Knife design

[BRAVO-SMASH]

I had just showed up to B co 3/1, and of course the caliber of man that i am now training with didn’t surprise me, but the personal skills some these men have brought to the table really set a new level. There’s a guy who makes his own kit and customizes his teams set-up if they wish. Then another who does leather work making sheaths and holsters. And then my senior, who I knew was a knife buff, but showed up one day with his first new combat utility style knife that he made himself. I was pretty amazed that he did this work in his garage with some tools and machines he made himself. Pretty innovative. Anyway, as soon as he brought these edged tools in, everyone in the company started putting in orders or drawing up designs they wanted. So, that being said, I wanted to show you all mine then as soon as the finished product comes back ill post here for everyone to see.

BRAVO-SMASH KNIFE.jpg

[Bill Harsey]

Bravo S.
That seems a little like a knife I've seen somewhere before.

If you make that exact pattern your going to find things that could be done better.

[BRAVO-SMASH]

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

Bravo S.
That seems a little like a knife I've seen somewhere before.

If you make that exact pattern your going to find things that could be done better.

Sir,
First, it’s an honor to be talking with the designer of the Yarborough Knife. I’m a fan of your work. But I’m only a fan. Not a thief. By no means was I copying yours or anyone’s designs. That was not my intention. There are details ergonomically and cosmetically that differ from my ideas to your design. That drawing is a basic and general idea. Once I receive the finished product, l will share it.

[Bill Harsey]

BRAVO-SMASH,

First, I do not want to discourage your knife work and please understand I never said, or even thought the word thief. I just meant "close" and that is not a stop work order, I don't have that ability anyway.

Back to the design, the best way I have of going from drawing to a first 3-D model for a pattern is to make a 1 to 1 photo copy of your drawing then use a spray glue and place it on a piece of 1/4 inch thick plexiglass or even better, polycarbonate (Lexan) plastic and cut it out to the outside edge of the black line.
After a very light chamfer on the edge, less than .030 thousands radius, one can begin to judge the handle to blade relationship and the handle size and shaping.

[Bill Harsey]

Was in the shop grinding, I think a little better there sometimes.
For possible clarification design is both general concept and details that work together.

All knives should have an edge and something to grab onto because these things don't drive themselves. This means most knives have a blade and handle. This is the largest general concept of knife design and we start focusing from there.

It is interesting to have worked on the "right" edge shape for a game knife and think I'm the first one to have gotten it right only to find it done, beautifully, on a stone blade made around 10,000 years ago.

I certainly did not invent knives but have been lucky enough that many have guided me to making something better than I might have all on my own.

BRAVO-SMASH, My job is to keep that tradition going too so let me think about your first design phase assignment as a knife designer.

[Kit Carson]

BRAVO-SMASH,

Reading almost everything in this forum on a daily basis is part of my schedule. I don't post much but felt this thread needed my input.

Having been a knifemaker for almost 4 decades, and full time since 1993 I'll throw my $.02 worth into this thread.

My first thought after reading your initial post and looking at the drawing was that it looked an very much like the Yarborough knife.

Don't get all bent out of shape. I'm not saying you copied the design. Like Bill, I would not want to discourage your knife designing.

Mentoring new makers is something that I enjoy. It gives me a chance to see all the "new" designs they can come up with. Occasionally it's not a "new" design but one that has been done before. It's my responsibility to tell them.

I don't discourage them from building it, but encourage them to think about it and if it's the case of the original maker still being alive, ask them to contact him and get his feelings on it. Most will encourage the new maker to go right ahead, but some won't. If it's a design that is with a manufacturer, the answer will probably be "please don't". I've had that situation arise with designs of mine that Buck and CRK&T are/were making.

How they handle the answer is what I watch. It's what will determine their future in this business.

I look forward to seeing your final version.

