Custom mini Canadian belt knife

[CypressCreek]

I like the top one better. More of a cbk look. The bottom just reminds me of a drop point skinner, no offense.

I'm in agreement. I tell ya, a traditional CBK has been the most difficult knife more me to design!! no idea why

 

[Jake Larsen]

I'm in agreement. I tell ya, a traditional CBK has been the most difficult knife more me to design!! no idea why

Just guessing here. But possibly partly because a properly designed one is ugly. Most people who do their own version make it look better, but remove the design elements that make it especially functional

You can always print off a photo of the original Grohman #1 and make a copy….assuming you don’t already have one in hand that is. Starting from the original tested/proven design might help you gain a deeper understanding of the design concept.


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[RADunfee]

Just guessing here. But possibly partly because a properly designed one is ugly. Most people who do their own version make it look better, but remove the design elements that make it especially functional

You can always print off a photo of the original Grohman #1 and make a copy….assuming you don’t already have one in hand that is. Starting from the original tested/proven design might help you gain a deeper understanding of the design concept.


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This is a good point. And also probably why the cheapo Cold Steel cbk is so popular. They kept that design and it works. Mine is a kitchen queen but been looking for a nice custom one. I like the Knives of Alaska Yukon version but its D2. The ESEE version is decent but the ricasso takes up too much blade.

 

[Jake Larsen]

This is a good point. And also probably why the cheapo Cold Steel cbk is so popular. They kept that design and it works. Mine is a kitchen queen but been looking for a nice custom one. I like the Knives of Alaska Yukon version but its D2. The ESEE version is decent but the ricasso takes up too much blade.

I think I’m going to have essentially an exact copy of a Grohman #1 made out of thin Magnacut, maybe with slightly thinner scales and be done with it. At this point honestly don’t believe the overall design can be improved.

Which actually makes a lot of sense, considering how it was originally developed.


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[ElPollo]

I am still working on an updated CBK design, one that includes the proper blade/handle angle. Here is a design I came up with today. What are your thoughts?

Top is the original CBK. Bottom is the new design. Looking at the photo, I think the handle could be angles up a little bit more.

View attachment 1027201

I’ll give some feedback on mine because I’ve carried it for two years now. I really like your original handle shape a lot. The thinner neck up front is wide enough for two fingers with the thumb on top. You can also use it with a pinch grip between your forefinger and thumb for slicing. The point on the underside fits nicely between my two middle fingers, and the flare at the butt end makes it really easy to pull out of the leather pocket sheath. The angle of the handle allows you to put your index finger on the spine of the blade for precise work. Raising it up might make that more difficult. I honestly wouldn’t change much about your handle design. The only change I would suggest is moving the point of the blade up a bit to get more slicey-ness that is common with the CBK designs. I know when we discussed this knife a couple years ago, you said you were going with a spear point for more EDC use. I like it, but a higher point would be more traditional and better for skinning. I’d also suggest making the knife slightly larger, like a 3.25 or 3.5” version. I think that is a sweet spot for a knife you can pocket carry and still do serious work with. It’s been a great knife for me. Those are minor changes that I think would make it better. The slightly larger knife with a higher point and more belly would probably fit what most of the guys here are looking for, a small, light, capable knife for dismantling critters.

 

[ElPollo]

I’ll give some feedback on mine because I’ve carried it for two years now. I really like your original handle shape a lot. The thinner neck up front is wide enough for two fingers with the thumb on top. You can also use it with a pinch grip between your forefinger and thumb for slicing. The point on the underside fits nicely between my two middle fingers, and the flare at the butt end makes it really easy to pull out of the leather pocket sheath. The angle of the handle allows you to put your index finger on the spine of the blade for precise work. Raising it up might make that more difficult. I honestly wouldn’t change much about your handle design. The only change I would suggest is moving the point of the blade up a bit to get more slicey-ness that is common with the CBK designs. I know when we discussed this knife a couple years ago, you said you were going with a spear point for more EDC use. I like it, but a higher point would be more traditional and better for skinning. I’d also suggest making the knife slightly larger, like a 3.25 or 3.5” version. I think that is a sweet spot for a knife you can pocket carry and still do serious work with. It’s been a great knife for me. Those are minor changes that I think would make it better. The slightly larger knife with a higher point and more belly would probably fit what most of the guys here are looking for, a small, light, capable knife for dismantling critters.

BTW, the knife is dirty and the hand is chewed up by puppies.