Questions for you knife makers

[the Ferret]

I've been seeing a lot of posts on knives lately where the handle is severly curved, almost like a gun handle and the blade droops as well forming almost a C shape (like the one RGK just made & posted about ecently). Seems like that would put your wrist at an awkward angle for working.

What is the purpose for such a shape on a knife?

[Deadsmple]

Hey Ferret we think alike. I was thinking about making a knife just like that just to see how it felt to work with. In my head I'm thinking it's gonna start to hurt my wrist after a few hours on the job. Sure would like to hear from those that use them.

[longbowhntr]

Mickey sir,
I was wondering the same thing. But they sure do look nice.

David

[the Ferret]

To me they look like they would lead to early fatigue in the hand and wrist, but there must be a reason for the design.

[EASTERNARCHER]

Mick......I'd say it's more astectics than function, just by the look of it...a slightly flatter grip would be better for control I'd think.

But they SURE ARE PURDY huh?

[sticshooter]

Well little curve is great. Too much curve is not good because it does lead to hand cramping. But he still made a great looking knife.<><

[tippit]

Mickey, I guess it's like everything else...personal taste.  I like a little drop to my point & a small 3 finger handle..most people like a longer handle.  I suppose the big radius curve would act more like an ulu but I've never been taught how to use one of those.

Since I don't sell knives, I don't get too may complaints when I give them away     Doc

[JEFF B]

hey tippit the ulu has a straight handle or an upward handle or a slight down ward handle any way they are so easy to use. and your hand aint going to slip and get cut.

[tippit]

I'll have to try an ulu someday.  I could never figure them out...the old dog syndrome     Doc

[Killdeer]

I couldn't figure out a wrist rocket either, 'til I got one and slid my hand in and tried it out...
I learn most things that way, just pick it up and see how it wants to be used. Never tried an ulu. Yet.    

Killdeer

[the Ferret]

So it's an aesthetics thing rather than a function thing.

I think the knives are stunning and can appreciate the effort that goes into making them, just didn't understand the design from a functional standpoint.

Tippet I don't imagine you'd get too many complaints even if you charged for them LOL your knives are works of art.

I tried an ULU once (I think I even have a blade for one downstairs that I use as a scraper ha ha) and if I held it right with the blade to the side rather than up and down like a regular knife, it was comfortable to use it worked great for skinning, rotating the arm instead of the wrist.

[Osagetree]

I can see function in the style mentioned.

Of course, who am I???

My reasoning is, since having my wrist fused to never move again, the more extreme the drop on the point, the better ease wll be in skinning hide off a deer. Since the wrist don't move, the fingers can more easily manipulate the knife in this curved handle/blade style.

RGK can send that knife to me so we can test this theory of mine.