New knife maker - blade thickness question

[SamuelF]

I am hoping to get some advice. I am a new hobbyist knife maker. These knives will be primarily hunting knives for gutting and skinning. I am looking at material either 1/8th or maybe thinner at 3/32. 1/8th seems common for some of the store bought knives I have but I have a couple 3/32 blades that people made for me and the thinner material seems to sharpen easier. I welcome any opinions and thoughts on this. I am probably going to use either 440C or D2 as I can get the material locally and also get it heat treated at the same place.
Thanks

 

[marcinek]

What thickness do you prefer when you do skinning? Use that. :thumbup:

 

[mtangent]

Thinner is good, IMO. It's not like you have to lever things when skinning.

 

[TravisH]

Welcome.

You might get better responses in the Shop Talk - Bladesmith Q&A subforum ...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/741-Shop-Talk-BladeSmith-Questions-and-Answers

For hunting and skinning, I'd go with 1/8" or even 5/32" for more robustness in the field.

440C is quite good, stainless and easy to sharpen and maintain.
D2 is tougher but is 'semi-stainless' and harder to sharpen.

 

[LostViking]

Depends a lot on your geometry & grind. I have a Hess Pioneer in Full flat. It is almost scary sharp. Lots of belly and a point. It is 1/8th. But it carries a blade height of inch and an eigth. So there is plenty of time to taper from 1/8th down to a lazer sharp edge. While still maintaining some overall strength.

The Hess Muley shown here is also 1/8th thick, also in full flat, With a blade height of approximately 7/8s of an inch. Still plenty of real estate to taper to a fine working edge for critter work. And again enough inherent strength for camp chores.


A saber, scandi, or hollow grind will change your specs drastically. As would blade height.

I think 1/8th inch is a reasonable starting point. The thinner stock might not be as forgiving, if you need to adjust for learning.

Hope this helps ya, and good luck!

 

[benzy2]

Neither are overly thick blade stock. I'd guess the 1/8" would work well enough for more tasks. 3/32" would make a great slicer (if ground right) and be more ideal for most light duty tasks. The debate would be more task capable or better at a limited number of tasks. That's all individual. 1/8" isn't too thick though for most uses and would be a safer bet as a less specialized blade.

 

[gadunz]

Svord skinners 2.2 mm 0.0866 inch c5/64 inch
http://www.svord.com/index.php?cont...rway=desc&search_query=skinner&submit_search=

 

[The cow]

The big question you'll have to ask yourself about what works best or what sells best.
Thicker knives tend to sell better. Thinner knives (at least for skinning) work better.