Let's try this again: Knife Design #2 - Comments, Concerns, Criticisms

[KaosX]

So my last design didn't end up getting made beyond a trainer in aluminum.

I still want to finish a complete knife so I got in touch with Aldo who recommended some 1084 for me, so I'll likely go with that.

With that on the way I decided I wanted a fresh design.

I'm still kind of "set" on a dagger for my first design.

Here's what I've drawn up and what questions I have:

Sorry if it's a little grey, I don't have another way to upload photos while at work than my cellphone.

It's 6.5" long in total.

I'll be using SS tubing for my rivets. Not planning on flaring them. Is the location of the rivets OK?

I was planning on using G10 or similar for the scales.

Any tips on grinding the bevels (I'll be using a bastard file)

Any other thoughts are certainly welcome.

 

[silver_pilate]

A dagger for a first project is definitely ambitious, but it's been done before. Best of luck to you as you work to get it completed. Take your time and keep working on it until it turns out the way you want it.

I'd recommend using a chainsaw file to cut in your plunges first. That way you can make them equal, have them clean and rounded, and set the overal depth of your bevel from the get-go. Then you file to bring the bevels down to blend with the plunge. I'd also plan to have a ricasso just in front of the guard for this knife.

I'd also recommend adding some shape to that handle. Right now, no offense, it kind of looks like a tongue depresser at the back. Add some curves to that puppy! I like what you've done just behind the guard with the slim waist. I'd just gradually continue that curve back to a palm swell, then gently curve back towards the butt.

Something like this:

Just some of my thoughts. Take 'em or leave 'em because ultimately, it's your knife

--nathan.

 

[_Muad'dib_]

I agree with silver_pilate. I think that if you leave it as it is and then add scales then it's going to end up looking bulky rather than thin, slim and sexy. And you don't have to exactly replicate his drawing, be creative. Suggestions like his can educate you on ideas you may not have previously thought of in designs. But in the end, like he said, it's your knife, design it exactly how you want it.

 

[KaosX]

Thanks, I'll post up some more sketches soon. silver, you mentioned a chainsaw file. I ended up finding some kind of fileguide things when searching for that on google. Is that what you were referencing?

 

[ctaylorjr]

Thanks, I'll post up some more sketches soon. silver, you mentioned a chainsaw file. I ended up finding some kind of fileguide things when searching for that on google. Is that what you were referencing?

A chain saw file is just that, a file made to sharpen a chain saw. They are round files and are the same size (diameter) from tip to tang. They come in all different sizes, I'd recommend a 1/8" for cutting in the plunge for your knife.

File guides are great, but may be a bit tough to use on a dagger. Good luck and show progress pics.

Charlie

 

[lonepine]

An alternative type grind for a dagger can be seen on Ek daggers. (do a Google search) I guess you could call it a scandi grind. Below is a drawing of the Ek blade I made from a photo I found online.

I think Nathan's suggestion for the handle shape would make it much more "holdable". As the design sits now the two notches are of questionable value in my mind. Cut a pattern out of cardboard of each one and see which one feels better.

- Paul Meske, Wisconsin

 

[KaosX]

An alternative type grind for a dagger can be seen on Ek daggers. (do a Google search) I guess you could call it a scandi grind. Below is a drawing of the Ek blade I made from a photo I found online.

I think Nathan's suggestion for the handle shape would make it much more "holdable". As the design sits now the two notches are of questionable value in my mind. Cut a pattern out of cardboard of each one and see which one feels better.

- Paul Meske, Wisconsin

Thanks for the response. The notches help in reverse grips because my small finger is so much more offset than the rest (broke them many times skateboarding, a few times sparring full contact in kali etc). I told my wife to set aside some cereal boxes so I can try the design out.