It's a start

[DoubleLung]

Well this first one is a long time in the making. I got impatient and started shaping this out of a rasp before I annealed it. Then I realized that there was no way I was going to drill through it without annealing it so I got my forge finished up last night and annealed it. It drilled so much better! I was going to heat treat it today but it's snowed about 3" and is still going and unfortunately I'm limited to doing my heat treating outside. Let me know what you guys think so far. I'm still undecided if I'll finish this one out with a handle as there are things I'd like to change next time.

 

[Kevin Evans]

Cool, Bet that helped the balance

[DoubleLung]

Yeah, with such a short blade and longer handle (I've got big hands) it was really unbalanced. I knew this would only get worse so I wanted to remove some weight from the tang. Now I see one of the benefits to hidden tang knives.

[Steve Nuckels]

I like it~!  I'm working on a similar project, fun stuff!

Steve
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ABS Apprentice
Potomac Forge
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IN GOD WE TRUST

[OconeeDan]

Actually, I bet it works well, it looks like a useful design. Get a handle on it and finish it out, then bloody  it up!
Dan

[tomh]

That is not a bad looking design, I would finish it up and use it, and then design the next one based on what you like or dont like about this one. Good start!

[Maxximusgrind]

I really,really,really think you should finish it.For two reasons.
1-I think youve probably been looking too closely at it and after you let yourself back up and really see it,you'll realize its working out to be really cool.
 and 2-there is probably going to be something else that gives you problems and if you go as far as you can with it it allows you to go through all of the steps,you will learn from all of the steps and you'll have more figured out when you start the next one.
 I think when the dust settles,you will be so proud of this one that you wont even believe there was a question about finishing.But if you dont believe me,Id be happy to take it off your hands.  

[Ragnarok Forge]

Two words - Neck Knife.  Thin the handle a bit and give it a cord wrap.  Make a neck sheath and if your unhappy with it, give it to a buddy.  Mine all love getting my "failures".  I have yet to hear one complain about a freebie knife from my shop.  I often end up with orders for the same knife from their friends.  

Personally, I like it.  A lot of people are way to concerned with balance on a small bladed knife.  The larger grip with the file surface on the grip will give excellent control of that small blade.  Making for a great skinning or caping knife.

Balance is a lot more important in a dagger, bowie, or fighting knife than it is in a hunting or working knife.  The longer the blade the more important balance becomes.  We all strain to find that balance but it is not necessary to have a good knife that is great for certain uses.

[Maxximusgrind]

personally I like more of the weight in my hand,depending on other factors too,like grip shape.But as a guess I think that one will work out real nice.and to be honest I dont think I would have lightened the handle at all other than smoothing it out for scales.Not that its a bad thing but like I said I dont think I'd mind the weight,But I have alot of strange ideas.

[prarieboy]

I too personaly like em a little butt heavy. That shape is cool make the Handle egg shaped at the butt to get the control and fall into Your hand not the top of Your foot !!!!!!!!!!!!!
 I'd rather have a butt in My hand than a spike in My foot!LOL!
 C-Ya Bob