Recent Projects, brutal honesty please.

Redmeadow Knives

John Conner
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Aug 29, 2010
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Hindsight being 20/20, I know what I would do differently on each one of these. I'm looking for some critique from anyone that wants to throw their two cents in. I learn more from the negative so don't hold back!

All are O1 5/32, stainless pins and tubing, heat treated by Pete's.

Ripstop mycarta OAL approx. 7"
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Sgian Dubh, ripstop mycarta, dress pin inlay.
View attachment 249115
Sgian Dubh for a Sheriff Deputy, mycarta from his uniform.
View attachment 249114
Walnut skinner.
View attachment 249113

Thanks,
Lim
 
Hey, these are nice. Nothing here to critique really. If your customers like the knives, then they're good. If you are testing for mastersmith, then a critique might be warranted, but not much to say here. What do your customers think?
 
my only comment for improvements would be that the Sgian Dubhs should probably have more texture on the grips, like the originals, in order to be effective tactical tools.
 
they are nice and clean. simple using knives. My main critique would be on the last knife picture. You sanded over your plunge softening it up quite a bit. A plunge should be nice, crisp, sharp.
 
I'll take a crack at a full critique when some time presents itself. I see a lot of good things, and appreciate your enthusiasm for some honesty.

It doesn't have to be brutal.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
^atta boy.
 
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No brutality necessary. These are all very nice knives, and well constructed. I'd be proud to own any of these, and if any of my own knives came out this well I'd be happy. Very straightforward knives that look ready for some hard use, but still have elegance.

My critique is on your photos. I can't say much because my photos stink, but there are some "hot spots" on the blade, kind of leaving me to wonder what you did as far as finishing. The little wood handled knife is nice, because at that angle I can see a nice hand rubbed finish.

The Micarta made from the deputy's uniform is very creative and a really nice personal touch.
 
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No need to be negative, constructive criticism is always good!

My personal preference on knives 1 and 4 would be a longer scale (towards the plunge). It appears that the forefinger will rest on the tang and if not nicely radiused could be uncomfortable for extended use.

The leather sheath stitching looks good.

And stated previously it looks like the plunges may be a bit soft (better pics may indicate otherwise).

I am a huge fan of Micarta I love your home brew stuff!

I am not a fan of a sharpening notch; if you are going to use them commit. It looks like they have been ground away or may need to be deeper.
 
What do your customers think?
No customers, the dozen I've made so far have all gone to friends and family. Although a recipient could also be considered a customer. They've been happy, but who isn't with a gift?

Sgian Dubhs should probably have more texture on the grips
Bingo sir, one of my 20/20 hindsights.


The leather sheath stitching looks good.
Thank you, that was my first leather project.

leaving me to wonder what you did as far as finishing
# 1, 2, and 3 are satin finishes (scotchbrite belt), #4 is an 800 grit by hand.

if not nicely radiused could be uncomfortable for extended use.
They are all rounded out well and aren't sharp on the hand, but I do need to work on my scale length, I've been having difficulty on how close to the plunge I should go. The index finger on the tang seems like it gives good control, but I can see that becoming uncomfortable with extended use.

-General Consensus- MyPhotos suck!!!
The plunge lines in #4 do look washed out, but I think it's due to poor photo. It's fairly crisp in person. I definitely agree though, Ineed to work on getting better photos. Might have to spend some time in the photography section.

huge fan of Micarta I love your home brew stuff!
Thanks, I'm addicted to making it, works great for vise jaws and all kinds of stuff.

Thanks again.
 
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