What do you think of this? *Video added*

Nick,
I am a fan of the design choices. The finishes work very well for a mid-range knife.

If I were looking for a mid-range "user" I would be looking for a smaller scale knife. I haven't stabbed anyone in quite a while ;), so a blade designed with more utlity and a little less style (length, pointiness) appeals to me. That said, I think smaller scale with the same lines would be appealling as a "collector" especially if it came with a mid-range price point.
 
NickWheeler said:
Thanks for taking the time to comment guys. :)

Pat and Ken- I'm not sure I understand what you're seeing--- do you mean the way the dropped edge is shaped? It's actually an arc... but maybe I'm just not on the same page yet. :foot:

As far as the blade shape, it's very function driven--- the long/lean point has scarey penetration, there is a lot of belly for a slashing cut, and the slightly raised/sharp clip aids greatly in a back cut.

But I don't expect everyone to like it, so I'm not arguing here. :)

I added a video to hopefully show the knife a little better and maybe clear up some of the issues being mentioned. Maybe... ;) :)


Thanks! :)
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Hi, Nick.

I can't speak for Patrice, but see the markup below. That is what I am talking about.

110eu5l.jpg



As for the blade shape . . . let me ask you this: as a user knife, what would you see as the primary uses for this knife?


Regardless of my thoughts, it is obviously a big winner here and I'm sure you'll do very well with it, as with all of your knives. Congrats!
 
I have the smaller gents version and th Branson below. They are both very comfortable and functional handles.



BlackwoodW2_4.jpg
 
Patrice Lemée;13117969 said:
I am sweating just thinking of critiquing a Wheeler knife.
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Yea, how dare you?!? Don't you know I'm Nick Freak'n Wheeler?!? :grumpy:

MuHuHaHaHaHa ;) :p LMFAO... Just kidding around of course!!! :)


Looking back at my photos, I can see where it looks like the dropped edge is sort of angled out away from the ricasso, but it really is a round-ish arc.



Ken- I really do appreciate you taking the time and thought to type out your response. Constructive criticism is welcome in my book. :)

Really, for the average guy, this would not be and EDC. I see the size, shape, and overall style as a good fit for a soldier, or as a last ditch defense tool for someone. With a soldier in mind, I think a synthetic handle would be a better choice. In fact, I initially planned to use G10 or Micarta. However, I thought putting a quality piece of wood on the knife would help make this knife "bridge the gap" between users and collectors.

Hopefully that makes sense. :foot:



Thanks guys :)
 
I like the transition it gives the longest edge unless you go square and that is no good

As for use......if you guys need to be told that this is a blade designed to be a carry self defense blade than ya need to study up on blade design a bit more :)

As for the handle, it is clear that it iwas designed to be a carry friendly piece with a handle that would facilitate concealed carry by not being as bulky as the normal handle that Nick does with hips

This is a stream line fighter made to be carried like a service revolver

Pure and simple

I would prefer it with micarta

Any performance oriented Smith is going to work with different handle patterns to try different feels or for different applications

I commend Nick for putting out a knife that I could picture looking real good after a few years in worn leather next to a fine custom revolver or 1911 with wood grips something that has been carried well and loved
 
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Well said Joe.
I personally really like the arched heal of the knife. I agree Green micarta or G10 would be the bees knees for me.
 
Well, first off I do not have enough experience nor knowledge about knife design to critique anyone. To my eye, it is a fantastic knife with all the elements I desire.

You are one of my favorite makers, and you could be boozed up (not that you would) working in a dark shop and I would covet any knife you produced.

I say bravo, and carry on!

Steve
-----------
Member, W.F. Moran Jr. Museum & Foundation
ABS AP
 
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JParanee said:
... As for use......if you guys need to be told that this is a blade designed to be a carry self defense blade than ya need to study up on blade design a bit more :)
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A fighter for sure! I like the finish a lot and with a G10 or Micarta handle, this would be the perfect "woods-defense" knife in my world!
 
There's LOTS to like about this knife.
I'm not in love with the handle profile (from the side), though. I feel like it doesn't have quite enough... intention. The top view looks lovely. And I'd go with a pin one size larger, which I think will look more proportional when flat (vs. domed). That's about all I'm qualified to discuss. :D

The blade and guard are very nice. I applaud your mid-range attempt, and will follow the project with interest.
 
medium800.jpg

medium800.jpg


In the video I know you say the pin is centered in the handle height.



In this photo "the pin appears low to me" but the photos are on an angle

My eye is wanting to center the pin in the flat side as defined by the profile ridge line that comes down from the guard.

Maybe having it in different photo angles, or in hand it appears different.



If you still have it, how about straight on profile photo ?


It does look fast
What's it weigh?
 
The Virginian said:
Regardless of my thoughts, it is obviously a big winner here and I'm sure you'll do very well with it, as with all of your knives. Congrats!
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I like this piece, and an especially good value at the price point. I do like a little bigger pin, speaking of the pin, it looks a little off-center, probably just the photo angle.

As for the bolded comment above, I think Nick could post a knife on this forum with a tin blade and a broom stick for the handle and get favorable responses. ;):D
But seriously, Nick has as large if not larger following then any maker on this forum IMO.
 
Kevin Jones said:
Nick has as large if not larger following then any maker on this forum IMO.
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and deserves it at least as much as anyone. One of the hardest working dudes I know.
 
JParanee said:
This is a stream line fighter made to be carried like a service revolver

Pure and simple
Click to expand...

I totally agree with this thought path .. it's definitely a fighter style/design knife .. except, it's not a service revolver, this level of knife (IMO) should be compared to a tricked out Kimber .45 ACP or some other high end elegant and traditional personal weapon.
 
JParanee said:
I like the transition it gives the longest edge...
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Joe, in this case it is purely a visual thing. I would not have commented if it made a real difference in the performance of the knife. A completely round transition could be done with removing maybe 20 thou at most from the edge, if even that. I am no self defense expert but I am pretty sure that if you didn't do the job with the rest of the cutting edge, that last little bit won't make much of a difference. ;)
 
I think whats messing with ya guys is the pin to me looks centered on the handle just not on the flat which will cause your eyes to push to see it not centered if that makes sense. Ofcourse I could be wrong.

Looks like a most excellent fighter to me. I personally really like that handle profile. Ofcourse I am one of those guys that dont usually go for the molded shaped handles for personal use generally. I am a wood guy myself and the difference between stabilized wood and micarta well I will stick with the wood. Same reason I have cocobolo on my 1911 vise the stuff that came on it originally.
 
Patrice Lemée;13124758 said:
Joe, in this case it is purely a visual thing. I would not have commented if it made a real difference in the performance of the knife. A completely round transition could be done with removing maybe 20 thou at most from the edge, if even that. I am no self defense expert but I am pretty sure that if you didn't do the job with the rest of the cutting edge, that last little bit won't make much of a difference. ;)
Click to expand...

You are right my friend it would never make a difference

Just Nicks way of being a tad bit different
 
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