Stupid question asked by a beginner

[M/S Blacksmithing]

When drawing out a knife template is there a ratio at which the how long the blade should be compared to the handle? For instance I have a piece of spring steel 11in x2.5inx0.25 thick and I want to use as much as possible.what do you do next?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

While using the Golden Mean ( AKA golden ratio) is a good drawing tool, the handle to blade relationship isn't that simple. On a full size knife, the handle should be long enough to fit the hand. In most cases that is between 4.0" and 4.5". On your bar of steel that would leave a healthy size blade.

I will note that .25" is way too thick for almost all knife blades. Half that is right for most knives. 2.5" is very wide, too.

Use the part of the steel that is needed to make a good knife, and let the rest fall away as you cut the good knife out of the bar. It is a very false economy to try and save all the bar and make an ugly and poorly performing knife just to save a few cents worth of steel.

 

[Wulf]

When drawing out a knife template is there a ratio at which the how long the blade should be compared to the handle? For instance I have a piece of spring steel 11in x2.5inx0.25 thick and I want to use as much as possible.what do you do next?

If you plan on making a large knife, you'll need to be able to grip it securely and comfortably. The size and shape of the handle should be tailored to the user's hand. This should be your primary consideration. Figure out a good handle shape, and whatever is left once your handle needs are taken care of can be used for your blade.

Another important question is whether you plan on making a full-tang or stick tang knife. A large stick tang blade probably only requires about 4" or so for the tang.

 

[M/S Blacksmithing]

Thanks wolf the blade I will be making is total length 11in or better the tang imo will not be a stick tang but full tang construction the steel I am going to use is 1070/1085 .25 thick x 11in x 2.5 I have yet to determine a style but I like the combat /fighter knives. Because of the thickness of the stock I was thinking about hollow grind to loose some weight.What do you all think?

 

[Drew Riley]

It's usually easier to design the knife first, and then fit the steel to the knife, rather than vise versa. That said, there's no hard rule about a handle to blade ratio, but the very most important thing is that actually fits in the end user's hand and is comfortable to use.

On larger knives, I'll typically make my handles about 4" to 5", depending on how it will be used, the blade length, size, etc...

After that, it's advisable to "balance" the design, but there's plenty of ways to do this without strictly adhering to "proportions".

At any rate, draw something that looks good to you, and post some pics. We'd love to see what you're thinking about.

 

[M/S Blacksmithing]

Thanks knife to a gun fight

I have been working on designs for a little while now so as soon as I come up with something that is appealing to me it will get posted and let the CC flow .

Thanks, Martin

 

[scott.livesey]

When drawing out a knife template is there a ratio at which the how long the blade should be compared to the handle? For instance I have a piece of spring steel 11in x2.5inx0.25 thick and I want to use as much as possible.what do you do next?

you could make a very nice cleaver, 6" to 7" blade, balance for handle, use heavy wood like dogwood or locust for handle, full flat grind, then 10 degree bevel, you would have a good kitchen chopper.
scott

 

[M/S Blacksmithing]

Thanks Scott
I was thinking about grinding or filing the thickness down or perhaps forging it down I really don't want to make a cleaver for the first one although it would be a great chopper and all but I am kind of hoping to make something for my oldest boy ,he is into swords although I am sertainly not inclined to make a sword I was go into make a large knife for my first and as a gift to my boy.

Thanks for the advice,
Martin