I had a knife not come out quite like I wanted, but decided to see if I couldn't get something good out of it. It's a stock removal 5160 blade that I did to get some more practice grinding. I decided to give it to a friend who kills more critters than anyone else I know and see how the knife did. He first used it to gut and skin a black bear and it did very well-no sharpening needed.
When I first gave him the knife, I left a bit of a toothy edge on it, but still cut hair. When he brought it back, I put a finer edge on and it popped hair off with ease. He took it out last week and used it on a calf and cow elk. It seemed to dull sooner this time and he ran it over a sharpening tool about 3 times, then it was back to doing well.
(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae71/gudspelr/Miscellaneous/In%20use/image_zps7edc9100.jpg) (http://s959.photobucket.com/user/gudspelr/media/Miscellaneous/In%20use/image_zps7edc9100.jpg.html)
(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae71/gudspelr/Miscellaneous/In%20use/image_zps9e00b443.jpg) (http://s959.photobucket.com/user/gudspelr/media/Miscellaneous/In%20use/image_zps9e00b443.jpg.html)
The handle is African Blackwood, contoured like a coke bottle. My buddy found the handle very comfortable,the only real thing that wasn't so good was the blade shape-needs a little curve at the tip, but I knew that going in. I'm making him another knife now to say thanks for doing the testing and it should fit the bill much better. I gotta say-it's pretty cool getting a knife I made out and being used...and even nicer knowing it actually worked :) .
Jeremy
I like the design, and personally as a user I like a fine tip like that! Good work.
I like the style as is, or A little up-sweep and it may be perfect eh? Show some pics when you get it done.
Congrats to you and the game slayer!!!