KG, I like that smaller one even better. Please Dan, make this knife................

This is the perfect companion to my modern Nessmuk Kit. Currently I am using my DF or MP.

KG, I love those knives in the last pic! They could even be used as kitchen users. Very nice concept!

You have a real talent there KG for knife design! The larger Nessmuk really appeals to me....I would love to see you do an interpretation design for a Kukri or a Bolo....not sure how you do it but those two styles also have a lot of potential support.

KG, I love the designs you come up with, very creative thinking. This one has me scratching my head though. I've never handled one of the Koster's but the pictures show the handle to have a slight rise up and away from the edge, giving great downward pressure and leverage on the the belly and tip (or so I imagine). Most of the Scrap Yards and the handle you show have a slight curve back down towards the plane of the edge. This might give more advantage to chopping but might be a bit less versatile than the traditional "muk" shape. I know they don't have another handle to photochop; maybe you had other ideas as well. But I could be completely wrong, just my 2 cents.

KG, I like both of these!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Great job! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the appreciation guys.


Johnson - Handle angle is something I do try to consider and put some thought into when designing. I did consider angling the handle up another 2-3 degrees. But, it is hard to be sure what is best. Like you, I am having to "imagine" what it might feel like. Feel and balance are very important to me. Angles are part of the equation.

I wouldn't angle it down any more and I wouldn't go much higher than 2-3 degrees up (or so). But, it seems like where it is vs. 2-3 degrees up would probably have trade-offs. (????????).




Here is a version with less down angle in the handle (I probably like it a little better):



This is the original (or 2nd version) to compare close to each other:



Ultimately, I would personally go for function and I honestly don't know which I would prefer without handling both.


It is not done very often, but I have probably seen about 2-3 Res-C (Hidden tang) handled Swamp Rats re-handled / retro-fitted with wood scales. Re-handling a knife might not be for everyone and Res-C is undoubtably VERY comfortable. But, I think I would love these with traditional wood scales. If Dan were to make these, I would likely have to buy two of each and re-handle with traditional wood scales. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

.

I'm really liking design number 2 KG!!

Like you said KG, I can see plus/minuses to both designs; but for personal comfort, I would probably choose design #1.

I really like the large Muk but to me the small one looks a little wrong, I feel it should be a little curvier top and bottom if that makes sense !!!
Take a look at some Nessies that are close to Sears origional design and you will see what I mean !!!!

I like the little one with the mudder handle best, KG. The big one looks like a wicked meat clever! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

KG, I like the newer version a little better as well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I would love to handle and compare one of the Koster handles with one of the Scrap Yards, particularly the standard (non-mudder) Res-C shape and/or the Chopweiler handle.

Hmmmm, pitdog, don't you have a sample of each? Can you explain the different feel for me?

I see one of those Koster's in my future . . .

Pit,

I guessed wrong. I figured you would like both. Oh well. This is one of those inevitable cases where people will just disagree.

No disrespect intended to George Washington Sears, but I am honestly not a fan of his "specific" design nor his extreme rustic designs. I assume DMelone probably likes the more rustic styles (?????) - Maybe you do as well (???).

Different strokes. I am VERY fine with accepting different people have different preferences, likes, opinions, wants, needs, etc.

I like the shallow belly curve and a bit of the taller blade. But, I am not one who aims for ANY type of Historical value or accuracy. My designs and preferences are based on function and personal preferences. If I get certain design cues from historical designs, so be it. But, I have no problem (and prefer) to take a given "cue" and try to improve upon it. My variation will inevitably be debatable. I have never seen a design of "anything" that was liked by all.


I don't see any value in having a pronounced "hump" on the smaller blade. There is no real advantage in having the weight forward on the smaller blade either.

However, the hump and weight forward has a function on the larger blade. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Still, I think my large and small Muk concepts both have enough "influence" from original Nessmuk designs for me to give credit to Nessmuk for the "general" shape. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


But, personally, I like my variations better:



These (intended to be close to authentic variations) don't do much for me:



.... But, I know there are many who love the more authentic Nessmuk designs.

I actually like stag. But, I don't like Crown Stag and similar overly rustic looking designs.

I am not usually fond of the Busse dimples. But, in this rare case, I thought the Busse dimples might be nice on the flats. That is about as rustic as I get.

I am sure the authentic Nessmuk designs function quite well. The original Nessie's have a little more belly than my concept. Most people who want the original Nessie would probably want a combination of Bushcraft and skinning function. Mine is not likely as good a skinner as a traditional Nessmuk, but probably better at most anything else assuming similar blade thickness and grinds.
And I like the looks of mine better. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I don't hunt as much as I used to, but if I want a good skinner, I don't want compromises. In my opinion, there are better dedicated skinning knife designs than a Nessmuk.

I tried to design something I "like" and feel would fit within "possible" Scrap Yard / Busse parameters (?????). I don't see Dan or Jerry making ANYTHING along the lines of a Rustic/Authentic Nessmuk. But, I have conservative hopes about something along the lines of what I have designed. I wish I were more optemistic about production possibilities. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

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