Adam/Chris - Striking knife ?'s

Re: Adam/Chris - Striking knife ?'s

Adam Cherubini

>I don't recall, nor did I create the drawing you are referring to. So I can't comment on how things looked. As to the thickness, I can say my knife was clearly made from a thin file. The fat portion seems to be "fullered" a little. The blade portion is actually thinner than 5/32". Its probably 1/8" or so.

The reason for the difference is pretty clear. I tend not to use a mallet with mine. Chris does. Also, I don't use mine as a shive to threaten the elderly. Again, Chris does. So there you have it.

Seriously, I don't think it matters too much how thick it is. I would encourage you to make it thin and light and a little delicate. It doesn't need to be fat to be comfortable. And make sure its plenty long enough. The knives from the smiths in Williamsburg are a bit short for people with freakishly long fingers. If you are marking dts with the awl end its nice to have that end slender.

I think Chris' knife was made from a spade bit. True????

Adam

Re: Adam/Chris - Striking knife ?'s

Doug Littlejohn

>Wow, that's more about Chris than I thought I would ever know!! Does he stand on street corners waiting for the elderly to come by ? or perhaps he takes out ads in the local classifieds, both to lull the unsuspecting into his craws!!

Sorry Chris, I couldn't resist.

Okay, so your opinion is that on the thin side is better. That helps alot as it helps form the overal 'heft' to shoot for and delicate is better.

Good, that's just the input I was after, thanks Adam.

Sherwood

Re: Adam/Chris - Striking knife ?'s

Bob Lang

>Chris is "out of the office" today, so I'll take a stab at answering. At last count he had eleventy-billion and four marking knives. The one in the article is (I think) of English origin, and is kind of bulbous at the widest point. That might make it more comfortable for older arthritic hands to hang on to, but there probably isn't any other advantage. He also has one he made from a 5/16" spade bit.

I would go check to see if the dimensions are correct, but I can't remember which drawer in his tool box has the marking knives and which one contains the custom made ebony and brass mousetrap he uses to keep the curious at bay.

Bob Lang

Top Left, By the Ebony & Brass Toilet Seat Bolts

Christopher Schwarz

>Bob, Adam, Doug,

It should be there in my cabinet. Check it out, or I'll double-check the dims on Monday.

Chris

No problem CHris,

Doug Littlejohn

>I think I have enough info now to go forward. Seems as though nothing is set in stone and whatever feels best and meets the usefullness criteria (long & thin according to Adam) should work just fine.

I've just ordered some W1 from McMaster and I think this weekend I will sacrifice a spade bit. Those seem a bit short (ha ha, I made a bad joke) but should be more than enough for me to get a feel for what I will want.

Now to the really important information and for those inquiring minds, "eleventy-billion and four", I think a recount is in order !! (I know, another really bad joke, what can I say?)

Sherwood (aka Doug)

Re: No problem CHris,

Skip in Falls Church

>Hi Doug,

I made one out of a spade bit and it does look a little short. However, it seems to work just fine. I am still getting used to it but I am using it more and more.

Skip

Re: Adam/Chris - Striking knife ?'s

Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)

>"I think Chris' knife was made from a spade bit. True????"

Hi Adam and Doug

I seem to recall that Chris' striking knife originated from the UK and was one for which he had spent some time searching. Shortly after the article was published (about a year ago now? More?), I posted my spade bit version here on WC, having been struck by their similarity in shape.

In practice, I did not enjoy using this knife. It cut and held an edge very well, but was quite dangerous (to myself) when used awl-side up. I have since returned to separate, more traditional marking knives and awls.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Re: Adam/Chris - Striking knife ?'s

paul womack

>In practice, I did not enjoy using this knife. It cut and held an edge very well, but was quite dangerous (to myself) when used awl-side up. I have since returned to separate, more traditional marking knives and awls.

I think both forms are traditional - I agree on the scary-ness of a striking knife though.

BugBear