Plunge lines - why?

Like a lot of things, it becomes standard because knives we consider classic have it. Moran and others got us thinking about hand made knives back when, and a lot of the best were forged.
If you ever forge a blade, you'll see that a ricasso/plunge is just a natural result of taking a bar of steel and hammering the edge thin- it has to start somewhere, if you'
re using the unforged part as handle.
And like a lot of things done with hot forged steel, it has a natural unforced grace about it.
Thomas Rucker ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tomas-Rucker-KNIVES/131824893570383?fref=ts ) is one example of a forger who rarely uses a plunge, and my limited experience with swept plunges says that there's nothing simple and easy about doing it well!
Edit: looking at his recent knives, he's using a graceful curved plunge.

Andy
 
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Historically they became common around the beginning of the 1500's. Rapiers and parrying daggers of this period often (if not usually) had a distinct ricasso, with plunge cuts at the beginning of the bevels. The ricasso on these weapons served a purpose, providing a more comfortable surface for wrapping the index finger over the quillon, than if the edge continued all the way to the hilt. In this case the plunge cuts are more or less a by-product of the thickened ricasso.
 
Very interesting. This all gives me a better idea of it. Still not sure if I'd want to go for a plunge or not on my first knife, but I have time to contemplate as I read more.

Rick - what is that surface finishing called on your knives? Especially the third one where it is most pronounced, I've seen a few like that (specifically the one in the camping competition knief). Looks really cool, I'd like to search up on it! EDIT: I now see that you are the one who made that knife as well (I believe). Makes sense now.

Thank again for all the info.
 
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