Random Thought Thread

RaiderJameson said:
Made this for my dads birthday today. it is a big rig leaf spring steel with homemade mycarta with copper tube drill bit mosaic pins. hope he likes it.
20220921_141902 by RJ Jameson,
20220921_141949 by RJ Jameson,

What do yall think? Anything that stands out that could be better? Let me know.
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First, I hope you are taking the criticism in the spirit that it is given - which is to assist in your knifemaking efforts and not intended to be malicious in any way.

Now, lets address the cool stuff first - I dig the drill bit pins concept and am thrilled that you were able to execute it, nicely done! I am also a fan of repurposing old steel to fashion into good working tools - using an old leaf spring is what a lot of knifemakers whet their teeth on so that's alright in my book. The rustic finish that you left on there has that whole brut de forge vibe and I dig it.

Points of critique/areas of improvement:
- I agree with Blues with regards to the handle finishing. The homemade micarta looks a bit rough but without knowing the processes and materials used, it's hard to say much more on that front. Even if you couldn't go thinner per your design, I think you could have added some more dimension (sculpting) to it. A good way to think this out is to imagine the various types of grips one might use on a knife during various tasks and then sand/shape to best facilitate such grips (i.e. pinch grip, reverse grip, etc.)

- Being that it is a leaf spring, I can safely assume that it's pretty stout stock, yes? Which would lend merit to Nathan's criticism (not that he needs any such merit). Efficient cutters, particularly ones in thicker stock, need to have their primary grinds much higher. It's why knives with low scandi grinds make terrible slicers - good for carving (maybe) but not so good for a wide variety of other tasks. It is why I prefer more traditional puukkot with their much higher primary grinds. You also leave a lot of weight on the blade which can impact the overall balance as well. A high saber grind would have probably worked quite nicely on this blade.

I don't know how many knives you have made up to this point but overall I think it's a good effort and the fact that you are out in the shop, slapping materials together, grinding steel, and trying out ideas is all commendable. Keep it up! I'd also encourage you to seek out the knifemakers' sub here and dive into the Shop Talk section if you haven't already.
 
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"The Carothers. How much for the Carothers? I want to buy them!"
 
steelcitysixteen said:
In a SHTF scenario will GECs be more valuable than my many vintage traditional folders that I have picked up for a few bucks each at estate sales? I guess if you need a beard comb or sausage fork they will be?
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I jest, of course, 'cause in all frankness, when SHTF, GECs will have to stand on their merits as an actual pocket knife, versus what they might bring in on what I suspect would be a non-existent secondary market. 😁
 
Pàdruig said:
First, I hope you are taking the criticism in the spirit that it is given - which is to assist in your knifemaking efforts and not intended to be malicious in any way.

Now, lets address the cool stuff first - I dig the drill bit pins concept and am thrilled that you were able to execute it, nicely done! I am also a fan of repurposing old steel to fashion into good working tools - using an old leaf spring is what a lot of knifemakers whet their teeth on so that's alright in my book. The rustic finish that you left on there has that whole brut de forge vibe and I dig it.

Points of critique/areas of improvement:
- I agree with Blues with regards to the handle finishing. The homemade micarta looks a bit rough but without knowing the processes and materials used, it's hard to say much more on that front. Even if you couldn't go thinner per your design, I think you could have added some more dimension (sculpting) to it. A good way to think this out is to imagine the various types of grips one might use on a knife during various tasks and then sand/shape to best facilitate such grips (i.e. pinch grip, reverse grip, etc.)

- Being that it is a leaf spring, I can safely assume that it's pretty stout stock, yes? Which would lend merit to Nathan's criticism (not that he needs any such merit). Efficient cutters, particularly ones in thicker stock, need to have their primary grinds much higher. It's why knives with low scandi grinds make terrible slicers - good for carving (maybe) but not so good for a wide variety of other tasks. It is why I prefer more traditional puukkot with their much higher primary grinds. You also leave a lot of weight on the blade which can impact the overall balance as well. A high saber grind would have probably worked quite nicely on this blade.

I don't know how many knives you have made up to this point but overall I think it's a good effort and the fact that you are out in the shop, slapping materials together, grinding steel, and trying out ideas is all commendable. Keep it up! I'd also encourage you to seek out the knifemakers' sub here and dive into the Shop Talk section if you haven't already.
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Thanks man excellent advice. I took it and made a smaller edge angle. Didnt notice before but it is way easier for me to sharpen with a lesser angle. Its very sharp now, like cut yourself from looking at it sharp.
Btw if i didnt welcome any criticism i wouldnt have put it on here. All and any advice is good no matter how it is spoken.
Thanks yall.
 
I am outside, procrastinating really as I need to finish sanding my deck. Instead, I’m enjoying some finer things and I keep hearing these loud pops from my neighbors yard. I just discovered that it’s a couple of squirrels running around in the hazelnut tree and they’re dropping their gotten gains on top of my neighbor’s shed. :rolleyes:

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