Prototyping/Testing new designs

[XSanguin8]

Hi all,

I have an idea for a special purpose fixed blade that I would like a custom maker to build for me. In the mean time, before I bring my design to him to actually make, I want to test out the ergonomics of the handle.

When you are considering creating something you don't already have a pattern for, how do you "test" the design? I was thinking making it from clay, but didn't seem like it would be hard enough, or feel right in the hand. Then I thought carving it out of a soft wood, so that it would at least approximate the feeling of a knife handle.

The blade itself is nothing out of the ordinary. It's the handle that is the odd part. I just want to get the basic pattern down before I go to a maker with it. Also, since I can't really draw, if I had something physical to show him, he could make his pattern from that.

Any help would be great. A link to an article or thread if it's already been discussed would be great as well.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Keith_H]

The wood sounds good. It depends on how much contour is on the handle, but you could layer up some cardboad, as well.

 

[Will Leavitt]

I usually use wood or aluminum for my initial prototyping.