Need some tips

[talkingcabbage]

Hey guys.  So, I've started my first knife, and I need some advise.  First of all, how's the shape, should I modify it any.  Also, I've only beveled one side of the blade, should I do both?  I'm totally open to any and all input.  I've never done this before, so any help is much appreciated.  Thanks!

Joe




This one you can see where I plan to put the pins and handle.

[talkingcabbage]

by the way, i've never posted pics on here before, and I totally resized these to 600 in photobucket.  why do they look so huge?

[Lin Rhea]

TC,
    First of all, I'm glad to see you getting started making knives. I want to encorage you to keep at it. It will be an interesting ride.

    You asked, so I'll say that I think the handle has way too much drop in it. I think it would be more comfortable stretched out a little. You probably cut it from a saw blade and cant stretch it out and that's OK. Work with what you got and see how YOU like it in use. I bevel both sides on most knives.
    Be sure and post pics as they come and ask more questions as you need. Keep up the good work. Lin

[talkingcabbage]

Lin,
you're right, I did cut it out of a saw blade.  I was thinking that it had too much curve in it.  Do you think I could get away with grinding off some of the bottom (making the handle a little shorter) to straighten it a little?

Also, what do you think of the bevel?  Does it look the right size for the knife?  Should I double bevel it?

[Wampus]

Looks like it would ba dandy kitchen chopper for use with a cutting board.  In general, single bevel edges aren't as durable as double, but will have less resistance because the angle is so shallow.  Of course other factors like the angle of the bevel cme into play too.  Single works great for slicing veggies and meat and such but can be more easily damaged against bone and other hard stuff in the field.  The way you have it beveled is good for left handed use in the kitchen.  Are you a southpaw?

[d. ward]

Great job,good looking blade keep us posted on how its going.bowdoc

[talkingcabbage]

wampus,  i'm actually right handed, but some things work better for me southpaw.  I've decided to double bevel it, and change the shape some.  I'll post more pics when the changes are made, and see if ya'll like it better.

btw, i was going for more of a "skinner" type of knife, so the double bevel I think would work better.

[OconeeDan]

Very good, hope you like it.
One thing I learned is that making a template from hardboard or even cardboard, then holding in your hand, will reveal if you need to make changes before cutting steel.
Dan