Need help with this, my first hunter **updated 7/2, new drawing, now a hunter**

B

Brian.Evans

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Aug 20, 2011
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I decided to take a step back from all the absolute stress in my life and work on something fun and challenging just for me. I've gotten so caught up in work and family that I've lost myself and I have to step back. However......This thing is so far outside my comfort zone I'm not even sure where I parked the car......

Any advice, help, smacks upside the head, etc. are appreciated.

I'm thinking curly maple or similar wood, maybe cocobolo, I don't know. I've got some 1/8" nickel silver for the guard, but I don't know if that's thick enough. Where do I start with steel? My options on hand are 1/8" D2 and 3/32" 52100. This is all stock removal. I know, I know....but I don't forge. This is my first hidden tang as well. Big bite for sure, but let's just see what happens.

So I'm putting my self out here, throwing myself on the mercy of bladeforums with the goal of becoming a better knife maker. Be gentle, or don't. I'm good either way.

Bring it on gentlemen.

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are you trying to make a mini?
Looks like you've got about 2.5 inches of effective handle length there, couldnt squeeze my hand onto that if i tried
 
I like the way the knife looks, but yes the inch scale seems to be stretched, like it's two to one.
 
Yes, the idea was a mini. I suppose I could make an enlarged copy on the machine in the morning to get it to full size, but I thought a mini might be fun. This is not a knife I'd ever actually use anyway, it's just a way to blow off steam and work on many different basic principles at once.
 
What ever the scale, it might look more balanced if the blade where a little longer, and the pin and facet line where back a little. That line makes its self when you thin the grip for the little finger. It's harder then it looks, but it looks soooo cool. Good job. Id make it big enough to use, but that's just me
 
Stacy, apparently I double tapped the original post. Can you merge the threads? Sorry.

I had a thought last night. I might use mild steel fittings and using a salt water patina like this razor I restored.
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Or, I've got a bit of wrought iron that would look good too. Something to think about.
 
Slow day at work, here is a photoshop render of your intention :)

I made the blade longer so its more proportional to the handle. :)

33yhkqc.jpg











Short:

14ec2ec.jpg
 
ev13wt said:
33yhkqc.jpg
Click to expand...

Nailed it! It's a fighter go big or go home :D Although personally I would make the ricasso a bit longer and not have the edge so close to the guard.
The second would make a nice style hunting, etc. knife although I would modify the spine and not have the big point on the spine, either eliminate it and just curve the spine down, lessen it, MAYBE make it a clip.

Make the fighter then make the smaller one :)
 
ev13wt said:
Slow day at work, here is a photoshop render of your intention :)

I made the blade longer so its more proportional to the handle. :)

33yhkqc.jpg











Short:

14ec2ec.jpg
Click to expand...
Well, you say it like that. Lol. :D

I'm seriously reconsidering the harpoon shape. I'll just take it away. It was a super rough sketch drawn on copy paper. The paper was so bad it was crumpling from all the erasing!

I've got a couple blades I'm finishing for heat treat, but I'm bringing my sketch pad tomorrow to work, hopefully I'll get some drawing done.

Keep the ideas coming guys, I appreciate the help.
 
Medicevans, it's good you are getting a lot of feedback and taking it in. This is great. There is no way to replace the build it, use it, and redesign it process though, and each knife will show you something new. I am still learning too, and I don't think it ever ends.
 
Ohhhkay. New plan. Small hunter. 1/8" D2, I'll work on the drawings tomorrow. Something simple blade wise, but with lots of elements I've never done before; guard, hidden tang, etc. Opinions?
 
Have you seen my WIP on the Bowie I'm doing? If I can do it anyone can :). I got a bit of help on the guard and hidden tang, it's a lot easier when someone with a mill is available to cut the slot of the guard and drill the block out for the handle, no question. But with some patience a drill press and files you can do the same thing. I'm going to attempt another hidden tang with just that in the future just for more experience. Others have done/do it so it's possible. The guard I did isn't as thick as the one you're considering but again a drill bit and files will get through the stock and the webbing between the holes. You just have to monkey with it a little at a time and check for fit. It was no different with the mill just does it quicker than by hand. Go for it!
 
Thanks. I need to get a small flat file, my other one was junk and wore out quickly.
 
medicevans said:
Ohhhkay. New plan. Small hunter. 1/8" D2, I'll work on the drawings tomorrow. Something simple blade wise, but with lots of elements I've never done before; guard, hidden tang, etc. Opinions?
Click to expand...

I like this idea a lot. Small knives are faster and more fun to make anyway. 3 - 4" blades are my favorites.
 
Fiddleback said:
I like this idea a lot. Small knives are faster and more fun to make anyway. 3 - 4" blades are my favorites.
Click to expand...
They are quickly becoming mine as well. I think a very clean, mid size hunter can be a good statement of a maker's skill.
 
Ok, new drawing. Whatcha think? I know its short, I cant think of much use I'd ever use an 8" blade for in skinning.

20140702_094608.jpg
 
If it where my design, I'd flatten the handle out just a tad, and move the pin a 1/4th inch forward. Possibly make the blade a tad longer, like 1/2 inch or so. (Not shown in photoshop) Otherwise I think its pretty darn sexy!

qq4rpk.jpg
 
Your blade, with the gap between the front of the guard and the blade will catch on stuff. If you move the edge foreward a bit making a more obtuse angle it will slide off easier.
 
Meh, too flat. ^^

Here with some of that belly up top again but a bit flatter overall.

i5rz8k.jpg
 
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