Backpacker

[opaul]

I was sitting around sketching up knife shapes - which always seems to be the medium EDC type and decided to try a smaller type blade that is minimalist and could be easily carried in a backpack or day pack and offer an alternative to larger knife. It's OAL is 4.75" with a 2.25" blade. I know, folders abound for these uses as well and I have quite a few but it's just fun to think up something and then make it. I came up with this design and really like it. Left simple, it could be wrapped in paracord or other material. Finish is basic but thinking about a etched stone washed finish as well. As far as the shape, I drew it based on what I thought would look and feel good in hand.
This is a prototype so any ideas or suggestions you gentlemen have is appreciated.

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

I like it's shape and idea. As a geezer with thin skin and bum hands I'd think a wrap with leather thongs would grip well and still have emergency use.

 

[VictorLouis]

I'd like some G10, or micarta scales with a bit of convex shape to them to better fill the hand, and be slip resistant. But that's just me......
Nice work!

 

[Baxter6551]

That’s a great shape and I think would be ideal backpack / hiking knife. Paracord wrap would be cool. I have some paracord that has a fire starter inner core for emergencies. I have a Newt Livesay neck knife that a paracord wrap totally changed the feel from harsh and blah to perfect.

 

[opaul]

I typically do leather sheaths but after thinking about this design, I’m getting set up to do Kydex sheaths as well.

 

[loc n load]

I like it as is. Para cord wrap would be fine. But I have a couple of knives similar to yours that have no scales or wrap. Just steel.
They work fine for me, I use them to clean fish, dress game, prep food and as dive knives ( most of the time in salt water) not some thing I would want to do with a para cord wrap. But not everybody uses knives to do what I do.
I like the “less is better” approach for minimalist tools
I would favor a kydex sheath as well.

 

[Baxter6551]

Kydex and leather making pics

 

[opaul]

Kydex and leather making pics

What do you use to heat your kydex? I'm going to get a flat teflon pancake grill ... or least thats what I'm thinking. The press and associated hardware will be here next week, so I'll be in business.

 

[opaul]

A sheath I made a while back.

 

[H Richard]

I think it looks great as is. No handle material is actually needed.

 

[Baxter6551]

Opaul- my buddy bought a cheap toaster oven off Amazon and uses one of those infrared heat guns to check temp. He built his own press.

 

[RoyM52]

Reminds me of the ESEE IZULE IZULA | ESEE Knives

 

[snubbyfan]

I'd probably make a leather sheath something like this 'cept with fringe, some stamping beads and molded retention.

 

[opaul]

Reminds me of the ESEE IZULE IZULA | ESEE Knives

Hard to come up with a design that isn't already similar to so many other knives. I can see a pedigree in line with ESSE, Boker and Gerber. All fine knives for sure.

 

[opaul]

I'd probably make a leather sheath something like this 'cept with fringe, some stamping beads and molded retention.

I really like that sheath.

 

[snubbyfan]

I really like that sheath.

I made one like it all fringed and beaded and with a raw hide liner.
The liner was molded in a way the the knife snapped in and out.
Unfortunately, it's long gone and I never got a picture of it.

 

[Maddog 521]

I'll take the dreaded #1 spot. Great karma.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I have a Martin Backpacker.