Lightening holes in blade

[Varga Knives]

I'm designing a chopper I want to make and I am thinking about drilling some lightening holes near the spine by the handle. Seems to make sense since it would push the COG toward the tip and it could look cool and not be any real sacrifice as far as strength. So, since I'm a newb and I don't see many, do you guys laugh at these blades for one reason or another when you see them or are they okay.

Thanks!

 

[Rick Marchand]

Personally, I don't see the need for a hole in the blade area... or in the tang for that matter(though, I don't have any issue with makers doing it properly). If you want weight-forward, thin out the tang(or drill holes, clear of the ricasso area and chamfer them to reduce the possibility of stress risers during heat treat.)

 

[LRB]

I agree with Rick. If you want less handle weight, drill the tang, and, or taper it.

 

[Varga Knives]

Thanks guys and you may have inadvertently saved me a lot grief, Rick. I am about to send out three blades for heat treating, all of them have lots of holes in the tangs and none are chamfered. Easy fix now that I know. Thanks!