What Handle Contouring for Bushcraft Utility Knives

[raylaconico]

Since the thread was started about how I contour the handles of my knives, I am curious as to how some of you wilderness and survival guys prefer your handles. I'm talking about a knife in the 4"-5" blade range. Thanks for participating

I hope this thread doesn't get moved. I specifically want to ask this question to the people who frequent this subforum. The info will help me make better knives for you guys.

 

[Moosez45]

Since the thread was started about how I profile the handles of my knives, I am curious as to how some of you wilderness and survival guys prefer your handles. I'm talking about a knife in the 4"-5" blade range. I wanted to do a poll but I can't figure out how. Here are the choices.. Thanks for participating

1. fully flat sides with just the corners rounded off
2. Just slightly rounded sides with rounded off corners
3. Heavily rounded like and oval
4. Pretty much rounded like a circle. It's as thick as it is tall.

I hope this thread doesn't get moves. I specifically want to ask this question to the people who frequent this subforum.

I like a rounded oval type. Not to insult, but Fiddlebacks are PERFECT for me. My Hunter felt like Andy made it just for my hand. Bowden got one of yours, I haven't checked it out yet to compare, but judging from the looks, I'm gonna like it too. Moose

 

[pitdog]

Heavily rounded so it's like an oval for me !

 

[SpookyPistolero]

The best shape analogy I can think of is like an upside down egg (but not quite so exagerrated). Very round and contoured all over, but a little less wide on bottom than on top. That way it wont eat into your palm during longer cutting/carvig sessions.

 

[ohski]

I voted for "Heavily rounded so it's like an oval"

That being said... I love the Unscandi Bushcrafter I purchased from you... So... keep up the good work.

Looking forward to my new knife

Ski

 

[raylaconico]

Guys thanks for the poll votes. So far, it looks like most favor the heavily rounded oval shaped handles. This means I need to use thicker scales so that I can contour them this way. If I use only 1/4" scales, they can't be as round as if I were to use 3/8" or thicker scales.

 

[ChapmanPreferred]

I really like your work Ray!

 

[a.l.hare]

Rounded oval for me. I really appreciate a maker who asks for feedback like this. Thanks Ray, I look forward to owning one of your knives in the future.

Thanks,
Alan

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Consider me an odd duck--I voted for flat sides. However what I mean by that is I like the handle profile heavily rounded on the edges...but also flat to provide solid indexing and prevent rotation in the hand. So a really squashed oval.

 

[Marcelo Cantu]

I have to agree with the egg example. If you held an egg with the pointy side down, now cut the image in half and insert the thickness of the blade so that there is a slightly flat area at the top.

That said, I have four of your knives; an HWK, and wodds knife pattern that you v=came out with when you decided to stop the HWKs, a scandi bushcrafter, and a 4" utility. The bushcrafter's handle is about 0.875" thick at the thickest and the scales must be @3/8" thick each. It rocks! However, my HWK's scales are abour 1/4" thick and it is one of the most comfortable blades I own. I think for general utility/camp/game use, Keep doing what you're doing and for wood carving knives go thicker. The only issue with the thicker handles is that as the thickness approaches the height, it gets iffy for orienting and controlling the blade.

 

[Jeff H]

I have to agree with the egg example. If you held an egg with the pointy side down, now cut the image in half and insert the thickness of the blade so that there is a slightly flat area at the top. .................

Count me in on the egg thing too.

More surface area on top and near the front of the handle, where most of the pressure is applied. The next most pressure is on the bottom, toward the rear - BUT, it's farther away from the fulcrum point and can afford to be smaller and MUST be smaller if I am going to get my pinky around it, and the more I can close that pinky around something, the better advantage the muscles in it have. Sometimes you need that for the sake of heavy work over a short time but more for lighter work over a long time. Even the subtle contours can make a huge difference.

By the way, Ray, I WILL have one of those beautiful baldes of yours some day.:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[KFU]

I like egg shaped on larger blades and more of a flat shape on smaller blades. Ill post up a review with the help of Moosez45 when I get mine if that might help Ray.

 

[stingray4540]

The best shape analogy I can think of is like an upside down egg (but not quite so exagerrated). Very round and contoured all over, but a little less wide on bottom than on top. That way it wont eat into your palm during longer cutting/carvig sessions.

^ My sentiments exactly! That's why I voted heavily rounded like an oval.

This is one reason why I prefer hidden tangs to exposed tang knives. It seems makers of hidden tang knives are more likely to make an oval or egg shaped handle. This may or may not be the case with your knives, but I find a lot of exposed tang knife makers just put slabs on and round off the edges, or at the very most put a very slight concave on the sides.

 

[Angus McGunnigl]

The shape of the handle on my CS Finn Bear is very comfortable. Don't know how to describe it.??
Upside down pear?
Inverted triangle with well rounded edges ?

 

[mtnfolk mike]

i also prefer the oval/egg shape...:thumbup: it is really comortable for long term use..

 

[tek77]

I went with "Heavily rounded so it's like an oval". Always enjoyed/preferred a thicker grip on a knife.

 

[SouthernCross]

Rounded oval for me. I really appreciate a maker who asks for feedback like this. Thanks Ray, I look forward to owning one of your knives in the future.

+1 :thumbup:

BTW, I'll also add that IMO any sculpturing (like palm swells) should be kept real subtle.

I hate a handle that trys to tell me how to grip it.



Kind regards
Mick

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Rounded oval.

I also prefer the grip be full sized (fit my entire hand, and have a grip filling girth to it), no matter if the blade is 2" or 10".

I have big hands and the idea of a blade being "balanced" by an equal length/ size handle really falls apart to me when I have to use it for a long time.

 

[Mistwalker]

I like the rounded oval shape. A little closer to round on the first finger but more oval than round (taller than it is wide) on the second and third fingers for comfort, indexing, and so there is leverage for twisting the blade during crafting things then narrow again on the pinkie.

 

[Raining]

Here is my Fiddleback Arete handle - one of the most comfortable I've ever held. I've used it for hours at a time with no discomfort of any kind. :thumbup:

I guess it would be described as oval.