Multipurpose Chopper Camp Knife Design?

R

raythebigfoot

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Sep 12, 2007
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So I wasn't sure if this is where I should post for getting opinions on a knife design, but I was wondering what people thought of a recent design I was thinking about doing. Sorry about the sucky image so you will have to use your imagination. I didn't have anything else to draw you the image except for paint, but it is drawn up better on graph paper. The idea is to have a multipurpose knife that you can use for camping to slice and dice and to use as a chopper at the same time. The top edge would be hollow ground but I would also like opinions on whether people would prefer flat ground instead? The bottom edge would be a convex edge used for chopping. I was thinking somewhere around a 9" blade with a 5" handle that feels good either way you hold the knife; ground from 1/4" stock. I was thinking either D2, CPM154, ATS34, or A2. Either a stabilized wood or micarta handle. I am also playing with idea of a guard to keep your hand from slipping up while using it. I would love to here your opinions on this design. Thanks!!

 
I would put a bit more of a downward turn on the handle, a gaurd and at most a 3-4" section on the top sharpened like a hatchet for breaking leg bones and abuse if I was to put any edge up top. Otherwise I like a smooth spine on a big knife for battening and for simple handling, and for use as a draw knife if necisary.
 
Will52100 said:
I would put a bit more of a downward turn on the handle, a gaurd and at most a 3-4" section on the top sharpened like a hatchet for breaking leg bones and abuse if I was to put any edge up top. Otherwise I like a smooth spine on a big knife for battening and for simple handling, and for use as a draw knife if necisary.
Click to expand...

The reason I didn't put a downward turn on the handle was because I thought it would make it awkard to flip over in your hand and use the other side, but it had crossed my mind.
 
When designing, use the tried and true adage:
"If something is designed to do two very different things, it probably will do both poorly."

That said, your idea is not new. Many "combo" knives have been made. Most don't work out right.

As to the specifics, the thin sharp edge will be easily damaged in camp use, and could not be pounded on to split wood. It would also be a great way to cut your hand.
The thicker and bulged camp blade will make the fillet blade unwieldy to use.

You would do far better to make a matched set.One with a fillet or butcher blade and one with a camp blade.
You could make a combo sheath/case that holds both.
Just my opinion, but worth considering.
Stacy
 
Alrighty, well three in a row says I scrap that idea so I am :thumbdn:; I think I like that last idea of doing a matching pair anyways. Thanks for the opinions and giving me honest answers!!
 
I'm one of the guys who like having a secondary edge on the spine, but stouter & thicker than the main edge. This way you can use it for hacking dead limbs or bone, etc., without worry of messing up the finer main edge. There are plenty of traditional designs that have symmetrical handles, and my big knife does too. I don't see a problem there; only more versatility.
 
I like a piggy back style matching set, it has the utility/skinner and the choppa, and boasts matching handles.
 
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