this guy is an experience juggler who wants his own personal set of knives. But he wants me to design them - and he wants to help in the making of them.

I like those designs....



any more?
 
just had another idea....what about a simple cordwrap for the handle?
 
I'd definitely go for a handle material thats not prone to chipping or cracking. Seems like leather scales are fairly popular for throwing knives. A cordwrap would probably work as well and be nicer looking.
I'd use something heavier than 1/8" stock. When throwing, a heavier knife will stick easier without being thrown as hard/fast. Has more momentum. Lightweight blades have to be thrown faster to hit with the same force, and that usually means they spin faster and are harder to control. At least thats been my observation, I'm not much of a knife thrower though :)
 
LOL!! :eek:




Ok, some preliminary CAD work.....came up with this:


attachment.php


16 inches long, 2 inches wide, 6 inch handle


And doing some analysis in volume, etc.....

(assuming 0.283 lb/cu.in. for steel, and an ounce of handle wrapping)


If I use 5/32" stock I get 13 ounces

If I use 3/16" stock I get 15 ounces

If I use 1/4" stock I get 19 ounces


So, looks like 3/16" stock is the way to go. The only stock removal will be at the edge and drilling the holes.
 
the link to the knives on line, first pic any way looked very similar to an 14th century woodcut of a juggler playing with knives. The old woodcut has just a bit more curve to the blade.

I like the design. How about adding red LED lights to the blades and doing the lights out bit. That should make em go :eek: :eek: :eek:
 
Don't make it convex (you didn't mention what grind you're planning), while it seems like a good idea at first since it gives a tougher edge, it'll pop out when it hits point first rather then sticking well.
 
good tip....

(pun intended...:D)




I plan on flat grinding the bevels, and then putting on a convex micro-bevel for toughness. I think I'm going to take the edge down to around 0.030".....or should it be thicker?
 
Throwing knives don,t have to be razor sharp . At least mine are not . Presumably this gentleman will want to catch these handle first ? To me you would want a bit more weight in the blade without overdoing it . That way there is a positive weight forward feel as he moves the knife into position .I saw a guy juggling several huge knives at once and was throwing one into the floor in front of him as it cycled into position He would then pick it up with his other hand and continue without breaking cycle . It was one of the most coordinated acts I ever saw in my life .
 
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