Knife Design

Brendan · Sep 22, 2003

Hi All

Been a bit scarce lately but I am working on something special. I would like some input into a knife I want to design. I want something which is about 8-10 inches overall length with a hunting/utility unique look. I would like as much input and ideas as possible please chaps - it's for someone really special !!

Brendan

Bri in Chi · Sep 22, 2003

Brendan,
You're not giving us much to go on here... Hmmm... Perhaps if you gave some more clues as to what you're looking for. Everybody has a personal favorite design or six. What style knives do you like? What qualities are you trying to incorporate in this project? What are you trying NOT to incorporate? You might start by making some lists of features you like and see what turns up. Things like: single guard, double guard, no guard... Drop point, trailing point, spear point, no point...
Trying to be helpful, as always,
B.

Brendan · Sep 22, 2003

Me silly !!

I have my favourite but it is not for me so I want to see loads of ideas and put em all together to make the ultimate knife.

??

Sorry, no clues

Sylvrfalcn · Sep 22, 2003

Brendan, here's a pic (from a website) of a knife I picked up at the gun show this past weekend, it's from Benchmade, the name of the model is "Outbounder". Good clean design, no funky "bells and whistles". In the pic it looks almost hollow ground, but in actuality the bevels are quite flat, so the grind profile works out being like a wide Scandinavian bevel. Blade is 3 3/4" long, with an overall length of 7 1/2".

Sarge

Brendan · Sep 22, 2003

very nice

thats working for me sarge !!

Pan Tau · Sep 22, 2003

I am with Sarge here - I like the clean, simple lines like this EKA :

Andreas

Brendan · Sep 22, 2003

very cool - not too sure about the handle though

Sylvrfalcn · Sep 22, 2003

Brendan, here's one from a countryman of yours by the name of Ray Mears.

You might also want to check out Bison Bushcraft at http://www.bisonbushcraft.co.uk/knives/index.htm nice simple handmade knives that look like they'll get the job done.

I'm told that both the Mears knives and the ones from Bison Bushcraft are on the pricey side. But you're just getting design ideas, not looking to go shopping, right mate?

Sarge

Brendan · Sep 22, 2003

I spoke to the guy who makes the knives for Ray Mears - Alan Wood. Ray is a tv celebrity survival guy. I approched Alan about a bladesmith apprentiseship, he put me in touch with the guy that taught him alot Don Wise, I went to see him last week - old guy nearly 80 but very nice and cool. He said he will make me any knife I design for around £50.. hence my madness !!

Sylvrfalcn · Sep 22, 2003

hence my madness !!

Perfectly understandable. Some free advice (and worth every penny

) don't get too wound up about "designing the perfect knife". Chances are there are some well proven, time tested, designs out there that'll fit your bill. "Personalize" your knife by picking out blade/handle materials, finishes, etc., but don't get obsessed with re-inventing the wheel. There's some pretty good wheels out there already.

Sarge

Brendan · Sep 22, 2003

I know Greg - just want to design something unique as a very special gift.
I sorta want features from loads of differnet knives

Sylvrfalcn · Sep 22, 2003

Just wish you could handle one of those Benchmade Outbounders. I've tried, without success, to find something not to like about the little devil. The custom knifemaking/design team of McHenry and Williams really nailed this one.

Sarge

Brendan · Sep 22, 2003

Me too - we dont get the greatest selection in knives here and if you want to handle em you gotta buy em bro !!

Red · Sep 22, 2003

Brendan, what do you want the knife to do? Does the recipient hunt or fish? Do they practice Martial Arts and which ones? Do they do a lot of camping or gardening? Right or left handed? Male or female?

Come on, give us something.

Roadrunner · Sep 23, 2003

Have you looked at the traditional Japanese tanto, like these http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=272270 ? Perhaps not exactly like that, but you could incorporate elements of the design. Good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

Ripper · Sep 23, 2003

Brendan,
Here's a pic of a hunter/utility knife I'm making for myself:

You might like some of French maker, Bruno Duffort's knives.
I like his Scagel style knives quite a lot. Here's the link to his knives.
Regards,
Greg

Brendan · Sep 23, 2003

great knives - cheers matey !!

Ferrous Wheel · Sep 23, 2003

Id sum up w/ this:

Single edge, drop point or spear point, full tang with slabs for the handle.

If ya want less shaping and grinidng, go with a seax (wharncliffe) style or tanto style. They enable the use of straighter grinds, and may be easier to do (I'm no knifemaker, but I pllay one on TV

).

Kismet · Sep 23, 2003

I've always admired Grohman designed knives. Friends who have them sing their praises. Something for you to consider, at least.

Link should work:

http://www.northdoorway.com/camping/grohman-knife.htm

take care of yourself, and get off that poor kitty.

Brendan · Sep 24, 2003

Has anyone seen a Steve Corkum First Strike - I like that and a fighter/hunting combo. Anyone seen something like that !!