Little Big Knives.

[koyote]

I figure it's time for a thread about the big knives we carry that are UNDER 1/4 inch thick, and aren't machetes.

I'm gonna cheat and show off one I'm making right now first:

OAL 12.5 inches
Blade 8 inches 1/8 inch L6 with a stepe convex edge
Ipe scales.
Weight 10.5 ounces
It's a looooong clip with a good sized thumb rest. I may filework the thumbrest some.

Too thin? Check it out- I shaved heair after this, too, though I only cut about a dozen small branches and this 3 inch log.

 

[kgd]

Bryan talked me into getting his 5" pathfinder in 1/8" thickness. I was skeptacle at first but then thought I would trust his advice. I really do like it. I can flex the blade slightly when I grab hold of it at the tip and really apply pressure. But this doesn't seem to affect performance. Plus it is very easy to sharpen and keep that way. I have certainly re-defined my thinking on blade thickness since getting this knife.

 

[mneedham]

Koyote,

My supply of thin, big knives is, hmmm: nil.... I've really come to love my 12" Tram though... That blade look awesome:thumbup:

 

[koyote]

Here's a 6 inch full tang leuku in 1/8

dfinitely a little on the little side for a "big knife" but it chops surprisingly well

 

[Jeff H]

That's cool, Christof.

I know I should do the responsible thing and acquire a chopper but I have this "thing" for smaller knives. I appreciate your point about thickness too. I had a BRKT Rogue, which many have claimed is a great chopper, but felt it was too thick and the square edges on the handle rattled the bones in my hand when I bit into anything dry. It worked OK but I have found since that all the thickness and mass is not necessarily an advantage when chopping.

Did you make this specifically as a chopper or did it just "turn out" to be a good one?

 

[BarberFobic1992]

Koyote, the chopper in you initial post looks great. As far as little big knives, my Opinal #12 has taken much abuse, including some chopping. it performs great for its feather-like weight.

 

[koyote]

totally made from the get go as a camp chopper.

 

[ilbruche]

1/8th inch is a good thickness.

This Farmer is one of my favorite knives ever.

Still not sure what will come out of the 18" bit of 1095.

 

[siguy]

right now i have a 6" long 1" wide 1/8" thick blade on the bench now, ready to send for heat treat. i plan on keeping this one for myself.

i will take some pictures of a large butcher knife and a small cleaver that both make great big-little knives. they would both by my "one knife" because they chop small stuff well, like shelter poles and small fire wood. they baton fine to split up big wood. they balance well enough because of the thin stock to make fine shavings and other fine cuts. they can be grasped by the tip for skinning, if i knew how to skin. i like thin knives with long blades.

very sweet looking blade there, looks really handy and a good midsize.

 

[oldways]

That's cool, Christof.

I know I should do the responsible thing and acquire a chopper but I have this "thing" for smaller knives. I appreciate your point about thickness too. I had a BRKT Rogue, which many have claimed is a great chopper, but felt it was too thick and the square edges on the handle rattled the bones in my hand when I bit into anything dry. It worked OK but I have found since that all the thickness and mass is not necessarily an advantage when chopping.

Did you make this specifically as a chopper or did it just "turn out" to be a good one?

My experience with the Rogue is oppisite yours. For me it chops very well,with comfort. Cuts and slices well also. To me it handles like a fine bird gun. :thumbup:

 

[koyote]

1/8th inch is a good thickness.

This Farmer is one of my favorite knives ever.

Still not sure what will come out of the 18" bit of 1095.

The Farmer is SWEEEEET.

That 18 inch bit of 1095? well, here's a 12.5 inch long knife that chops well. toss an inch onto the handle and 2 or 3 onto thew blade, use the rest for guard stock

The idea behind the design is to have a looooong leuku but with a light enough blade to work with, so the belly taper is made more "puukko" like and less machete like. I'm working on a 11 inch blade version now.

 

[Darbyfett]

The idea behind the design is to have a looooong leuku but with a light enough blade to work with, so the belly taper is made more "puukko" like and less machete like. I'm working on a 11 inch blade version now.

Holy crap....gimme gimme gimme. I have been falling in love with your work the past few weeks due to all the pictures. And this knife is amazing. I will get some of your work someday.

Once again...wow. Awesome looking blade.

Edit: I see on your site its for sale....CRAP.

 

[Jeff H]

My experience with the Rogue is oppisite yours. For me it chops very well,with comfort. Cuts and slices well also. To me it handles like a fine bird gun. :thumbup:

You are certainly not the first person I have heard say that. No argument on how it handled either. For its size and mass it was surprisingly nimble and a gorgeous knife to boot. That's the great thing about all the variety though, each of us can find something that works for us individually.:thumbup:

 

[koyote]

Holy crap....gimme gimme gimme. I have been falling in love with your work the past few weeks due to all the pictures. And this knife is amazing. I will get some of your work someday.

Once again...wow. Awesome looking blade.

Edit: I see on your site its for sale....CRAP.

Not to advertise, but right now is a good time to ask for a specific one, I have 3 heat treated, one full tang with a longer handle, 2 stick tangs.

 

[Andrew Colglazier]

You are certainly not the first person I have heard say that. No argument on how it handled either. For its size and mass it was surprisingly nimble and a gorgeous knife to boot. That's the great thing about all the variety though, each of us can find something that works for us individually.:thumbup:

I just recently got a Rogue and I must say the handle's gotta go! Other than that, a nice blade.

Here are a few that I have which are thin in the blade by very effective if not abused -

Here's an 8" Saami style blade which is just a little over 1/8th. I think it'll chop fine if necessary when finished.

Here's a big Old Hickory blade that cuts well also -

This modded Gerber Brush Hook is about 1/8th, but chops great -

This big forged camp knife I made is under 1/4" and chops well also -

I agree with you; thinner can be better.

Andy

 

[Esav Benyamin]

The Rogue balances VERY well. I was able to use it on small items in the kitchen.

My Iisakki Jarvenpaa leuku is 12" overall, 7" blade, and 1/8" stock. It does not need to be thicker for me. Of course, in the north country it came from, they don't grow large thick tree trunks.

 

[Darbyfett]

Not to advertise, but right now is a good time to ask for a specific one, I have 3 heat treated, one full tang with a longer handle, 2 stick tangs.

Ohh I wish I could. I am broke. When I saw it was for sale, my heart stopped(does that mean I am addicted to knives?) and I ALMOST rushed to my online banking to see how much I have. But I didn't,the fiance would be pissed.

 

[tonym]

Koyote, you got some great knives there!. I really like the first one.
You making more like that?

 

[perksy]

My Busse Mud Razor fits the bill. 12" overall, 7" blade, 3/16" thick.

 

[mtnfolk mike]

The Farmer is SWEEEEET.

That 18 inch bit of 1095? well, here's a 12.5 inch long knife that chops well. toss an inch onto the handle and 2 or 3 onto thew blade, use the rest for guard stock

The idea behind the design is to have a looooong leuku but with a light enough blade to work with, so the belly taper is made more "puukko" like and less machete like. I'm working on a 11 inch blade version now.

that is a great looking knife christof... i love it.. :thumbup: keep it up man..