wa handle shapes.

[Kevin McGovern]

I have done a few Octagonal Wa handles. I am wanting to do something a little different. I am thinking an oval or egg shape. Or perhaps a D handle. What's your take on these? I'm particularly interested in an inverted egg shape. Something like this...

 

[timos-]

I mark out my facets as would with a octogon but then slack grind to knock down the corners...comes out pretty even this way, pretty much how I do sculpted western style handles too.

 

[milkbaby]

I like the D shape more than a plain oval handle, though in a pinch grip, I'm a bit agnostic when it comes to the different Japanese styles. For some more exotic ideas, check out Cris Anderson a.k.a. CJA/Scorpion Forge and Tristone (I think it's Chadd something down in Australia?).

 

[Kevin McGovern]

yes, I'm interested in the D handle, but since my wife is a lefty, and I am trying to make knives BEFORE people want them, so i can reduce deadlines, I would like something more ambidextrous.

 

[Brock Cutlery]

It looks reasonable to me. I would make it.
The way I make my handles they are fully done, then mounted to the blade.
If you are similar, you can always chuck it if you don't like it.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The egg shape handle works like an ambidextrous "D". Bring the sides down to a fairly defined rounded point ( like qa "D" handle). This will index for either right or left hand.
Basically, draw a "D" handle and flip it along the centerline for the other side.

Obviously, it will have t align with the blade perfectly when mounted.