Opinion?

[David W Babcock]

I’m no design wiz. I can certainly make most contemporary knives, but I try to do things differently time to time. I’m still newish, been bladesmithing (bit of blacksmithing background and metallurgical certificate) for a few years now. I’ve improved in many areas but I get little in the way of feedback aside from odd posts. I live in Canada and lots of blacksmiths but not many bladesmiths or teachers in my area.

I put a sharpened 2.5” section for utility, cutting rope, etc....on this spine of this one but I’m thinking it’s not a great design overall. Happy with the grinds and Hamon mostly and she’s a razor but the shape? Eh?

Any feedback is appreciated,







Thanks

 

[l1ranger]

aesthetics are a personal thing
i dont like the sharpened section of the spine and I dont like the alignment of the blade and handle.
the spine of the blade should be (my opinion) inline with the "spine" of the handle - then clean up the area where the blade meets the handle.
and stretch the swedge back a bit - it looks too short to me.

i can see putting short sharpened section on some other tool for utility cutting - but a knife is a tool already made for cutting..

other than those things, your work looks good.
what kinda steel did you use?

 

[kaos 13]

I like the blade shape I would have sarrations on the sharpened spine jimpping on the back of the spine(non sharpened section) it a nice knife well done keep showing off what you make

 

[danbot]

I don't like the handle being so high off the spine either and I agree that it doesn't need the spine edge.
Other than that, it looks like nice work.

 

[David W Babcock]

Thanks I need the feedback! I’m just trying to keep improving. The handle I did that way I guess just due to my guard design. If I had of just used a slotted u shape I probably our of default had it in line for the cleanliness of the overall spine, although this is an item open to opinion, aesthetics as you mentioned. However I could have adjusted the tang shape and hole to accomplish that.

I used W2, I personally love forging W2, and it’s toughness, for bigger knives anyway. I use a lot of 1095 too, and also like making sai Mai with a 1095 core and wrought Iron (brings out a beautiful grain pattern in the iron) sides with a very thin piece of nickel in to help contrast. Makes a tough knife that has a good edge!

 

[Shotgun]

You’re probably already aware but a lot of people can’t carry knives with a sharpened back due to carry laws so you’re limiting your market a bit if you’re selling them. Also, most people outside of collectors will pass on a working knife with a sharpened back on any part of the blade. It limits its usefulness IMO. Just FYI.

As to the knife. I agree that the handle seems a bit off center. I don’t need the handle to line up with the spine but it needs to “look right” if you know what I mean. The overall shape of the handle looks comfy. The area between the guard and the blade is a pet peeve of mine. I prefer the blade to come down all the way but I seem to be in the minority there. I like the overall blade shape. I even like the little swedged bits on the back(if they weren’t sharpened). It looks neat and it’s attractive to my eyes. Overall shape looks like a great utility blade shape and that hamon is really nice. Nice craftsmanship.

 

[atdegs]

aesthetics are a personal thing
i dont like the sharpened section of the spine and I dont like the alignment of the blade and handle.
the spine of the blade should be (my opinion) inline with the "spine" of the handle - then clean up the area where the blade meets the handle.
and stretch the swedge back a bit - it looks too short to me.

i can see putting short sharpened section on some other tool for utility cutting - but a knife is a tool already made for cutting..

other than those things, your work looks good.
what kinda steel did you use?

You said everything I wanted to say better than I could.

 

[unwisefool]

A) looks like you do nice work
2) I agree about the spine inline with the handle
iii) get rid of the sharpened spine
d} looking forward to seeing more of your work!

 

[Bigfattyt]

I cant see from the angles, but aesthetically, I'd like to see the spine higher toward the top of the handle.

By lowering the centering of the tang in the blade profile before heat treat. It is not something you would easily fix now.

Or by having the spine height higher in the original design. Looking for a more centered look.

Overall, I like the look of the knife, and with the angles shown, it is tough to give accurate feedback.

I like the over look and designs on both. Looks like you are making nice pieces.

 

[GatorFlash1]

I think the only thing that might improve the looks is to bury the complete tang rather letting and inch or more stick out of the handle.

Here is one of my Don Lozier fixed blades with a shape I really like. It is a classic, simple design. The elephant ivory sets off the handle.

 

[David W Babcock]

I cant see from the angles, but aesthetically, I'd like to see the spine higher toward the top of the handle.

By lowering the centering of the tang in the blade profile before heat treat. It is not something you would easily fix now.

Or by having the spine height higher in the original design. Looking for a more centered look.

Overall, I like the look of the knife, and with the angles shown, it is tough to give accurate feedback.

I like the over look and designs on both. Looks like you are making nice pieces.

Yes next time I’ll shift the tang location so the handle sits better, drop the sharpened back, but add some gimping or filework

 

[GIRLYmann]

...
Any feedback is appreciated,

View attachment 1168511

View attachment 1168516

View attachment 1168510

Thanks

Looking at the.blade reminded me
of the Mel Parry blade

and T.O.P'.'s screaming eagle

But these are not comparisons by any chance.
So, sometimes it might be better to
take pictures of objects laid flat .
(Just like technical drawings.
ie plan, elevation, section
or top, side, end views).
Perspective shots has a way of
distorting the shapes/outlines.
Having said that, i find the handle
and blade pattern in need of some
harmony so as to complement
each other for a perfect look and fit.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[bobobama]

Perspective shots has a way of
distorting the shapes/outlines.

So true. A pretty well-known website (not a member so no links; Fort Henry Knives) uses perspective shots for all his knives, and they look huge what with the blade coming at you in the foreground. This really elongates and distorts what you're seeing, but once you read the specs you see that the blade's only 3-4" long. Not a big deal but it is kind of deceiving.

I agree with all the comments regarding the design and workmanship of the OP's knife. That sharpened spine really jumps out at you. But I'm wondering about that offset handle- might it possibly give you better leverage when using the knife?

 

[Bigfattyt]

Also, a straight shot, above the knife straight down, no blade angle toward or away would be a good idea. Honestly, the spine might not be where I think it is, because there is no straight shot.