My Fourth Complete Knife...please critique!

N

Nic.

Joined
Dec 8, 2014
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Hey all! This is my fourth knife, full of imperfections and all. I cut the blade from a table saw blade and my scales are cocobola with a leather liner. The wood was too thin, so I used the leather to supplement the thickness and it blended quite well once epoxied. I grayed the blade using vinegar, and the scratches on the nose of the blade are from sharpening, I'll fix that soon. I used carbon fiber pins, cut from the landing gear of an old RC helicopter:), but hey, it's carbon fiber! It's sharp enough to shave with, and has held a very good edge so far. I see it's several imperfections, but I'm getting better at this and am enjoying learning! Please share and comments or harsh critiques you have! Thanks!
 
Nic. said:
Hey all! This is my fourth knife, full of imperfections and all. I cut the blade from a table saw blade and my scales are cocobola with a leather liner. The wood was too thin, so I used the leather to supplement the thickness and it blended quite well once epoxied. I grayed the blade using vinegar, and the scratches on the nose of the blade are from sharpening, I'll fix that soon. I used carbon fiber pins, cut from the landing gear of an old RC helicopter:), but hey, it's carbon fiber! It's sharp enough to shave with, and has held a very good edge so far. I see it's several imperfections, but I'm getting better at this and am enjoying learning! Please share and comments or harsh critiques you have! Thanks!
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Congrats on completing another knife! What tools are you using?
 
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Brock47 said:
Congrats on completing another knife! What tools are you using?
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Thanks! I cut it out with an angle grinder, complete it with a bench grinder, and make my bevel with a filing jig. For wood, I rough shape with my 4x36 sander and then hand sand. What do you think?
 
Odds are you know allot of what could be better but I'll just point out one thing that should be better and would be easy to change and that is your point is VERY rounded over,

you want the point to have a point unless this is some kind of skinner...there are other things(aesthetically anyway) that could be allot better and there things that really come down

to are you/do you want to but the works and patience into it, but everyone started somewhere and that you're trying is great! also you may want to get some better steel I think

you will be able to get some better results(1084 is popular and cheap but what you using works)

Nice Knife Though! now put that on your belt and go make a better one...that's how the addiction works:thumbup:

Best Regards

-Daniel Rohde
 
Daniel Rohde said:
Odds are you know allot of what could be better but I'll just point out one thing that should be better and would be easy to change and that is your point is VERY rounded over,

you want the point to have a point unless this is some kind of skinner...there are other things(aesthetically anyway) that could be allot better and there things that really come down

to are you/do you want to but the works and patience into it, but everyone started somewhere and that you're trying is great! also you may want to get some better steel I think

you will be able to get some better results(1084 is popular and cheap but what you using works)

Nice Knife Though! now put that on your belt and go make a better one...that's how the addiction works:thumbup:

Best Regards

-Daniel Rohde
Click to expand...
Hey! Thank you so much, I appreciate it. There is a lot wrong, but I'm learning and one of the best ways is to get advice and critiques from knowledgeable guys, so I appreciate the advice! About the point, what exactly is wrong with it? I made a new blade today, can you please tell me if I did it right on that one? Soon I will get some 1084! Thank you!
 
Yes, some imperfections but some good things. It's good that you have a nice round, comfortable handle. It's good that you rounded the front of your scales. It's good that your pins are fairly well spaced. It's good that you have a pleasing sweep to the edge although as Dan points out, it could come to a more defined point. Your proportions look well balanced as well. These are the things I think could use a bit more attention. The profile line across the spine about an inch in front of the handle looks like there is a slight dip. The rounded tip was mentioned. The plunge line should be more precise and well defined. Leather would not be my first choice as a liner as it may absorb moisture and hold it against the tang which could lead to problems. The pins are not cleanly finished at the surface. I think solid pins would have finished smoother and more flush with the surface rather than using the CF tubing from the helicopter. But for a fourth knife you are doing very well. Be encouraged and continue improving! Great job.
 
