I'm hoping to get some input/advice/opinions on a blade edge "thing"... This pretty well just applies to blades where the edge is in line with the bottom of the ricasso-not with a dropped choil. I see a number of blades where the maker files in a half round "hole" right at the plunge. My understanding of this is to make for an obvious termination point of the sharp edge which can make sharpening easier. I've not used this technique as of yet and am curious for others' thoughts.
The sharpening point I think can be beneficial, particularly as the life of the blade goes on. If someone's looking to sharpen on their stone, there's likely less opportunity to mess up and end up with marks in the plunge. And, as its sharpened more and more, the filed in notch would possibly make the shrinking blade not have that recurved spot by the plunge?
But, I rather prefer the aesthetics of no notch in the blade edge. Not saying they're particularly ugly or anything, but I most of the time like the consistent flow of the edge right into the well done plunge lines.
So, what say you? Do you like them, use them, any pros and cons?
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
Jeremy,
I'll answer you from the perspective of one who does a lot of historic reproductions and say that I haven't ever used such a notch. This is mainly because the makers of years ago did not and I was trying to be accurate in my reproductions.
Some of what you are asking falls into the category of personal taste. Remember that the knife is "YOUR KNIFE". I would recommend making them the way that pleases you the most as I don't see a huge difference functionally either way. We all have our own personal style and that's a good thing.
Gary
I agree with Gary; make it the way you want. I've not seen them on antique bowies.
You often see these notches used on modern folders. But, I've seen complaints about them from knife collectors. The notch creates a place to snag thin material that is being cut with the knife.
The practical reason for those "notches" are to allow for stone sharpening... without the notch, there will be that much (the diameter of the notch) of the blade that is very difficult to sharpen, although its not much, its the other side of the coin from what Steve said (some collectors really hate that notch), and I've had others who specifically stated they wanted that notch at the bottom of the plunge cuts.
That being said, I STRONGLY agree with Steve....YOU make the knife the way YOU want it. To my way of thinking, a maker should have a valid reason for doing whatever he/she does on a knife....form always follow function.
Ed Caffrey, ABS MS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.CaffreyKnives.net
Thanks very much for your opinions-I really value them. Ed, I remember you telling me once that there is a niche for every maker out there. That there are so many different people who like different things, various makers and their methods speak to those different audiences. I suppose maybe the little notch is another example of preference and far from a "rule" as you guys pointed out collectors who both dislike and like them. Which is alright by me, since that means I won't be "wrong" If I don't put one in <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />.
Again, thanks for sharing your experiences.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
Nope. Sorry Pal........if you don't put the notch in you're wrong! Just kidding. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Personally, I try for a dropped edge or some type of notch for longevity of the edge with repeated sharpening. For my tastes, I really don't like the recurved look blades get over time with sharpening.
But I will also concede that there are times a dropped edge or notch catch on things.
Make it whichever way you think suits you and the knife. Half the people will like it and half won't. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
Thanks, John <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' />. I've heard the same complaint about dropped edges and the possibility of it catching on things, too. Glad to get some thoughts from various makers on this, though. It's always interesting to hear the different opinions and why some do things that way or not.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
