New Design Frenzy.

I shaped the handle on these yesterday. Three of the models, the smallest ones, have already been re-designed. The actual smallest one will continue to be a model we make occasionally. It is a one finger neck knife for sure. Very small. I was suprised to find how challenging it was for me to make. The two Hiking Buddy sized models had handles that were just a little too short, so I re-designed them. That means that for these two knives, the three prototypes we finish this week will be the only ones ever made. BUT it also means that the new designs will be much better knives for using.

Two of the larger models are all the way outstanding, and I can't wait to cut something with them.

I had the trailing point blade idea stuck in my head for a while now and I'm really excited about it and also about all the new handle shapes. I'll have Phil get some pics of the new handles and in progress pics of the knives.

Thanks again for all y'alls support.
 
here is where we are in the process

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Really liking that middle one very much.
 
I'm very much looking forward to seeing how a few of these turn out. Of course each time I get close to having at least one of every model you do something like this...:mad:
 
Here are the final results

This model is now known as the "Maverick". When Andy saw the pattern take he believed that this might actually be a "one off". His thoughts were that it might be one of his most uncomfortable handle designs.
He was wrong! This handle matches the Sneaky Pete design in terms of comfort. The design allows the handle to really "lock" into your hand. He was giddy!
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This little fella is known as the "Mosquito". It's is a really cool little knife. The handle has already been redesigned to be more like the Runt in terms of size. This particular version will still be available on a very limited basis as everything about the Mosquito is a PITA!

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Wing man Prototype
This model had already been redesigned and there are only a couple of them. They will not be available going forward in this form. This is one of my favorites and I can't wait to see the new version take shape.

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Rebel Prototype
The Rebel has also undergone a redesign. This particular variation will no longer be made.
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Renegade
No changes needed. Andy nailed it with this design. I like the handle alot on this one too!
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All the new knives are looking great. Can't wait to see them out in the open. Looks like the waters are already starting to get frothy over these models...
 
I thought when I designed the Sneaky Pete that I wouldn't design another handle that was totaly off the wall different and was also all about comfortable functionality. When I drew the maverick, I thought that the handle thickness would soften the points in the design. Then when we cut the pattern I started to doubt. When I got done shaping the first side of the first one I knew I'd nailed it. It worked. When I was done I ran around showing everyone. That handle is on par with the Sneaky Pete for comfort. You big handed guys are going to love this handle config. I can't wait to get it into someones hands.
 
These new designs look very cool! Aesthetically they work so well with bolsters, especially the Maverick. I have a question regarding functionality though. My limited experience with knives is mostly around bushcrafting and kitchen use. Haven't worked with a blade with an upswept curve (trailing point?). What use would the Maverick or Wing Man be best suited to?
 
That's great about the handles, was unsure when I first saw them. Seeing them finished up it makes sense.
Curious to see what the updates look like.
Awesome stuff per usual. Really starting to like the lemon and cherry color combo both Micarta and wood or Micarta Micarta.
Really like that rebel, wing man and renegade.
 
All of the redesigns are due to handle length. I'll needed trailing point knives in the lignup. I didn't expect these handle shapes when I started. That's how it works for me. My first drawings were horrid so I shifted in frustration and these resulted
 
After I sharked the Camp Muk last Friday, I went by yesterday and picked it up. While I was there talking with Andy and the FBF Crew, I asked about the redesigns on the new models. So we go over to a tray that had a few new models in it, and Andy explains that the handle length is not what he wanted on the Mosquito - very cool little knife.

Then Andy hands me the Maverick... hot diggity dog. This handle is amazing. It locks into your palm when your fingers wrap around it. Andy said he nailed it. I completely agree. There is a Maverick in my future. Excellent job Andy.

Preston
 
Visually, the upturned blades look REALLY cool. Can you elaborate on the intended function of this blade design? How do you think a Maverick would function as a "bushcraft" (whatever that means these days) knife?
 
I shaped the handle on these yesterday. Three of the models, the smallest ones, have already been re-designed. The actual smallest one will continue to be a model we make occasionally. It is a one finger neck knife for sure. Very small. I was suprised to find how challenging it was for me to make. The two Hiking Buddy sized models had handles that were just a little too short, so I re-designed them. That means that for these two knives, the three prototypes we finish this week will be the only ones ever made. BUT it also means that the new designs will be much better knives for using.

Two of the larger models are all the way outstanding, and I can't wait to cut something with them.

I had the trailing point blade idea stuck in my head for a while now and I'm really excited about it and also about all the new handle shapes. I'll have Phil get some pics of the new handles and in progress pics of the knives.

Thanks again for all y'alls support.


I bought one of these prototypes that has already been redesigned. It should arrive tomorrow. I'll post pics and my opinion as soon as I can. Really really hope the size of the handle works for me (medium hands), because the darn thing was just gorgeous in the pics. Blackwood with blue liners. Got my fingers crossed!

Tony
 
I really don't see too much functionality that you loose with the tip. I drilled with one. It isn't as convenient as drilling with a spearpoint, but it didn't break. It will excel at skinning, and I can't imagine notching or whitling or debarking wood would be much different than a Bushfinger. Batonning I didn't do. We're going to set up a chopping/bushcraft/testing area outside soon. Then we can have threads showing the knives getting their testing.

I bought one of these prototypes that has already been redesigned. It should arrive tomorrow. I'll post pics and my opinion as soon as I can. Really really hope the size of the handle works for me (medium hands), because the darn thing was just gorgeous in the pics. Blackwood with blue liners. Got my fingers crossed!

Tony

If not, the re design adds length to match the Hiking Buddy handle. Send it back if you aren't happy! Phil will send you a label. These prototypes are for those that collect 'rare' ones. I won't be making any more with this size handle.

I really like the maverick and rebel, i'm so torn. Are they going to be produced?

Yes they will. I love them.
 
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