#thoughts on a cleaver design folder

Radial or Chisel or neither

  • Total voters
    9
  • Poll closed .
herisson said:
Why a cleaver shaped blade ? (not versatile). Why a flipping tab + hole in the blade (Wo, wo, wo....too much goodness there) ? Why an all steel build (heavy !) ? You realize the blade could be 1/4" longer ? Why not ?
Serious answers / questions, honestly. I'm thrilled by new designs but often disappointed when it just goes down the trendy alley.
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valid points and I appreciate it
I guess it comes down to what i like in a knife, I'm on a learning curve so yes I agree there are some faults in my designs but not everyone likes the same things after all.
its in a prototype stage so I'm looking for improvements and one of the reasons I'm posting on here after responses like yourself.
Hopefully I can answer some of your questions.

Cleaver is what I personally like , I agree maybe not versatile but not to say it cant be changed.

Always prefer a flipper tab , why not add a hole to the blade. add's another option and also adds to the geometry of the design , slight reduction in weight if it matters and also options to hold the blade on fixtures with this and the pivot hole giving a clear free edge for machining the profile for example.

Steel blade yes / all steel build no, Ti handles 3mm thick, so I'd assume these will be on the lighter side of heavy.

1/4" longer ? how do you know what length the blade actually is as I haven't stated the length.
Adding 1/4" to the blade results in having to increase handle dimensions also, larger profile becomes less attractive in the pocket, but trying to keep it under the 3" blade UK rules.
 
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I like it.
I would just keep an eye on the profiles: I like the open profile more than the closed profile. Yes it is a compromise.
 
It is not my thing, but that does not mean it doesn't have merit. Big chunky knives aren't for me but lotsa folks love them.

I like that blade shape better. It's gonna be a beast in the pocket and that flipper tab is huge. Not sure how that elliptical handle will do in use. Not saying it won't be good, just looks like it wants to squirt out the front of your grip.

I applaud your openness to critique and your determination. I think you're hitting right around something. It's hard for me to help though just because it isn't my style.
 
jideta said:
I like it.
I would just keep an eye on the profiles: I like the open profile more than the closed profile. Yes it is a compromise.
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thanks , yes its difficult to balance the profiles when one effects the other

Eli Chaps said:
It is not my thing, but that does not mean it doesn't have merit. Big chunky knives aren't for me but lotsa folks love them.

I like that blade shape better. It's gonna be a beast in the pocket and that flipper tab is huge. Not sure how that elliptical handle will do in use. Not saying it won't be good, just looks like it wants to squirt out the front of your grip.

I applaud your openness to critique and your determination. I think you're hitting right around something. It's hard for me to help though just because it isn't my style.
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I agree on the flipper being on the larger side and its something I will be reducing in size,
its hard to judge the size for the finger until you have it in hand.

Hopefully once I get the components for the Pivot then I can machine a steel blade to give me a better idea on weight and action.
reducing the size/profile to bring the weight down then I'm fine with that.

If the handle profile needs alterations to give a better grip then this wouldn't be a problem either as it does come down to safety after all.

My main goal is to learn the basic's of knife making. if it works as it should I will be happy with that, if the internals are right the externals can always be altered.

criticism is what I'm after, as this can only help me get better
so I thank you both for the responses also
 
dogz said:
1/4" longer ? how do you know what length the blade actually is as I haven't stated the length.
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I see it on the picture you posted with the closed knife. It seems to me the blade could be a tad longer without lengthening the handle. Now, that's just me. I see no value in a pocket knife of any size which doesn't pack as much blade as possible in its handle : if I am to carry that thing in my pocket, it better had as much cutting edge as possible. A.G. Russell and Cold Steel, among others, make a great job at this.
 
dogz said:
Always prefer a flipper tab , why not add a hole to the blade.
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Because it makes keeping a clean blade more difficult. I hate hole(s) in the blade, especially if not needed...
 
One thing to keep in mind - many flippers tend toward a stiffer detent...while that makes for good, reliable flipping action, it tends to make the blade cutout less effective for opening.
 
Almost none of the "cleaver" style folders I've seen make any sense, save Spyderco. The problem is that most of them are flippers, with the flipper tab, which sticks out past the blade edge, making it completely useless as a cleaver.
 
AG Russell has this in stock.

ag-137br.jpg
 
Lavan said:
AG Russell has this in stock.

ag-137br.jpg
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OK... but no. I must admit I almost bought one of these knives , but in the end, No. It doesn't work out in the kitchen...
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some overall similarities - but that is the nature of knife making...
the 3k+ year old leaf blade shape is repeated continually by all makers

I like dogz blade shape more than that giant choil design from keanison

having said that, I really don't see myself buying or using a cleaver folder ever
 
Cleaver shape flipper is not my thing, but I think it is trendy in recent years.

Regarding the design, I think having the right detent will be a challenge. It's a heavier blade, and if the fipper geometry is off or the detent is too weak, the blade will flip pretty 'lazy'. Let alone the heavy blade may 'fall out' somewhat easily, if the detent is too weak, and become safety issue.

Some previous posts also bring out a very valid point, if it is used for kitchen chores or food prep, a big flipper is very likely to get in the way. So if it is desirable, instead of having straight edge like a traditional Chinese cleaver, maybe a big belly at front could help with cutting? I am thinking something along the line of sunfish or sailor's rope knife.
 
:) IMO, a real "cleaver" needs to have some considerable size and mass to be useful .

:eek: Maybe some kinda huge Cold Steel XXL thing with a very strong Tri-ad type back lock would be fun . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
dirc said:
some overall similarities - but that is the nature of knife making...
the 3k+ year old leaf blade shape is repeated continually by all makers

I like dogz blade shape more than that giant choil design from keanison

having said that, I really don't see myself buying or using a cleaver folder ever
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I agree that the OP's design is nicer due to the full length blade. But the opening hole and handle shape are darn close. I am sure it is one of those weird coincidences of course, but uncanny.

I actually like the forward-jutting tip on the OP's original blade shape. Makes me think of a box cutter/package opener that can be used to scrape or even pry. I like it.
 
Gravy said:
uhhhh.... Keanison knives Alpha would like a word with you....
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBJExK_gsIl/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SMJ3cDNzC/

o_O
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agreed it does have some overall similarities but thats not to say I'm there copying someone else's design.
Unsure if you have ever tried to design a knife but its difficult to not trip over someone else's toes in the design process.

My thought process behind the design was based on a oval type shape with the handle geometry flowing into the blade , flipper added based on how the blade rotates around and sits inside the handle, tweaks then made
6GFJ2Zd.png
 
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comis said:
Cleaver shape flipper is not my thing, but I think it is trendy in recent years.

Regarding the design, I think having the right detent will be a challenge. It's a heavier blade, and if the fipper geometry is off or the detent is too weak, the blade will flip pretty 'lazy'. Let alone the heavy blade may 'fall out' somewhat easily, if the detent is too weak, and become safety issue.

Some previous posts also bring out a very valid point, if it is used for kitchen chores or food prep, a big flipper is very likely to get in the way. So if it is desirable, instead of having straight edge like a traditional Chinese cleaver, maybe a big belly at front could help with cutting? I am thinking something along the line of sunfish or sailor's rope knife.
Click to expand...

Some interesting points to be taken from this, maybe I need to have a rethink then.
thank you.
 
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