making my knife

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knifemaking01

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May 4, 2012
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So like any good knife maker, he starts with a design, i had an idea in my head how i wanted my knife too look, and it came out on the paper basically straight away, this is what ive come up with, its my own design but knife making has been around for so long that its hard to come up with an original design



any feedback would be nice, any bits that look a bit "pointy" i will round off, and the bit near my makers mark the start of the wood, its going to be rounded as apose to squared off like that
 
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Looks like a good start.
Take piece of thin wood and cut out the profile ( I like the thin hobby grade plywood). Shape it and see how it feels in your hand. If the blade shape looks and feels good, you can even glue on two wooden scales to test the feel of the handle shape.
Making a wooden prototype can spot places where things need to change a bit. It also gives you templates to cut and finish your final knife by.
 
thats a very fine idea stacy, can even give me a chance to practice working the handle, thanks for the top idea, the plan for this knife is just going to be either a neck or belt knife, for ever on fishing and hunting trips im reaching for a good sharp knife to either cut an apple, cut some bait, or something like that, so i was going to make it so the sheath has a clip on it so it can either clip on my belt, boot or pocket and a loop with string i can put on and remove from it so it can even go round my neck
 
also would 3/32" be a better steel for this over the 1/8", i bought 2x 1/8th and 1x 3/32 as i planned to use the slightly thinner for this blade
 
What are the dimensions of the knife? That would make a difference in the thickness of the blade. One design thought, I don't care for straight lines, at least so long of one. Just a slight curve on the spine might look better. Jmho. Good luck, have fun!
 
blade is just under 4" total length is about 8 1/2 i think, i agree with you there, the one straight line isnt as appealing as i first though, im going to go alter a little
 
took your advice mate, totally agree with you, i dont know why i was trying to draw my knife freehand either, i got the basic size on paper, scanned it to my computer then used paint to get my curves perfect, heres the redefined design, what use reckon? Also been playing around with my makers mark, and pretty happy with what is on there now
 
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While the dip in the spine works, instead, try making the entire handle and spine as a slight arc/curve. It will give the knife a nicer look. The curve can be ever so slight, and make a big change in the look and feel.

Another tip is to put a ruler in a photo, or write/draw the dimensions on a scan or CAD.
 
knifemaking01 said:
...its my own design but knife making has been around for so long that its hard to come up with an original design.
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I know that when you are beginning, the urge to try and come up with your own design is great but your energy would be better spent making knives using established patterns, for a few knives at least.

Keep up the good work.
 
Patrice Lemée;10847655 said:
I know that when you are beginning, the urge to try and come up with your own design is great but your energy would be better spent making knives using established patterns, for a few knives at least.

Keep up the good work.
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thanks for the input, im not going to lie so much is confussing me, in alot of the books ive read they say to lay out a few designs, and draw up something, but what your saying makes complete sence.

well anyway these are the two final designs ive come up with


i might save them or end up doing one, im not too sure now
 
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Now, see how much "smoother" the new shape is? A more or less continuous curve from tip to butt has "flow".
 
100% mate, is that some what a key thing to remember aswell, that long curves (in certain knife designs) can help a knife flow better rather then keeping everything square, straight and boxy looking and that even a subtle arc/curve can help and be the difference of a knife looking average to a knife that flows.??

thanks bladsmth
 
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I like your redesign. I am looking forward to seeing your knife come to life.
 
Exactly. As I have said before, that is why most guys like a lingerie model's shape more than a Russian woman weight lifter's. Smooth and continuous curves beat angular changes and bulges every time.
Cheers
 
Nice looking scales you got there, it will look great! Just remember to avoid the dreaded "blocky handle!" Do a search for that on here and there is a great thread about it.


-Xander
 
fast14riot said:
Nice looking scales you got there, it will look great! Just remember to avoid the dreaded "blocky handle!" Do a search for that on here and there is a great thread about it.


-Xander
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hahaha oh dont worry man, i know about the blocky handles, its a mistake i will definitely avoid..... Where i bought the wood from the guy usually sells blanks for making pens, he has some crazzzzyy nice wood but i wanted something simple first before going more exotic
 
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