Handle profile(s)

[sionnach]

I'm currently shaping a bushy style knife from a kit supplied by Shing crafts.
I've got so far with the handle and thinks it's comfortable, but wonder if I should give it some further shaping. My only other non-folder is a BRKT Northstar and Shings blade is 'hoooge' in comparison so it's hard for me to tell how the handle should feel.

Do you think I should shape the sides to give it a more curvy profile along the sides?
There are 4 photos in my user gallery of the rough shape I currently have.

Advice/comments???

 

[leon-b]

i have no experience on making knives or handles but it seems to me that it looks a good comfortable shape, if its comfy then leave it, if its not then reshape it
leon

 

[British Red]

No expert here either - for me I'd be tempted to taper thehandle into the blade a little and have a more ergonomic shame to the handle - if you have a look on British Blades there loads of pictures of Shings own work.

All that said, you can always take more off later - its harder to put it back on!

If you have a look on the "perfect bushcraft knife" thread, Hoodoo published some great pictures of bushy knives that may give you inspiration

Red

 

[rapidboy]

 

[rapidboy]

Best thing to do is cut 2 blocks of soft wood and shape them roughly.
Leave one square, curve the other and try them in different grip positions.
I have shaped scales so they looked great but handled badly and vice versa some handles that look naff feel great and can be used for hours without getting hot spots on my hands.
A little tim espent experimenting now will be worth it later when you have a knife that feels right as well as looks good.

 

[mojofilter]

All that tells me RB, is that you have far too many nice knives.....

 

[sionnach]

Wow - thanks guys.
The post from rapidboy is exactly what I needed and I had seen the hoodoo post before but was convinced it was on british blades and couldn't find it there. DOH!
A few more hours of shaping is required.
:You_Rock_