Got my first commission for a dedicated skinning knife. I have 5/32 (4mm) A2 here and 3/16 (4.8 mm) W2. Just throwing it out there which would you use. Either way it will be hollow ground. Below is the initial design, please critique away! Cheers, Griff.
The blade shape will work well for skinning also the forward shape gives a good weight for light chopping. I have done a similar knife with an elongated blade and it was a nice chopper, skinning and fillet knife according to the customer.
Looks good man. I am guessing the handle is about 4" long? I'd probably go with the A2 having more chromium and a little better stain resistance. https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/04/22/a2-steel-history-and-properties/ ...unless you are looking for a hamon. I have used 3/32" stock for skinners. 3/32" out the factory is usually over 0.10" when calipered. Some makers have a tendency to use thicker stock, even 1/4", not sure why. I guess it looks cool, but a fat spine doesn't do much for performance. Increases the primary bevel angles and makes the knife heavier than it needs to be. I hope that no-one will be hammering on a skinning knife, but you never know. One avid hunter I work with loves his Wyoming knife. If you haven't seen one, Google it. Dan
Ha! What a Dilemma now lol...I also have 0.100” AEB-L here too! I think I’ll make one in A2 5/32, and one in the AEB-L then. Its 8” OAL with 4.25” handle Dan. I just got done profiling a prototype in wood, feels natural in-hand. Thanks for the input @John Noon and @dancom
I like the hamon idea but if its a worker maybe not the best idea. I wonder how the blood would affect it. I would think AEBL would be a great choice for the toughness stain resistance and ability to take a nice edge. 62 hrc may provide decent edge retention while still being serviceable in the field.
