Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades 4"Hunter template thoughts

I know knife and handle shape is very subjective but I'd like some input. I have been struggling with handle size and shape mostly and really like Fiddleback Forge esk designs. I'm going to make some 4" hunters and seem to be settling in on handle around 4.5" long. With the shape in these pictures I can comfortably grip the knife in a standard grip, thumb on spine and reverse grip.







I'm thinking about using 3/16 stock and 80crv2 steel. Any input or ideas would be appreciated.

just me personally, but I'd like the handle a bit longer, closer to 5 inches, and without the curves in the handle. I work best with a straight, oval shaped grip.
I like a bit less height on that blade as well.
Why the steel choice? I have not seen a lot of that German steel here.

Thank you for the thoughts and suggestions. It seems here and on some knife making sites they all suggest a longer handle.

I do have a straight template I have used in the past and will still offer it in the future.

1080+ or 80CRV2 has piqued my interest, it is an incredibly tough steel, easy to sharpen and holds an edge well. I can use it on the forge or for stock removal methods. I'm also considering some O1, A2 and D2.....so many good choices.

Steel choice is fine, as are others said.

Handle pretty good IMO. Don't like pointy "speed bumps" in my handles. Would like a lanyard hole.

Blade is a bit too wide for most of my chores......

I opened up CAD today and made some refinements. Please post your thoughts.

3.25" Simple handle





3.5" Hunter





5" Camp / Bushcraft

I did some more tinkering, adjusting and cutting out templates. These feel pretty darned good, as soon as I can get more steel I'll grind them out and go from there.

The middle one is most pleasing to my eye.

Okay, I am going to make these three and fine tune them later. Thanks to everyone for the help.

Okay, I am going to make these three and fine tune them later. Thanks to everyone for the help.

These two seem to be everyone's favorite.

I like the new designs. In a hunter I want a blade that is thin enough to insert and cut around an anus to pull it out and tie it off. It the blade is too wide for that,I have no use for it in a hunting field knife.

I agree, thanks for the comments. From experience with knives that have a radius on the spine, when splitting the hide the tip doesn't dig in and rides above the paunch. This design, for me, zips them open easily.

Agreed. A little less height is nice, but I like where your patterns are going.

My favorite knife is similar to your patterns and about 3.5" blade.