i4Marc said:
Yes, some imperfections but some good things. It's good that you have a nice round, comfortable handle. It's good that you rounded the front of your scales. It's good that your pins are fairly well spaced. It's good that you have a pleasing sweep to the edge although as Dan points out, it could come to a more defined point. Your proportions look well balanced as well. These are the things I think could use a bit more attention. The profile line across the spine about an inch in front of the handle looks like there is a slight dip. The rounded tip was mentioned. The plunge line should be more precise and well defined. Leather would not be my first choice as a liner as it may absorb moisture and hold it against the tang which could lead to problems. The pins are not cleanly finished at the surface. I think solid pins would have finished smoother and more flush with the surface rather than using the CF tubing from the helicopter. But for a fourth knife you are doing very well. Be encouraged and continue improving! Great job.
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Thank you! It fits well in my hand and cuts well. Could you please educate me on exactly what is wrong with my tip? I'm still trying to perfect my filing jig to make those plunge lines crisp. Ok, the leather thing makes sense. I sealed it in polyurethane, do you still think I may have issues with it? I screwed up with the pins, they turned out a bit odd. They were solid, they are just sunken in a tad so it doesn't look like it. Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement!
 
What is your process for a new knife? Do you draw your knife first or do you just start grinding at the stock?

I think it would really help if you draw a 1-1 scale of what you are trying to make. Or draw 30 knives and choose what you like best.

Then get a piece of mdf wood plank and make your knife. That way you can get close to your design and also screw it up without consequence.

I like you knife overall, but some points worth mentioning: (Note, m
this is only my opinion here)

- The tip is not a tip. It is round, not pointy.
- If you compare the tip to other knives looking from the side, yours is dead center in the middle of the blade. It doesn't look very elegant that way.
- Your bevel could be filed at a lower angle. That way it will go up higher on the side of the blade. This not only cuts netter, it will also make the knife look better.
- Your handle is almost the same height as your blade. Try taking off more material at the bottom of the handle. Look at pictures of knives to get a feel of blade to handle shape.

Thought to think while drawing and designing: What will the knife purpose be? If you pick up your knife, and pretend to cut bacon on a picknick table, your knuckles might be in the way. Is the blades curve good for cutting while your knuckles have clearance?

A good way to "test" your design is to cut the put.ine into a piece of cardboard.
 
Hey all! I forgot to mention this general design was borrowed from SA Custom Knives. I changed it a ton and didn't do half as good as a job as he did though! But thanks Shane!
 
ev13wt said:
What is your process for a new knife? Do you draw your knife first or do you just start grinding at the stock?

I think it would really help if you draw a 1-1 scale of what you are trying to make. Or draw 30 knives and choose what you like best.

Then get a piece of mdf wood plank and make your knife. That way you can get close to your design and also screw it up without consequence.

I like you knife overall, but some points worth mentioning: (Note, m
this is only my opinion here)

- The tip is not a tip. It is round, not pointy.
- If you compare the tip to other knives looking from the side, yours is dead center in the middle of the blade. It doesn't look very elegant that way.
- Your bevel could be filed at a lower angle. That way it will go up higher on the side of the blade. This not only cuts netter, it will also make the knife look better.
- Your handle is almost the same height as your blade. Try taking off more material at the bottom of the handle. Look at pictures of knives to get a feel of blade to handle shape.

Thought to think while drawing and designing: What will the knife purpose be? If you pick up your knife, and pretend to cut bacon on a picknick table, your knuckles might be in the way. Is the blades curve good for cutting while your knuckles have clearance?

A good way to "test" your design is to cut the put.ine into a piece of cardboard.
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I draw it out, this time I used a template. Making a wood template is a really good idea. Ok, make point more pointy, got it. Ok, i like your idea with the bevel going higher up. Alright, my next one I will take more wood off the bottom, that makes sense. The cardboard thing is a great idea! Thank you very much, all the advice is much appreciated!
 
This is what I see in your blank: (Edit: Note, this is only what "I" would do.)

1ryzpj.jpg
 
ev13wt said:
This is what I see in your blank: (Edit: Note, this is only what "I" would do.)

1ryzpj.jpg
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I really like that! A bit too change now, but I'm printing out a pic of that now to cut a template out of that to use it. Thank you, that's great!
 
