Noob here, need opinions on sketch!

[tommyg805]

Just received my steel today and I'm about to dig in, but I want to make sure my drawing is perfect before I start. I'm doing a 5 inch camp knife in 5/32" thick A2 steel. It will be used for everything from batoning to food prep. Any input is appreciated!

 

[Fletch Helical]

Good overall design for a first knife. If that raised area by the finger guard is going to be part of your scales I'd nix it it'll be too prone to cracking/breaking off and when you have a set of scales on it it'll likely feel awkward in your hand because the scales in general extend too far forward imo. Also I wouldn't have it go so close to the plunge line and give it a bit more ricasso. The plunge seems a bit high for my taste but that's just my opinion and I'd lose the belly in the handle while it tends to seem like it makes sense there it's usually very uncomfortable in the hand. Knives tend to feel better with a thinner handle behind the index finger. I did a quick MS paint mod of what I'd change. If you shorten the scales up like I suggested you can move the plunge back a bit more if you want to have a tiny bit more cutting surface towards the finger guard.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The basic shape is a very nice knife.

I agree with Fletch that you should move the scales back so the bottom comes right to the bend of the finger groove. Don't leave that tit sticking down or it will break off.

I would not move the plunge as forward as much as he did if you move the scales back. With the room created by the scales being dropped back, the ricasso should be OK where you have the plunge.

I would leave a little swell in the bottom of the handle, but not as much as you have. Somewhere between Fletch's line and yours.