Need a little HELP on a Design Please?

[the possum]

Many of the things I noticed in your initial drawing have already been addressed.

Some other ideas though- If you get a round ring to work, that's fine, but I generally would prefer it to be slightly oval shaped. As in, longer (guard to butt direction) than taller, so your finger has more room to "squish" out when you grip it.

Also, make sure all edges of the ring are well rounded over. I.E., don't just use flat stock & knock the corners off with sandpaper- make it 3 dimensional. I used a ringed knife like that pretty hard for the better part of a year, and it was never a problem, until that one time it was. Ripped a big hunk o' meat off the back of my first finger.

I agree with the comments about having the handle just long enough to grip it with your whole hand behind the ring. I was surprised myself how many times when I needed that knife out quick, I didn't use the finger ring at all.

Also, (partially because of the above) you mentioned something about liking less pronounced flare toward the butt. I'd prefer as much flare back there as I can get away with. You won't be admiring those subtle lines as the knife goes flying out of your grip. Again, you may use it a thousand times without problem, until that one time you almost kill yerself with it...

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the current thread in Bernard's forum with an original from the mid 1800's. Lasserre Bowie This is probably the one you were thinking of in The Antique Bowie Knife book.

 

[Lorien]

^that knife is rad!

 

[Kevin Jones]

Kevin

This is just a slight mod. to one of Kyles drawings.

Mike

Mike, that's an absolutely beautiful handle design, but I believe the sub-hilt is a little too modernistic for the antique/historic look we are trying to capture.
I would definitely put that handle in your "must make file".

 

[Kevin Jones]

Many of the things I noticed in your initial drawing have already been addressed.

Some other ideas though- If you get a round ring to work, that's fine, but I generally would prefer it to be slightly oval shaped. As in, longer (guard to butt direction) than taller, so your finger has more room to "squish" out when you grip it.

Also, make sure all edges of the ring are well rounded over. I.E., don't just use flat stock & knock the corners off with sandpaper- make it 3 dimensional.
That's a very good suggestion.

I used a ringed knife like that pretty hard for the better part of a year, and it was never a problem, until that one time it was. Ripped a big hunk o' meat off the back of my first finger.

I agree with the comments about having the handle just long enough to grip it with your whole hand behind the ring. I was surprised myself how many times when I needed that knife out quick, I didn't use the finger ring at all.

Also, (partially because of the above) you mentioned something about liking less pronounced flare toward the butt. I'd prefer as much flare back there as I can get away with. You won't be admiring those subtle lines as the knife goes flying out of your grip. Again, you may use it a thousand times without problem, until that one time you almost kill yerself with it...

I do prefer a more subtle flair on coffin handles, but like the flair on Kyle's rounded handle. I also agree with David Broadwell's opinion that the clamshell motif would look much better continued on the rounded rear bolster than the angled coffin handle. I believe we will go with the rounded handle profile rather than the coffin.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the current thread in Bernard's forum with an original from the mid 1800's. Lasserre Bowie
I had not seen that thread, but will read it with much interest now. I spend so much time on this forum, its doesn't leave much time for others.

This is probably the one you were thinking of in The Antique Bowie Knife book.
Yes, that is one of the pieces I have seen. And quite an interesting piece it is.

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