Maybe a smaller, lighter backpacking/hiking knife? Something along the lines of a bluegill with extended handle, but without scales and a compact kydex sheath. 1/8” max. The lack of scales would allow you to save significant time and work, so maybe they could be offered at something in the $100 price range while still being profitable enough for you to do?
Apparently this has been thought of before.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/how-much-would-you-pay.1219244/
Not too many designs that haven’t been thought of before. I’ve noticed a trend for knives like this lately. With the popularity of chest packs and more minimal gear, a knife that’s big enough to be useful and functional, yet thin and light enough to carry in multiple ways seems to be in demand. The key feature for me is a full length handle. I’m not a fan of three finger handles, maybe because I have more than three fingers lol.
An interesting idea for a kitchen set. Pricing for stainless and what steel would be a challenge, correct?8" x 1/16" FRENCH CHEF
5" X 3/32 BONING KNIFE
2.5" X 1/16" PARING
ALL STAINLESS
AS A SET
WHOLE NEW MARKET
CORIAN OR KYRINITE HANDLES
If I could do something EO1 EDC size in 1/8” O1, with no handles, full grind, and kydex sheath for $108 shipped, or with 1/8” thick micarta handles for $118 shipped, would there be interest?
The problem with texturing the handles is after heat treating it would need to be flat ground again to remove scale. No more texturing!I would have more interest in the Hunter size as a 4" handle is generally where I draw the line for a full-length handle with a 4-finger grip. However, I don't think I'll be buying one just because of timing, so take my comment with a grain of salt as I think the EDC size is also pretty popular for you.
I will add, I've had the thought of designing one myself that used some type of checking in the steel for traction. That's pretty labor-intensive, from what I've seen for gunstocks, so I haven't found a good way to make that happen for steel with a ton of filing. It's an idea I need to research more. Maybe there's a stamp or something that can do it before HT.
The problem with texturing the handles is after heat treating it would need to be flat ground again to remove scale. No more texturing!
I was thinking of a larger HC style handles. I’ll draw something up.