Need some opinons ..commisioning a custom

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23f

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Sep 28, 2009
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All right guys. Im commissioning a custom blade and need some info and help... heres what I want so far.
10" blade, 16" overall, G-10 scales, modified wharncliffe (sheepsfoot) very similar blade shape to the TOPS Commanche Hawke. I like the Busse sus scrofa handle and thus would like something similar in geometry to it, good finger choil for choking up and knife deflection. Thats about it, heres where I need some help, Blade steel... I know 1095 and 5160 is popular for big, chopper styles like this, but the guy I talked to really likes 440c and says his heat treat makes it great to sharpen. I know some about steels but not enough about big knives to know what would work with this type of geometry and configuration. I might get flamed for this but I look at knives in a duality of function and SD purposes. This knife will be used for, in a lack of better terms, a survival/SD tool. Now I know some dont like the wharny style but thats about all I collect/use and I much prefer it, being that it will be modified with some what of a point should add to its functionality.

Any opinions you have to offer whether it be on the blade shape, material etc... is greatly appreciated. Im not completely married to the whole idea and will be meeting with the maker later this week. IF anyones interested in who it is it is Scott Davidson from solid rock knives out of GA> Hope that doesnt violate anything.

Thank Sands
 
The guys hanging out in the knife maker area might be able to help you
 
In general, draw it, and then look at it, and change it to EXACTLY what you would like. It can be practically anything. As far as the steels go, almost any steel will be fine, but a few steels really excel at choppers, and I would say that 5160 or 1095 would be perfect for what you are doing. My next choice would be 3V, but, from what I've read, it would be harder to sharpen without a dedicated setup.

A suggestion: Look through this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/681316-Show-me-your-custom-camp-knife-chopper and see what the steels are, who made them, and what strikes your fancy. Just a suggestion.
 
3v is definitely what you want. its about as tough as 1095, much better wear resistance, and a touch better corrosion resistance. 440c is not such a good choice for such a large knife.
 
for a large chopper 5160 and 1095 are both good for big choppers because they are tough or flexible so they wont shater from impact. u want a big blade especially to bend rather than break wen under stress. ther is a trade off in this tho the tougher the blade the less edge retention it will have. but it will be easier to resharpen so it not a problem if u ask me. 5160 is probably ur best bet but 1095 or 1085 will do good as well. i wouldnt want a 10 inch 440c blade but the more important than steel type is a proper heat treat
 
I agree with 3V for your application. I think you will find that it is substantially tougher than 1095. Actually in my opinion, it is the perfect steel for a chopper and one of my favorite knife steels overall.
 
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