Stock Thickness

[blgoode]

I have done one blad in 3/16" and now 1/2 way through one in 1/8"
Is there really any added benifit to the heavier thickness? My blades will be between 6 and 12 inches overall. What do you guys use?

 

[Mike Hull]

Most of my hunting knives, and even some that are much bigger are done in 1/8". I see no benifit to thick hunting knives.
I do Bowies, and Mediterranians, and some fighter types in 3/16", and on RARE occasions, 1/4".

Even 3/32" is good for most small hunters.

There are no set rules. Use what pleases you. Your market will dictate the thickness.

 

[Will52100]

What Mike said, I only use a limited amount of barstock, the rest is forged.

The way I'm leaning now is on must larg hunters, 3/16 or a little larger at the guard with distal tapper to the point. If I order any more stainless I'll get both 3/16 and 1/8. The 3/16 would be for larger hidden tang knives, with a lot of grinding to get the distal tapper I want. I have made a 10" kitchen knife out of 1/8", but any larger or any rougher use I'd want a little more meat at the ricasso handle juntion area.

Personal preferances aside, 1/8 is good for about 99%of small to mid size hunters.

 

[blgoode]

That was my thinking. Just checking on what you guys thought.....

 

[J. Neilson]

It definately depends on the knife's use. For a knife that may be used hacking I will keep it a bit thicker but, I think alot of blades out there on the thick side. 1/8" is a great working thickness for "most" knives. My $.02