Quillion Dagger Handle Twist Rate?

[12345678910]

In a Quillion Dagger handle, what do you consider to the the ideal twist rate and type?

I did read the recent posts on how to do this, but didn't find this well addressed.

4 flutes is standard? vs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ???


If I assume that the handle is 4.5 inches long between guard and pommel...

What is the optimum, or recommended twist rate?
1 turn in 4.5 inches?
1 turn in 6 inches?

1/2 a turn in 4.5 inches ?

is there a range?
what determines that range?
is it a variant of blade length... the longer the blade the looser the twist?

anything?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The simplest thing to do is to get a roll of pin striping tape. Apply it to the blank and see what looks right.

That said, I prefer a 180 degree twist ( 1/2 twist). I like four flutes.

A good trick for laying out the flutes is to tape four pieces of string to the top of the blank ( which should have 1" long tenons on each end for holding. These extensions will be cut off after the fluting is done). Tape the string at 0,90,180,and 270 degrees. Wrap them one half turn and tape on the bottom. This will give you the twist pattern. Change the rate of twist, the number or placement of the strings, etc., until you get what you want. Draw a line on each side of each string with a soft pencil (this will give you the ridge flat for the wire inlay area), remove the string, re-draw any lines that need adjusting,and start fluting.

 

[12345678910]

Thanks Stacy

I also did order this video, so I'm hoping it will clear up some of my fog, but I appreciate having some numbers to help visualize my process.