Thickness of the blade

Thanks Cliff, once again you have enlightened me about some of the questions that I had in regards to things brought up in a thread. If I had had the opportunity to see this answer earlier, I would not have needed to start my own thread questioning something mentioned in this one.
 
Cliff, your explanation, as usual, was very clear and helpful. Thank you for it. I was also wondering, clearly intended use of the blade has everything to do with how thick you want it. I was wondering if your view on thickness changes for a small knife (say sub 3" blade) simply used for around the home/office work?
 
The variables that Cliff mentioned are mostly very real. None of them can be considered absolutely valid with out taking into consideration of the knifemakers use of the information. Knife makers who put their ideas to realistic comparison testing will learn a lot and provide more dependable blades for the consumers of their product. Thickness makes a difference, but one 180 grit scratch or one acute angle can negate the advantage.
Next time an axle or gear brakes on your outfit, look where it broke and you will know what I am talking about. We can all learn a lot by simply visiting the scrap pile at your local machine shop.
 
nybble :

I was wondering if your view on thickness changes for a small knife (say sub 3" blade) simply used for around the home/office work?
Click to expand...

On a small knife for those kinds of uses, you have only *one* thickness requirement which is that the blade be thick enough to give it the necessary stiffness. If you go beyond a certain point the blade bends too easily and therefore simply can't be used for a lot of cutting. How much rigidity you need depends on what you are cutting. The best way to understand these types of things are by direct experience, there are a lot of cheap very thin knives that are very solid performers. I think the following one is close to 1/16" :

http://www.ragweedforge.com/2000.jpg

Experience with such knives will directly allow you to buy better customs, in the sense they will be better suited to your performance needs.

KWM, thanks.

-Cliff
 
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