Why do I want to make a frame handled hunter?

J

Jason Fry

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jun 5, 2008
Messages
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I could make probably four tapered tang 3 piece knives at $200 apiece in the same amount of time, but I really want to make a fileworked frame handle hunter. CM154 blade. Blued 1084 guard and frame, filework on the frame, stainless spacers, and sambar. I know I could pull it off. I've got the skill and equipment to do it, and the materials on hand. There's no way I'll get my money's worth out of it, as I don't have the chops to get $700 for a hunter, and I don't have many customers who buy $700 knives yet.

Got it on the graph paper now getting drawn out, and I have the blade heat treated and ground. Guess I better get started :)
 
Because framed handle knives show your skill level. They also look really cool.
Hey charge more
 
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Its practice to get proficient at it. I did one a while back, and it turned out OK, but I am doing a frame handle on my dagger project right now, as it is the vision in my head and I can't get it out.
 
Make it and use it kinda like a business card to show people who are interested in your knives. I know a guy that wears a knive he made everywhere and says he has made quite a few sells from people asking him about the knife he carries, he has something they can see and hold. the more hands you get your knives in the more you will sell.
 
Well most guys I imagine the first time they made a $700 knife didnt get anywhere near that for it. Now maybe a few later they were. Make it and go from there.
 
quint said:
Well most guys I imagine the first time they made a $700 knife didnt get anywhere near that for it. Now maybe a few later they were. Make it and go from there.
Click to expand...

Exactly :)
 
You just need to proceed and jump in.
Post it up on Blade Forums and you will begin to attract customers who seek such greatness! :thumbup:
 
I say "Good for you Jason".
I think it is great that you want to push yourself to do difficult projects and develop your skills.
Hopefully you will show photos even if the first few tries don't work out as well as you had hoped for.
Maybe then some of the makers with long term experience with frame handles will offer input as how to do things better doing the parts you struggle with.
 
I'm sure it will turn out acceptable. I'm sure there are a few parts that will drive me a little nuts, but I've done most of the sub-skills required. I'm closing in on my 300th knife, and I've got a tradition of doing something difficult or goofy on my 50/100 multiples :)

As to the bowie v. hunter question, I've done a few big bowies, and a bunch of hunters, and a small frame handle bowie. I have a hunter blade ground out and heat treated already that's calling my name.
 
Made a bit of progress tonight. I'm taking WIP pics, but haven't uploaded them all yet. Here's a teaser.
photo-1-e1387598551324.jpg
 
Why do I want to make a frame handled hunter? .... to prove that you can!

I have no doubt you can do a superb job.
 
I had a guy over to the shop today who I am teaching how to make slipjoints. Maybe not blind leading the blind, but at least deaf leading the blind. Anyway, in between helping him with his knife, sharing the grinder, etc, I worked on the frame handle knife. Got the guard fitted and shaped, the liners fitted and shaped, and have the stag profiled. Still need to drill the stag, pre-assemble and get everything to final shape, filework the frame, take everything to finish grit, then blue the fittings. Easily another half a day at least.
 
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