Quote:
Originally Posted by Claemore
I am in the design process of making two knives. One is going to be a spear point and one is going to be a tanto. They will both be flat ground. Both will be made out of 1095 or O-1 steel. I will be heat treating and doing the "home made cryogenics" thing. The blades will be from 5.5-6", unless otherwise advised, and from 3/16 - 1/4". Probably will be 3/16", unless otherwise advised.
What I would like to do, if it is ok, would be to offer these two knives to any two of you that is active duty. This would be for free. Well, not for free. You guys have done so much for this country, our way of life, that you have certainly paid for the knives many times over. Also, whoever takes the knives would be able to give me feedback on the design.
I'm not looking at making a buck on this. I'm looking to get back into law enforcement- doing what I think I'm supposed to be doing.
But, if I could create a knife that would work for those going into harm's way, and supply it to those that would appreciate and use it, that would be great. I'm not advertising. I've got a back porch, some files, an eight inch grinder and a 4X36 sander. I'm not looking to "cut" into anybody's lane. I don't qualify, but hey, I want to do something for you guys.
I'm not sure how to divvy these two knives up, when I get them done, but I think it can be worked out. Any and all suggestions as to the design are welcome, and thanks for everything.
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I have to say that knife design is more of an art than I originally appreciated. As a Trauma surgeon, I see the effects of knife wounds all of the time but the usual weapon used is a kitchen knife or similiar in it's generic makeup...rarely do we see a wound from a true tactical designed knife...occasional a "hunting knife" is used.
As far as tactical knife characteristics, it really goes to mission specifics...are you a slasher, a thruster, fore grip or reverse grip...what damage are you looking to do? Simple tendon laceration to incapacitate an extremity is different than a heart or great vessel thrust to cause major life threatening hemorrhage. Will bones be a factor i.e., is the intended anatomic target protected completely/partially by bone? The characteristics of the blade need to match what you think you will do with the knife...just as ammo/caliber for your sidearm or long gun ....would rather have an M-4 to reach that 200 yard bad guy rather than my .45...you get the idea,
I think today the emphasis has been on the 'generic' tactical knife. When I look through Blade magazine, there is a theme to what is being produced overall. Now take the Harsey/Reeve Yarborough or Pacific or Spartan's Ares and some of the Brock designs...they have more defining features that lend themselves to the work that a LEO or QP is going to require that 'style' blade for.
With my knowledge of anatomy and understanding of the body from the inside and outside, there are characteristics I would want in a blade to inflict the damage my skill level and training could exploit...these are personal and may not fit the Team Sergeant or Reaper if they were to use a knife with their level of training and skills, they could exploit an entirely different set of potential injuries for very 'mission specific' reasons.
So, your question is either generic to fit the masses or specific to an individual's needs...i'm just not sure which one you are after. The difference is a custom knife or a mass produced knife to make the greatest number of people satisfied with the tool that have in their hand for the task presented.
just my 2 cents on design...hope it made sense.
ss