Want to make a new knife but not sure what design

[jackcbr]

Some time back I made a knife from a kit. It looks great and I'm very proud of it, but I can't really do all the bushcrafty things with it that I would like without damaging it (you know, battoning and the like). So I thought that maybe a full knife blank might be better than a tang that I've got.

So my question is, which one to get and why. Obviously my thoughts go to a woodlore clone as I hear people raving about them, but I don't have the biggest hands in the world or a big fan of over chunky knives. Also my pockets aren't that deep these days.

Here's my previous effort.

 

[sasquatch]

You could make a blank to whatever size suits your hand, try a 3/4 sized woodlore clone or similar. I prefer a slightly smaller knife to a full sized woodlore myself and love friction folders for this reason.

 

[marcelxl]

I have just done the opposite, I don't baton or anything else that impacts. For me I cut, slice, whittle, carve and sometimes pick at things so I went lighter, thinner and I think prettier but I still have the heavier ones with my favourite being a bushtool type over woodlore clone for no reason other than personal preference and I do have massive hands. I like the Spyderco BcUK but not the woodlore, my mate is the opposite

 

[lannyman8]

Some time back I made a knife from a kit. It looks great and I'm very proud of it, but I can't really do all the bushcrafty things with it that I would like without damaging it (you know, battoning and the like). So I thought that maybe a full knife blank might be better than a tang that I've got.

So my question is, which one to get and why. Obviously my thoughts go to a woodlore clone as I hear people raving about them, but I don't have the biggest hands in the world or a big fan of over chunky knives. Also my pockets aren't that deep these days.

Here's my previous effort.

that bad boy should batton fine, if you can do it with a mora why not yours????

or some maker (like me) could do a custom fit for you, working off your hand size and blade length you would like...

hope this helps mate...

regards.

chris.

 

[jackcbr]

Thanks lannyman. I did batton with it and it came apart. Not a disaster as I had the chance to add a leather insert after the antler. I would love to get a custom one made, just not sure what makes a better knife. The shape, grind etc. might make up a dummy handle for sizing.

 

[lannyman8]

sounds good, if your going to spend the money on custom you might as well get it right as much as you can...

 

[Ogri the trog]

If you really want to take the knifemaking path, your next kit will be largely immaterial......

purely because you'll not be able to stop after only one kit - there'll be more, lots more!

Just find something that catches your eye for the next one along the line.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[jackcbr]

lol. Well it's 2 years since I made the first and I'm only considering upgrading cos I broke the first.

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

Sasquatch made a comment that fits me to a tee. I prefer a smaller 3/4 sized knife as i find it easier to control. I still baton with it and split, it just minimises the size of log i can split but if i need to cut heavier timber i have a bigger knife stored in my pack if needed.

I recently aquired a nessmuk style knife and after playing around with that find it has almost replaced my axe.

In an ideal world we would try befor we buy but even then we would find a limitation to whatever we carry. Thats why i have both and use the tool for the job.

 

[jackcbr]

Gonna have a play with a few designs and see how they fit. Like the idea of scaling down, now to copy some designs. Not being that up on using knives, what is it about the woodlore that makes it so popular (the fact RM uses it is already a given).

 

[marcelxl]

Gonna have a play with a few designs and see how they fit. Like the idea of scaling down, now to copy some designs. Not being that up on using knives, what is it about the woodlore that makes it so popular (the fact RM uses it is already a given).

That is a good question, I have only handled an actual woodlore once and I did not like it one bit, to me it felt top heavy and the handle too small and to be tarty - don't really like the look of 'em! Does not mean everyone should feel the same, just my opinion and there are far more knowledgable and skilled users than I who would use and love them. I think knife choice if you actually use one is very personal as everyone is different and probably has different priorities for use.

I dislike Moras too (Trying not to though!) and if a poll was done the top two knives would likely be those and woodlore/clone which would indicate I am way off with my tastes!

 

[jackcbr]

Hmm, think I just need to get up close and personnel with a few designs. But what about blade shape?

 

[marcelxl]

If you felt your last one was lacking in any areas then you could address it but if it aint broke don't fix!

The more I play out the more my mind works but I have found a good balance I think and its in the shape of a production Kellam Wolverine, as soon as a lefty sheath is made for it I will be happy (for now!) I like 3mm, scandi or convex but can see why a full flat is chosen & I like a blade that can slice which some of my heavier sharps struggle with

 

[lannyman8]

the knife with the sheath is what i use most of the time, its got some things i would change though, the handle is a little thick so that makes it heavy and the blade is 4mm which for me is over kill, im working on a new one for myself, if i ever get any time...

the other blade is a good shape blade with a good handle which gives grip at both ends if you need it, for choping etc...

id go for somthing like that, but that is just me of course, and as others have said, a blade is a very personal thing....





regards.

chris.

 

[palmnut]

I'd suggest talking with FYGT on here - have a look at his blades here:

http://www.dorsetwoodlandblades.co.uk/bushcraft-blades.htm

He does various blade shapes in various sizes.

Usual disclaimer: I have no material interests in his business etc, etc ... he just happens to live about 5 miles down the road from me ;-)

Peter

 

[FGYT]

I never liked the woodlore lucky i made one to find tht out not pay a fortune
I find 4mm scandi fairly chunky

So i designed my own out of 6mm but with a finer edge and pointier for how I like to use a small knife

if you look on my website i make in smaller versions because people dont all have teh same size hand