Just finished my first fixed blade knife - opinions?

J

J S Machine

Joined
Oct 15, 2007
Messages
72
This is my first shot at making a fixed blade knife. By far easier than attempting a folder.. I started with a folder, and then did this fixed blade. Most makers do the opposite..

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Specs are -

Blade: D2 heat treated to around 55-56 Rc, -was really looking for around 60 Rc, but this will fly because it probably won't see much use.
Handles (scales) - Eucalyptus wood from Australia, stabilized.
Pins - Mosaic brass / stainless with a brass lanyard hole.

I did everything, except for the mosaic pins. I could have made them but I figured I would avoid the headache and just buy a premade one and cut what I needed for this knife. The blade is about .135" thick (a little more than 1/8"). The entire knife is about 7" long with a blade length of about 3". When I laid this thing out on paper, it seemed a little bigger than it actually is in real life. I designed this one without a guard, but I'd like to do one with a guard eventually. I have also got to get me some sort of name or something to stamp in my knives. None I have made so far have anything. Now I just wish I had the skills and tools to make a sheath..

I want to start on another one, but I am undecided on the style, size and materials. Desert Ironwood seems to be fairly popular as far as wood goes. I would like to do a damascus blade but the stuff isn't cheap. I'm looking at $100+ just for the blade steel in a damascus knife (going full tang).

I'm tellin you, I have all the respect in the world for the people who make these things by the truckload and sell them. To do this right and make one look good, it requires a great deal of time, effort, and patience.

Please give me your opinion or thoughts on this knife. Don't hold back, as it is essential to the changes for the knives I do in the future. When you're selling stuff, it better be the best it can be. I can't do that without criticism (good and bad). Thanks for looking.

This knife is not available for sale since it is my first fixed blade.
 
It looks like a good investment for me! haha ,jk.

It looks willing and ready to go to me.

Also looks like a great user. :D Nice job on the fixed blade.
 
Outstanding! if that's your first...I give up! lol obviously you have several years machining experiance :D

Jason
 
Interesting handle shape. I kinda like the look of it getting smaller toward the back, and the natural finger guard.

I really like the finish you put on the blade too.
 
You must be a machinist . They generally learn knifemaking on a much quicker scale man I thought mine looked good . But yours is Plain awsome
 
Great looking knife! Love the wood on the handle. My only criticisim is the background for you photos. I like the burl behind the knife but it looks as if it was taken on a piece of glass. The reflection of the background takes away from the knife itself!
 
I really like your grinds and file work excellent. Pins like that are hard to line up and they look pretty good . Ive been making my pins and pins like those are way to hard to make without a vacume. I
 
I never finished and hit the wrong key. I love the wood but the handle should be more egg shaped to fill your hand nick pointed that out to me and he was right. Sorry to hear about the heat treat . 55 to 56 you could redo the knife and get a higher H/T the edge retention wont be very good at 55. for your first one its a hell of alot better than my first try at this hobby. kellyw
 
if that is your first knife ! :eek: I can't wait to see your 2nd knife :D Awesome job and very nice design !
 
The grinds and finish on the blade look great. The filework is neat too. The handle shape is interesting, it kinda makes me feel that it may be difficult to hold onto or control if your hands got slimy or fatigued.
 
The grinds and finish on the blade is spot on, however as mentioned before the handle shape seems a little odd. I would have to handle it to know for sure. But I have never really noticed one like it before. Very nice job for the first one, I will be watching for what follows.

BTW: As others have suggested, kill the glass. :)

Jim
 
Looks very well done. I would personally like a little more handle myself but I really like the blade shape! :thumbup:
 
Not sure if I like the handle shape, but to each his own. Looks like you nailed it. The only real change I would make would be the handle, I generaly like more curves and a more rounded conture.
That said you did a heck of a job, especialy the grinds, they came out very very good. And as said, for a first knife???:eek::thumbup:
 
Well done. There are going to be some nice knives coming out of your shop. That's knifemaking!
 
All I can say is.....For your first fixed blade this is a very nice blade!!! If you didnt mention it being your first I would say you have been doing this for some time. Love them hollow grinds:thumbup:

Well done and keep up the good work.

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