Kinda funky. 3 1/2-ish finger? Skinner

[Fletch Helical]

So I decided to venture off on my own and cut out and bevel a knife tonight. At some point I'll actually make something that is something other than what I would like. .

When I'm skinning deer I usually use a knife more as a 3 finger but I wanted something a little bit more than a 3 finger so it also hits the edge of my palm. I may make another one of these at some point where the butt of the knife curves down more and is wider to make it a more comfortable knife for 4 fingers. So this is also a semi-prototype I guess. I didn't want to make it a full flat grind but when I tried to cut the plunge in I screwed the bevel up. So I had to keep grinding until I got it out. There is still a small spot you can see which I'll take care of sanding. The good news is the plunges came out darn near even. Which I'll take for my second solo plunge attempt.

It does however fit the need I wanted which feels good as a 3 finger with my thumb on the spine. Also if I choke up on it and put my index finger near the tip (which I do a lot skinning) it still fits nicely. So the handle isn't super attractive but overall I'm fairly happy with the feel. If I really pull my pinky finger in gives a fair amount of leverage on the tip. I may still chop it down to a 3 finger still. What do you guys think?

 

[panch0]

So it begins. There is still time to turn back. Hehehehe.. Looks good. Keep the WIP pics coming. It looks like you found out how to deal with the speed of the 2x42.

 

[Fletch Helical]

So it begins. There is still time to turn back. Hehehehe.. Looks good. Keep the WIP pics coming. It looks like you found out how to deal with the speen of the 2x42.

No time to turn back man. As it stands now, I have the knife I was working on with Stacy that just got the HT done. One I was doing on my own that's ready for HT. 2 I forged at Aldo's shop, 1 of which is ready for HT also the other is still in the beginning stages of forging. And now I have this one. So technically I have 5 knives I'm working on.... All without fully completing my first knife.

Most normal people starting out make their first one start to finish. Somehow I managed to wind up with 5

 

[panch0]

I started out working on three before I got the first one done. So you youu are further into it than I was. I also had hands on help from Don Robinson. Keep up the good work.

 

[NStricker]

If you are making the knife for you, and the way you use a knife when field dressing, skinning, and butchering deer, then great--that's what custom knife making is all about.

Personally, I don't like finger grooves on my knives because they limit the ways in which the knife can be held comfortably. But like you I prefer a little longer handle so that I can have full control of the blade. Having to grip hard on a short handle to control cutting and skinning (especially skinning the neck of a deer!) can cause muscle fatigue a lot faster.