Hey Nic,

Glad to see you're coming along so nice! I won't add to the mechanics of the discussion, already sounds like you're getting good advice. I just wanted to say that you are doing great and to keep up the good work, nice to see you are still posting your work and asking for feedback.
 
Nic. said:
Thank you! It fits well in my hand and cuts well. Could you please educate me on exactly what is wrong with my tip? I'm still trying to perfect my filing jig to make those plunge lines crisp. Ok, the leather thing makes sense. I sealed it in polyurethane, do you still think I may have issues with it? I screwed up with the pins, they turned out a bit odd. They were solid, they are just sunken in a tad so it doesn't look like it. Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement!
Click to expand...


Your tip isn't "wrong". But the belly at the tip curves up fairly quickly, almost like a butter knife. Lines are a matter of taste but a pointier tip is generally more functional, especially in cases where your knife needs to penetrate. Plus, I think most people find a pointier tip more aesthetically pleasing (this is conjecture on my part). Aesthetics should take a back seat to function though. If this knife will be used for skinning then you probably don't want a very pointy knife as you could inadvertently puncture entrails or put unwanted holes in a hide your trying to save etc. I don't know for sure if the leather will be a problem. Stacked leather handles have been used on knives for ever. It is just something to think about. You're doing fine. Use the knife a lot and it will tell you what aspects of the design are working and which are not. Then you make adjustments on your next knife with those lessons in mind.
 
Cactus Kid said:
Hey Nic,

Glad to see you're coming along so nice! I won't add to the mechanics of the discussion, already sounds like you're getting good advice. I just wanted to say that you are doing great and to keep up the good work, nice to see you are still posting your work and asking for feedback.
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Hey! Thanks, I appreciate that! I want to learn, I really enjoy this and want to get half way decent at it!
 
i4Marc said:
Your tip isn't "wrong". But the belly at the tip curves up fairly quickly, almost like a butter knife. Lines are a matter of taste but a pointier tip is generally more functional, especially in cases where your knife needs to penetrate. Plus, I think most people find a pointier tip more aesthetically pleasing (this is conjecture on my part). Aesthetics should take a back seat to function though. If this knife will be used for skinning then you probably don't want a very pointy knife as you could inadvertently puncture entrails or put unwanted holes in a hide your trying to save etc. I don't know for sure if the leather will be a problem. Stacked leather handles have been used on knives for ever. It is just something to think about. You're doing fine. Use the knife a lot and it will tell you what aspects of the design are working and which are not. Then you make adjustments on your next knife with those lessons in mind.
Click to expand...

Ok, that makes total sense. This will just be my new skinner! For my next design I'll make sure it has a point to it. I really appreciate that you guys take the time to give advice, thank you!
 
Nic.,

Take some time to look at knives by good makers. They won't all look exactly the same but you will notice certain features that are a recurring theme. These are things that work for a reason. If you want to copy some aspects of designs you see that's ok but that isn't my point. It's about learning to get a sense of what kinds of features are appropriate for different types of uses. Some things you may notice are economy of line, graceful curves, tips that come to a defined point, proportion, fit and finish, as well as many other things. You are a tool maker. The knives you make have to work for the purpose for which they were designed. But you are also an artist. It is your challenge to make a functional and effective tool that also has a sense of design and style...YOUR style. This doesn't necessarily mean fancy or embellished or overly complicated. It means what do you respond to as an artist? Do you like industrial looking angular lines? Do you like elegant curves and timeless, traditional aesthetics? Do you like bright polished blades, brute de forge or etched/patina? Figured wood handles, plain grained woods, leather or high tech composite handles? I'm sure you have a lot of great ideas swirling around in your head. Get those ideas onto paper or into a computer. But looking at many examples of knives by people who have been doing this far longer than us will clue you in to ideas beyond your experience. You are doing great. Take a look through these pages:


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/612884-SharpByCoop-•-Gallery-of-Handmade-Knives
 
Hey all! Thank you so much to all those who gave advice and encouragement on this thread and others. It's really amazing that someone new can get great advice from pros who are willing to take the time to teach, even if that's over the computer. You guys make it so someone like me who is eager to learn and improve able to. Thank you all! I love this stuff, you'll be hearing more from me so hopefully you are all willing to put up with me!
Thanks,
Nichole.
 
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