- Joined
- Nov 27, 2004
- Messages
- 3,124
Hey All,
Do I need any new custom knives in 2010? Heck no! Can I resist the urge to order one? Heck no!
For a while now - ever since pitdog posted a 'let's see some crazy designs' thread in W&SS - I have been contemplating a custom JK hiking knife with a wide blade, pleasing lines, and a (gasp!) combo grind. Now, I have never seen a knife with a grind quite like this. The closest one out there would have to be the Mora 2000, which I think is an effective proof of concept.
Here's my latest sketch: (I'm thinking of calling it the Kolapore Hiker or the Metcalfe Hiker, in honour of two of my favourite spots on the Bruce Trail - or possible the Bonbe Hiker, just to give a shout out to the W&SS chat regulars)
The OAL is about 10.5", and the blade (tip to the closest point on the handle scales) would be about 5.5". Max height is about 2". I'm thinking that 3/8 stock would work.
The 2" of the blade closest to the handle would be scandi ground, with the area above being left flat (and rough finished!). After 2", the blade would transition to John's usual grind. As you can see, the midline of the knife travels from end to end, down the centre of the handle, which would give it a useful point that still has a bit of belly.
I like to use a scandi for making fuzz sticks, cutting notches, and other fine woodworking tasks, but I like a convex or flat grind for food prep, light chopping, and general cutting. This model would give me a bit of both in the same package. Now, there are those who will argue that I should just carry two knives, so as not to compromise the features of either. I agree - this is a good approach, and it is the one I have used for years. But, dammit, I want a combo-ground scandi.
So, what do you guys think? Sound interesting? Utter madness? I'm confident that John could pull it off.
All the best,
- Mike
Edited to add: John, if this thing looks do-able, put me down for a spot in March!
Do I need any new custom knives in 2010? Heck no! Can I resist the urge to order one? Heck no!
For a while now - ever since pitdog posted a 'let's see some crazy designs' thread in W&SS - I have been contemplating a custom JK hiking knife with a wide blade, pleasing lines, and a (gasp!) combo grind. Now, I have never seen a knife with a grind quite like this. The closest one out there would have to be the Mora 2000, which I think is an effective proof of concept.
Here's my latest sketch: (I'm thinking of calling it the Kolapore Hiker or the Metcalfe Hiker, in honour of two of my favourite spots on the Bruce Trail - or possible the Bonbe Hiker, just to give a shout out to the W&SS chat regulars)
The OAL is about 10.5", and the blade (tip to the closest point on the handle scales) would be about 5.5". Max height is about 2". I'm thinking that 3/8 stock would work.
The 2" of the blade closest to the handle would be scandi ground, with the area above being left flat (and rough finished!). After 2", the blade would transition to John's usual grind. As you can see, the midline of the knife travels from end to end, down the centre of the handle, which would give it a useful point that still has a bit of belly.
I like to use a scandi for making fuzz sticks, cutting notches, and other fine woodworking tasks, but I like a convex or flat grind for food prep, light chopping, and general cutting. This model would give me a bit of both in the same package. Now, there are those who will argue that I should just carry two knives, so as not to compromise the features of either. I agree - this is a good approach, and it is the one I have used for years. But, dammit, I want a combo-ground scandi.
So, what do you guys think? Sound interesting? Utter madness? I'm confident that John could pull it off.
All the best,
- Mike
Edited to add: John, if this thing looks do-able, put me down for a spot in March!
. I'm interested to see what John thinks of it.
