New Fixed Blade ( large )

Joined
Oct 11, 2001
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Heres the prototype for the new Combat/Survival. 6 inch blade of 1/4 inch ATS34, just over 1.5 inch wide. Full flat grind, edge is not as thinly ground as my other knives, but this one is desgined for bigger jobs. Just as sharp as my other knives, goes through wood pretty well, still have to torture test it, but wanted a pic first. Handle is of Diamond wood for the proto, since hey its mine, and I have alot of the stuff. Standard handle will be micarta. Full , nontapered tang. Handle is fastened on with a Silicon based glue, and 4 flared tubes. Let me know what you guys think - seriously - need some feedback on the design etc. I may be sending this one and the other new fixed blade out for a pass around, so some of you can get a hands on feel for it. Thanks for looking -- Charles
 

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Very nice design, I like! Handle looks like it would be pretty comfy in use.

1 question:
-Is the choil actually big enough to fit a finger into it?

2 suggestions:
- IMHO instead of arcing the scale back at the ricasso, arc it up and forward to provide a bit of scale material "platform" alongside the thumb ramp for comfort. Can't tell from the pic if the thumb ramp metal has grooves filed in or not, but I'd be looking for some there to give traction.
- Instead of tubes, maybe use solid pins or something else that would be finished flush with the handle material. Screw or bolt heads and through-holes can chew at the hand under heavy hand pressure, which a field utility knife like this might see.

Just my quick $0.02 worth. Again, a pretty design whose lines I like,
-- Greg --
 
Seriously,I like it.The thumb ramp looks handy.I would like to see a view from the top.How thick is the handle? It looks pretty full.Also have you done some sculpting on the handle.I like the wide blade with the flat grind I think they are a good match.What type of sheath are you thinking of offering with it?
 
This looks like a very useful design. I would have to hold it, but I am thinking the part of the handle that is right behind the guard has too shallow an angle. In hard use a persons fingers might slip over the guard and onto the blade.

I'm glad to see that you will be using Micarta. I don't care for Dymondwood/Pakkawood although Frost has their version that has just wonderful colors.
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Thanks guys.

RE: the thong hole tubing, I can use regular corby or loveless rivets in place of the tubing.

The thumb ramp will be serrated, its not in this one though.
The choil isnt really big enough to use as a finger placment, but again can be enlarged upon request though some edge length would be lost.

The handle is shaped, I'll get a pic up tommorow if I can, it has a palm swell, and swells at the front and back. The handle is hand filling, for me its the right size.

Some of the stuff will be changed/ modified after the knife is torture tested.

The knife will have an ambidexterous kydex sheath, not form fitted. Havent really worked up a sheath yet though, so thats still in development.

Thanks guys, keep em coming -- Charles
 
I like the style of this knife a lot. Only two things about it, I am not crazy about. The 2 holes at the butt end strike me as funny looking. Think BG42 for the blade, instead of the ATS34. It looks to be a winner though, and will more than likely be a good seller.
 
I like the width of the blade, nice and wide! Maybe you could leave a little of the tang sticking out the butt of the handle for use as a light hammer or shape it like the tip of a cro-bar for some prying?

Sweet knife Charles! Might have to pick one up some day!
 
My opinion is, I'll buy one when available. Please post more on how testing is going. I love that design and have been looking for midsized camp/survival knife just like that. Love the shaped handle, looks like it would fit like a glove. That blade style is very functional and strong. I say you have a winner! Email incoming.
 
For me camping is really "car camping", but I like to have a good knife with me for everything. Sharpen a stick, open a package of bacon, whatever.

Yeah, I could do it with a little knife, but if I'm in the woods, I want as BIG a knife as I can use, but not so big it gets in the way.

To me, that's 4" - 5" MAX. And really 5" is only acceptable with a good choil so I can "choke up" on it. 4" - 4.5" is probably better.

Mike
 
Oh, I'd probably also prefer the blade clipped a little more, with a a swedge. Sort of a "bowie" look to it, like some of your folders.

Mike
 
Originally posted by Michael_Aos
Oh, I'd probably also prefer the blade clipped a little more, with a a swedge. Sort of a "bowie" look to it, like some of your folders.

Mike

Good Idea Mike!:)
 
Only things I'd change would be to take away the width of the lower guard and have the cutting edge flush with the lowest point of the guard. The handle shape already makes for the integral guard / finger groove design. You'd end up using less steel that way and chops eg.- at dinner time, a little easier.

Also, the pin / tube placement. I think on a Heavy-duty / hard use item, I'd position at least one more pin / tube no more than a 1/2inch back from the front of the grip. The way it looks now there are plenty of pins on the rear but not as many of the front and on any chopping / hacking movements, the front "bolster" area is what cops a bit of abuse.

Personally, I like having the handle set back a bit further from where the edge starts, but thats a really minor one.

I think on your model, you get plenty of cut for your length ! In general I think it'll do well. Cheers. You do some really good stuff.
 
Nice Charles. I do agree with Jason on beefing up the pinning up front on the handle.., but overall.., I think it's a great size for a general purpose Camp Knife.., and the guard set up looks pretty nice to me.

Personally..., I'd like the option of getting my finger solidly into that choil area since the blade isn't huge and more utilitarian than a massive Camp Knife, and the ATS-34 isn't a problem for me (although BG-42 would be nice), as Danbo mentioned.

Very nice piece! If you've weighed it.., could you post that information?


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
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