Paring Knife from 13-year-old Jacob McGhee

EScott

EScott

Joined
Jan 1, 2010
Messages
767
My eldest son Jacob, who turns 13 next month, began forging with me over coal at age four. He recently began making knives, and the following paring knife is his third completed blade. He made this one all by himself. I did not touch it and only gave him guidance when he asked (well, maybe a couple of times when he didn't). He ground the knife out of 1080 tool steel, triple-qenched and tempered it, and then dressed it out in Desert Ironwood with nickle-silver pins. I think he did an amazing job. See what you think.

m_jacob+paring_0001.jpg


Steel: 1080 tool-steel
Finish: Hand-sanded to 800 grit
Handle: Desert Ironwood
Overall Length: 7 1/4
Blade Length: 3 1/4
Weight: 3.1 ounces

m_jacob+paring_0002.jpg


m_jacob+paring_0004.jpg


Jacob has asked that you give him some honest feedback here. He's not shy about critiquing my knives or the blades he sees on this site, so don't hold back. He wants to get good at this and values constructive criticism.
 
Crtiticism?

What's to criticize? Looks well-balanced, blade looks awesome, grips are well-done, obviously well-attached, and is probably a better knife than most people buy at the store...

I guess the only critique is why aren't you making more of them! Boy's got skills.
 
Jacob,

Great job. As said it is probably better than most you can buy in a store. For a few pointers. The handle seems a little blocky. Maybe round it out a bit more or sculpt it on the next one. This will come with time. Next is your bevels look a bit off. If you are going to blend them in make sure they are even in all dimensions.

But like I said this is a very good job. Just a couple of pointers to make it even better.
 
that's pretty impressive:thumbup::cool:
 
Thank you very much you guys. I am working on my plunge cuts, and yes the handle is a bit blocky, but I am working on it. Thanks agin,
Jacob
 
Good solid little knife from both design and execution perspectives.
As mentioned, a little tapering/contouring of the handle especially towards the blade
would add but other than the small things you are off to a great start.
At only 13, you got a future in this thing.
 
wow.. nice work Jacob...:thumbup: keep it up man and you'll have plenty of orders in no time...:)
 
That's a great knife dude! The pins are pretty, you'll probably have to move them in a bit to contour the handle more. Can't wait to see your next blade.
 
Judging from the number of comments already you are on the right track. Keep up the good work! Very impressive.
 
good looking blade there
the only stuff i can add is fromma kitchen knife makers stand point

the plunge near the heal will get in the way of sharpening and some of the up close work that a parer is used for

a blade that small in the kitchen can be fully flat ground out of stock with a spine thickness of 1/16 without problem and ground to nearly 0 edge then sharpened

i ll be one to say that a blocky handle ina parer is not always a bad thing as you dont want the blade to rotate in the hadn when doing work

hell of a nice job on the knife tho and for sure that what i said as critique would be fitting for most makers that try there hand at kitchen knives
 
I actually like the blockiness of the handle, and the pin placement makes me think of a balisong for some reason lol. Great looking blade, can't wait to see your next work.
 
Congrats to Jacob :)
It's a great work for a 13 yo :thumbup:

Improve the plunge. IMVHO the notch shouldn't be there for that type of plunge :cool:

Jacob sure has talent and future :thumbup:

mohd
 
Heck of a lot better than my 3rd knife!

You did a great job, but I agree with Butcher Block. The knife may cut better if it was flat ground all the way to the spine, and would be easier to keep sharp over time if the edge dropped below the finger choil.

Keep it up and listen to your Dad. You have a real advantage with the whole family in the knife-works!

Adam.
 
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