Blade Texture---Old or Polished pics added p. 4

[tippit]

I guess I'm kinda odd or maybe just old...but certain things I want to look old.  For instance, I can't stand a new baseball cap.  I have to kick it around, rub the bill with a stone til it starts to fray, then I'll wear it    

I'm kinda the same way with my knives.  I want them to look like they were my Grandfather's knife that he carried with him all the time.  Maybe because I only met my Grandfather one time and never got anything from him.  Anyway since the Bear Quest Knife Trials, I've been playing around with different ways to finish or unfinish my knives.  Here's an example of Doug Campbell style caper.  What do ya'll think---old look or polish it out?  Doc

 

 

 

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

Nice knife, but hope you don't do that with other things like a bow, or your ride..

[the Ferret]

I like it, looks like it's functional instead of show. I'm all about function  

Tippit I asked you onetime about that both ends drop shape as it seemed rather odd to me for working, putting too much strain on the wrist,but since y'all just skinned/cut up a bunch of bars maybe you can comment?

[Shell]

I too like function but that combo of the polished and the forged marks on your blades is what makes the visual appeal complete...not to mention the shapes, scales and razor sharpness.
Never get tired of looking at your beautiful work Jeff!        

Mickey,  The balance of his knives are so comfortable to hold and they really make the job much easier with that drop for all my cutting tasks... it sure gets a workout and still as sharp as the day I received it    

[Jeremy]

Each style has it's appeal.  I like the rustic look with forge marks still showing and I like the satin finish blades.  Depends on my mood I guess     I also like getting the nicely polished ones all bloody and letting 'em oxidize to a nice patina!

Mr Ferret, I actually find the straight-handled knives put more strain on the wrist.  The knife Doc posted is just about right for me - hold the narrow neck tightly with thumb and index finger with the rest of the fingers naturally resting lightly on the handle.  The ones with extreme drop (like this one   skinning knife   ) are best used gripped with the thumb and middle finger with the index on the blade.  That style of little skinner isn't much good for gutting (unless you talk to my buddy's kid) but it sure does get a deer out of it's skin quick!

[the Ferret]

Shell, Jeremy, I'll be darned. Must be the way I think about holding a knife while skinning which is with the index finger on the back of the blade and my thumb against the side of the handle with the others wrapped around the other side of the handle, using the last 1/3 of the blade up to the tip while skinning. (if that makes any sense LOL)

[robtattoo]

Reeeeally glad you asked this Jeff. I've been having exactly the same thoughts myself. I personally prefer a quenched finish ( y'know, that off-black colour) with the edge ground to around 400 grit. The most tedious & laborious task in knifemaking has GOT to be hand rubbing a blade to an even satin finish       For a really well polished finish, I use a sisal mop & compound on the grinder, but for pure functional beauty you can't beat a blackened forge finish..........

[hunt it]

Old is cool in this case.

[robtattoo]

.......like this 'un I've just about finished    ...

[the Ferret]

wow Rob, that's a deep bevel. Nice looking knife though. Like the handle.

[vermonster13]

Some of each. Variety is the spice of life after all.

[Deadsmple]

I prefer the "unfinished" look. I can't stand a knife that was made just to look at it. As long as it can hold an edge and it gets used, then its a great knife to me. JMHO

[TXRED]

I like 'em like me...rough around the edges with little to no polish,kinda old & worn,but sharp where it counts.   'Course the shiny ones are pretty to look at!

[Shell]

I do admit that unfinished look is equally as nice (Rob, wait till my hubby sees that one...superb!    )  but I do love the way the the finished look makes for a simple backdrop for those uniquely hammered forge marks created only but once by the artist's hands....functional art oh sentimental me    

Mickey, I skin with the same grip as you mention and will be anxious to use mine if we are blessed with venison this season.
The bacote already proved itself worthy for both skinning and butchering with ease and comfort last season  

[Irish]

Doc, I like the "old,used" look

[tippit]

Mickey,  It's all personal preference.  At Bear Camp, the top blade proved to be the best all around design.  It will skin in long sweeping swings.  With the little drop but thick tip, you could put it under the skin and open the hide like zipper...much faster than a gut hook.  It also has enough beef to dis-articulate...cut off    joints & heads with power.  Only draw back for me...it's a big heavy knife to carry.

The Skinner proved to be the best for skinning and NOT cutting hide.  But wasn't really good for other tasks...much more specialised.

The caper is my constant belt knife cause it's small on my side and it can do everything well.  So these three are now my arsenal of personal knives...Doc

 

[Ray Hammond]

I prefer the unpolished look, myself, doc..like the one you made me.

[Charlie Lamb]

Doc... the "unfinished" look has kinda become a trademark of your fine knives. Makes them identifiable at a glance.

They are in fact classy and far from "unfinished".

I like the looks of #3.

[keith brimmer]

OLD STYLE

[tippit]

Rob & Jeremy---both know that the old look is a lot less work    Doc