Patch Knife

[Kevin]

This is a link to ckd where I have posted a knife I have just finished.

http://www.ckdforums.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=108605#post108605

Hope you dont mind me posting a link but I have had problems with my server and it took me ages to get it over to ckd :sad6:

Kevin

[Jason Cutter]

I envisioned patch knives to have little antler handles and wharncliffe type blades. Just checked the link and I like that one ! The blade to handle profile is interesting too. usually you get a blade that drops below the guard only. But that one has integral guards (kind of) both top and bottom. I find octagonal handles really hard to do. Good job ! Jason.

[Colin KC]

Nice one Kevin & interesting method for extending the tang:D

[Kevin]

Thanks.

Shaping an octagonal handle isnt too difficult...Using a lathe, I first turn the part where the ferrule slots over......I fit the ferrule, then continue turning the handle on the lathe but leave the upper half square.

I then draw symetrical lines on the square end to make an octagonal shape..In this one I used an 8 inch contact wheel (working the handle vertical to the wheel) to start the shape, then I finish with a wood file before final polishing with grit paper with a copper bar to keep the edges sharp.

Alternatively it can all be done with a rasp and file.

An octagonal handle, although simplistic in design, is actualy very comfy to hold and use. This handle shape can be traced back to at least early Flemish ballock/kidney style knives .....many early American tomahawks were also shaped this way (some studded for additional grip and decoration grip). I saw many medieval pikes in the Tower of London which also have this feature.

Kevin. :)