Question about finding/choosing a custom knifemaker

Originally posted by Mtnclimber69
Hey Dan,

Thanks for the help in posting. I just sent you a .jpg file of my drawing.

Guys this is my rough sketch so far. It is a concept I have had in mind, perhaps not really a bowie since it may have the lines of a modern fighter, but what I am really trying to do is this; have a great and ergonomic handle like the idea drawn which will help in retention and chopping. Also have a blade with a bit of a belly, but not enough to reduce the ability to chop. I would guess the overall length would be about 15-16 inches with about a 9 inch blade. I am open to suggestions on design and materials used. Though I would prefer something very strong given the use as a primitive tool in the backcountry, i.e. survival camping. The handle slabs should be tough and have enough texture for a great grip, perhaps canvas micarta that has been roughly textured?

Any input and suggestion would be greatly appreciated. I am obviously not re-inventing the wheel, just having fun.
Click to expand...
a curving blade will increase the ability to chop. think of a axe head.on my bushwacker model there is contenious curve for this reason and draw cut slicing.
 
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Originally posted by Mtnclimber69
....have a great and ergonomic handle like the idea drawn which will help in retention and chopping. ...about a 9 inch blade...something very strong given the use as a primitive tool in the backcountry, i.e. survival camping. The handle slabs should be tough and have enough texture for a great grip, perhaps canvas micarta that has been roughly textured?
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While I haven't yet seen your jpg file, check out the quite rough and very secure handle on the Nick Wheeler chopper shown here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=269835 As a "survival camping" handle it should suffice very well. It definitely stays with you when swinging it. ;)

IIRC you also are a Busse user, so how about something from the Busse Custom Shop in INFI? Otherwise, as has been noted, there are a ton of very talented makers who could make a knife that would more than suit your purposes. It's good advice to look, look, look, then look some more at various makers' work to see whose design style and work strikes a chord in you. Then contact that maker and discover (almost inevitably IME) how much fun it is to work with a maker to see what their imagination and talent brings out of your design.

My $0.02 for the blade steel would be S30V for being both tough and stainless. If you don't mind maintaining non-stainless steel in survival situations, A2 or L6 steel can make a tough durable blade. In any case, the blade's geometry and getting a good heat treat matching the steel's characteristics and the intended usage of the blade will be critical to its performance. Since certain makers are known for working consistently with selected steels, that will help narrow your search.

BTW, Steve (itrade) thanks for the steel bar cliff test. That made me LOL! :D :D
 
here is the picture Richard sent me to post
I like them
richards-knifedesign.JPG
 
I've dealt with 4 different knifemakers over the past 2 years and have to echo what poboy & Ebbtide have posted. A custom knife that Ebbtide had posted quite awhile ago led me to that knifemaker who I still go to with my ideas. Definitely have to have good communication! I'll supply a drawing but leave plenty of room for the knifemakers input - he knows what works! :D Good luck & enjoy!
 
looks a lot like the Ken Onion Khukuri

KenOnionKhuk.jpg
 
#4 is my favorite as well...

Never seen the Onion Knife before, very nice!

I would welcome some of the makers reading this to offer comments. Again, the purpose of this is for backcountry survival use. It does not have to be pretty, just tough and useful.
 
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