Roach Belly-like models?

F

Fjell

Joined
Oct 11, 2007
Messages
97
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This is my cold steel RoachBelly. I bought it quite a while ago, but actually never used it. Over the last weeks I used this knife and I never thought I would like this cheap CS-model so much.

The design is really good. Because of the shape it's more versatile than most other small fixed blades I use. Especially when it comes to food prepping, than this knife is really hard to beat (this is because of the postion of the blade which is much lower than the handle).

However, I don't like the steel of this knife, it's just not good. Which is also to be expected given the price-range. (the blade gets really sharp, but the edge-retention is not good at all)

Now I'm looking for the same design in a knife, but with a good steel. It's important that the blade-length is less than 4,72 inches.

Any suggestions?
 
Very nice handle mods! It makes the knife look much less "cheap" and I bet it's grippy too.

There are some over at Track of the Wolf. These are quite thin at 1/16" thick, but they should slice very well!

Unfortunately the roach belly isn't a popular design in general. I made one for myself out of 3/32" 15n20 and it's one of my favorite all-around blades. Your best bet would probably be to go with a custom from one of the many talented makers here.

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tychoseven said:
Very nice handle mods! It makes the knife look much less "cheap" and I bet it's grippy too.
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Thanks, I did it for the grip only indeed and it worked. Especially when it's get wet. (with the original handles than there was no grip at all)

There are some over at Track of the Wolf.
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Nice looking site, will take a look at it, thanks.

Unfortunately the roach belly isn't a popular design in general.
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Seems to be so, yes. Any idea why? I don't understand it. Certainly there are better knives for bushcraft, but given the fact that most people take multiple knives on trip I'd say another design is a benifit.

I made one for myself out of 3/32" 15n20 and it's one of my favorite all-around blades.
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Good looking knife.
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What's the material on the uppersite of the handle by the way?
 
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Fjell said:
What's the material on the uppersite of the handle by the way?
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That's epoxy-soaked hemp twine. Rick Marchand does entire handles that way. I wrap the cordage and then apply epoxy that's been thinned with a little acetone. It cures tough and secure.
 
If you're willing to go a little shorter, check out bark river's pro caper (2 7/8") and hunters needle (3 1/2")
 
Koyote, who has a sub-forum here, makes some models that are close to what you're looking for.
 
i got one for ya

spyderco bill moran featherweight

a few more
becker bk 5

emerson persian

benchmade bedlam
 
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I had Koyote make this one for me

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It's a variation of his "Stead" knife with a longer handle. I miss that one already!
Brandon
 
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