[BRAVO-SMASH]

By no means am I a knife maker or a designer. I’m just a knuckle dragging, lead slinging Bravo that likes sharp things. My general Idea of what I wanted was something simple yet effective. I’ve never had a combat knife but now consider taking one to OEF soon. It would be my last resort weapon. I plan on having it in the small of my back on my belt hidden but easily accessible in the event the enemy decides to get too close and my primary and secondary weapons are down. I focused on the handle most. I wanted a good ergo grip. The glass breaker was my senior’s idea I liked. As far as the blade goes… that was as general as I could be. Anything but a tanto tip. But if it cuts through smelly man-dress and flesh, I’m happy.
I really do appreciate both of your feedback. And now that it’s been brought up, I pulled out my Yarborough Knife. Yes, the handle is similar. Not what I’m basing what I’m having made after though. If anything, I was thinking of a pistol grip when I was drawing it up. I have smaller hands and I liked the way my grip fits in my hands so I went with what works and feels good for me.
My whole purpose of sharing was not about the design, but what I thought about my senior's talents. I'm just as eager to get my knife as I'm sure you are to see it.

[Bill Harsey]

Nothing wrong with knuckledraggers, lead slingers or Bravos in this area. Thanks again for the mention of your Seniors talents, it is noted.
Please advise him it is usually just 4 hours south from the front gate of your place to the shop here if you all ever need anything.

You be sure to get exactly the knife you want and that is why I mentioned the plexi patterns for your own review before steel is cut. Interesting thinking about your handle.

Do you know what steel your knife will be made from? Handle material?

Good job focusing on the grip. That's the part that will tell you where the edge is without looking at the knife and give the user the best possible control over the blade.

Edited to add: Not a designer/maker? Too late, your now involved in designing knives.

...and Thanks Kit.

[BRAVO-SMASH]

The handle material is marcarta in urban assault pattern (shown below). The blade color will be a bronze like brown. I guess that’s the color the steel turns into after his knives where heat treated. I liked how it looked. As for the steel material... I’m not sure. I had two choices: this one, or that one. But that one is better. Ha! I know. I’ll get the specs as soon as I talk to him.

micarta.jpg

[x SF med]

Bravo-Smash
check your PMs

[Ken Brock]

Originally Posted by Bill Harsey

Back to the design, the best way I have of going from drawing to a first 3-D model for a pattern is to make a 1 to 1 photo copy of your drawing then use a spray glue and place it on a piece of 1/4 inch thick plexiglass or even better, polycarbonate (Lexan) plastic and cut it out to the outside edge of the black line.
After a very light chamfer on the edge, less than .030 thousands radius, one can begin to judge the handle to blade relationship and the handle size and shaping.

ha! You do a hell of a lot more thought on making a knife than I do Mr. Harsey!

I generally just pick up a piece of steel and start grinding on it and hope it turns out OK

but then again, the thought you put into your knives shows in the finished product and you have excellent designs


I have found that when guys get started in knifemaking, they tend to incorporate many features found on existing knives especially of makers that they really like. I did it myself when I started before I found my own style of design

I've had a couple of aspiring makers contact me and ask if they could make a copy of one of my knives to get skill of grinding down before trying to develop their own style. I don't mind it if it will help someone progress their skills

Bill and Kit both provide excellent advice

[BRAVO-SMASH]

Specs:
5'' blade, 4 1/2'' handle, 10 1/4'' total length w/ glass breaker
Blade material is 0-1 steel. Handle is marcarta in urban assault pattern
Sheath custom made by A.M.I.C.K. Tactical w/ classic "pull the dot" buttons

IMG_6283.jpgIMG_6288.jpgIMG_6282.jpgIMG_6281.jpgIMG_6285.jpg

This knife feels great in the hand. The marcarta was ground out for my fingers so its very ergonomic. It's also not too heavy but still feels durable. The sheath was a surprise. Apparently both the knife smith and tailor live less than a few miles from each other and are in the same Co. As I pointed out in a previous post, incredible talent both these men have.

[x SF med]

Bravo-Smash... it looks a little different than the drawing. Nice knife, congrats on the final product.

[BRAVO-SMASH]

Originally Posted by x SF med

Bravo-Smash... it looks a little different than the drawing. Nice knife, congrats on the final product.

I knew that my ideas would be interpreted in his own way when creating the knife. It turned out better than I thought. He was so impressed with his own work, he almost didn’t want to give it up. This knife was his first sale so I feel Privileged to be contributing to another QP up and coming business. He will be going to the knife show in Eugene, OR next weekend. I offered to let him borrow my new knife .

[Claemore]

Very nice knife. I especially like the handle and sheath.