Is this is a reoccurring problem? I have a story for ya if it is. Years ago I was at one of our cowboy type shows. During some slack time I was visiting with another vendor, a good friend of mine. He specializes in making leggings and I make a lot of them too. Everybody tries to have their own unique little twist on things that may make your work appeal to the customer, just like the knife world. In leggings this is often the leg plate part that is unique. I had a pretty darn good design and it was appealing to folks. I sold several pairs that I know of just because of the shape of the leg plate. Here it is on the side of the leg, with the three conchos, on this pair of leggings.
The problem I was having is these deals are often made for folks that really will use em, and hard, kinda like a kitchen knife. I was having problems with the tips bending back over months and years of use. Now they are sewn down obviously but they were still bending up. Thats what I was talking with my buddy about. Another friend stopped by. John is one of the top saddle makers on the planet. This is one of his work/everyday saddles that we own and my wife rides often. Imagine what he does when he's showing off.
Point is when John says something about leather, smart folks pay attention. He talked about these points lifting a little on the leg plate asked me a couple questions and said: "Change your design." and walked off. I did. Situation fixed.
No more tips lifting on these guys.
I've often felt that the front of the handle is the weak point of any long term knife construction. Moisture, gunk and life just getting up under there. Maybe extend your tang a half inch or so making room for a metal bolster that ya can peen on and seal with JB Weld/silver solder and then do your handle as you are showing? Just a thought.
Absolutely gorgeous knife by the way. Wow!
