Sharpfinger Inspired "SPK"

This rendition of the Sharpfinger has the official Codger seal of approval. Seldom, if ever, has an "ode to Sharpfinger" won that distinction. I personally don't care for the "super-size-me" scaling of it, but then... I am an old Codger with well more than a quarter century of experience with Henry Baer's and Dave Swinden's original design.

Once one has used one of them for some time, the reason for the unsharpened area next to the choil is apparent. It is not needed for cutting as that is done with the belly of the blade in short strokes. The fine tip is used in initial piercing to make incisions from the flesh side out as this doesn't loosen hair on the pelt. Fingers placed along the sides of the inverted blade, or along the unsharpened spine guide the abdominal sac down and the tip lifts through the pelt like a zipper. They did make a guthook version and I have tried it. In fact I have a half-dozen examples. But I've always reverted back to the original design Sharpfinger.

Excellent craftsmanship here. FWIW, I would resist the urge to complicate an already elegant design by sharpening the spine of the knife. But then I am just an old Codger with several dozen of these original knives. That is all I have to say about that. Oh, and that this is my 20,000th forum post. If you wish to send me this knife as a present, I will report back on it's use on at least half a dozen deer this fall, possibly more. :)
 
Thanks everyone for the comments, I really appreciate the input and never hurts to hear you got something right on occasion.

Codger, I am a medium aged feller not quite to the Codger-dom state yet. Congrats on the 20K I may just have something I can send your way... ;)
 
Ryan and Michael. Thank you for your info. I learn much from threads like this especially when codgers add their experienced $.02:D
 
now might be a time to consider learning how to do escutcheons.

Next time you do this pattern, I would suggest simplifying everything as much as possible, and put escutcheons on. It's a dramatic pattern that would pop, imo, if it mimicked the simplicity of manufacture as the pattern it's based on.

Keep the hamon, of course!

I am finding that more and more, overall, your designs are losing some fru fru and becoming more refined.
 
This composit shows the guthook version, 158OT and just below it one whose owner chopped the guthook off to make it more like the predecessor 154OT drop point. Having tried all three (152,154, 158) I prefer the 152OT upswept shape for field dressing and eviscerating then skinning game.

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I guess to really understand it you have to take one in your hand and fondle it. Turn it over in an upside down grip. Choke up on it to use the fine tip as for cutting cartlidge holding a hip ball joint in place. I don't have a picture of this being done, but it is how I butcher deer... take them apart at the joints, never cutting bone. You can see how I freed the ham from the socket here:

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Yes, this is a Camillus GP152 in this picture, their version of the Sharpfinger produced for a short time after Schrade closed in July of 2004 and before they went under in February 2007.
 
Lorien I appreciate the input. Not sure about the Escutcheon, I will have to give that some thought. Codger is quite the fountain of Info on this design / style, thanks for all your help and direction.

I finished up the sheath and have a few photos before it goes in the mail.

RyanWSNSSPK-1.jpg

SNSSPKSheath.jpg
 
Nice work buddy! Although seeing your grandfather's Sharpfinger is very cool, I didn't even need the comparison shot to know where your design came from. It turned out really nice. Love your interpretation. The blade shape is really great!!
 
Thanks Jonny!

After getting some great feedback from Codger and others I made up another one, This one is closer to the original Sharpfinger. I like a bigger handle and blade so I pushed both ends out a bit and put a little more curve in both as well. I can't put it down... It just floats around in my hand and finds all kinds of interesting positions to settle.

Specs:
Steel: 1/8" 1084
OAL: 8.25
Blade: 4"
Handle: Black G10, Fiberglass Pins, G10 Spacer
Sheath: Brown Leather (RH)

RyanWSportsman.jpg

RyanWSportsmanFingers.jpg

RyanWSportsmanSheath.jpg


Comments, Criticism welcome on this little guy as well.
Ryan
 
That is gorgeous. I would be scared to sharpen it with my meager skills and that beautiful set of curves but I would love to feel how it cuts.
 
#2 ftw!
 
:):thumbup:

I like features of both! The adaptability of the original to a multitude of different holds was/is one of it's most useful features. That is something that it looks like you have retained quite well while adapting proportions for your larger blade and handle length. Some knives really only invite one specific hold, all others being awkward or lacking control. Tip and belly control in multiple orientations was/is paramount to the original design. Heck, even a reverse grip ala Fred Perin and an icepick grip are doable!

I gotta go dig out my stablilized wood and ivory stash! :p
 
I bet yours cuts better and longer than the original. I had one as a kid and it was pretty soft. I have to go against Joe on this one I do not like the gut hook idea. Don't fix what aint broke.
 
Cool! I love the second one even more....were you out in the shop all night or what????

Good stuff Ryan.
 
Mack, I agree the sharpening of this blade will take some practice. But I just got back from a weekend using it and it still has a great edge and cuts like a dream!

Lorien, I am hoping that is good... Right?

Codger just waiting on your reply to an Email. Thanks again for all the input on and off the forums! This second knife is pretty close to what I would want in a game knife. Now I just need to go get that deer and put it to the real test.

EScott, Thanks for the post. I wasn't going with a full Gut hook just a small sharpened clip. Still not sure it is necessary or even useful. I do have one in the works and will be doing some comparisons down the road.

Jonny, Been spending quite a bit of time in the shop lately. For some reason this little project has bit me in the ass and I can't let it rest. I will have it in Vegas for you to give me your input in hand!

Yolblosun, It is similar to the Deerslayer, Sits imbetween the Sharpfinger and slayer. Has a bit more belly. Grind is a bit different as well.
 
#2 Found a nice home with an avid outdoorsman, Hope to get some really good feedback in the next few weeks... I finished up #3 with the sharpened Clip.

SPK #3 Specs:
Steel: 1/8" 1084
OAL: 8.25:
Blade: 4"
Handle: Stabilized Rosewood
Misc: Sharpened Clip, Lanyard Tube.

RyanWSPKRosewood.jpg

SPKFinger.jpg


Joe love to hear what you think... as well as anyone else with an opinion.
 
Very nice Ryan. :thumbup:
 
I have learned a lot from this thread thanks guys!

Ryan as usual excellent knives. I love your interpretation! :thumbup:
 
RyanW said:
#2 Found a nice home with an avid outdoorsman, Hope to get some really good feedback in the next few weeks... I finished up #3 with the sharpened Clip.

SPK #3 Specs:
Steel: 1/8" 1084
OAL: 8.25:
Blade: 4"
Handle: Stabilized Rosewood
Misc: Sharpened Clip, Lanyard Tube.

RyanWSPKRosewood.jpg


Joe love to hear what you think... as well as anyone else with an opinion.
Click to expand...

Oh, my! That is gorgeous.:eek:
 
Thanks for the comments Ben, David and Mack! and all those following this thread.

I just posted the latest in the exchange if anyone is interested...

I am still working on this and will continue to update as I progress.
 
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