I have just read the threads below and I am hoping for one extra step of advice-
I have the mostly commonly discussed books on Bowies. There has been a shift in modern making (in my opinion) to a somewhat standard proportion for "Gents" Bowies.
I am not suggesting that the upper end Bowies look alike...just that there seems to be some consistent features that are usually not listed.
For instance- a classic contemporary Bowie of a bit over 9" in length tends to have a ricasso of about 1/4" thickness and a width of about 2/3rds of the blade width. The blade tip tends to fall in a centerline of the blade mass when bisecting the line to the mid ricasso. At least this is what I seem to see.
Is a ricasso of 1/4", 1 " width, 3/4- 1" length (Revised to .62" after reading kevin's note) about right for a 9 1/4" blade length , 1 1/2" width (as an average)?
I apologize in advance if this post seems to ignore the variety and art of each individual maker. That is not my intent.
Thanks-
__________________
Dean Lapinel, MD
Member of CKCA, ABS & Idaho Knife Association
Dean,
You seem to me to have the proportions of an average bowie described pretty close. I would caution you, though, to not be tied too closely to numbers as a standard. The golden mean and ratios that are often referenced in books and hammer ins are general rules, but not strict rules.
In the very beginning of a maker's career, he or she needs these ratios and formulae to use as building blocks to develope his/her "eye". They are great to know and follow while the maker gets a few knives made and recognizes proportion. He then begins to add some elements to improve flow that shows his artistic influence, using some curves instead of straight lines on everything. When the subtle curves start being incorporated, the ratios are more difficult to translate into the material object. That's when you would not be thinking in terms of formulae as much as "does it look right?"
I'll give you an example: Look at Nick Wheeler's ricassos. Do they fit the standard golden mean? No. Do they look right? Yes. Why? Because of what he builds into the rest of the knife. Nick probably used the Golden Mean early on in his knife making (I dont know), but he has certainly developed an eye and refined his taste from there and he does wonderful work.
Often questions like this are prompted by ones desire to test for JS. If this is so, I encourage you to use the ratios and formulae that are offered as much as you deem necessary because they are a "safe" way to build. Evereyone, especially the judges, will appreciate you staying within a range of proportion, etc. I believe these standards are mentioned as often as they are because, if not, we'll see knives with 2 inch long ricassos and 8 inch cross guards will appear before the judges and this is a means to nip that in the bud while still in the class room.
I see this is your first post on the forum. Let me say, welcome and we're glad you're here.
Thanks Lin. I was trying to figure out the best way to respond and I could not have said it better.
Another thing Dean is the drawing pad. I know Lin and I always mention this, but it is a good way to think things through and try different designs. I use a drawing pad on almost every knife. Get your blade profiled and trace the outline on your pad. Then you can try different size ricasso's, guards, and handles. Also look at custom knife books such as Knives Annual, they give you ideas.
I would say after looking at your dimensions they do sound about right. However there are variables such as handle style and guard style that may alter the dimensions slightly.
Welcome again and good luck.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Thank you Lin & Brion.
I really appreciate the advice. When I paint in oil on canvas I sketch first for composition and more. It's odd that I haven't been doing that even though that is what I was taught to do with knife making. Thanks for the reminder.
Lin- I do understand your well stated "not be tied too closely to numbers as a standard". I just need a platform to jump from. I do love the variations in proportions that are created with artistic intent. I'm not ready for that yet but I do keep my eye out for the fascinating choices that are being made.
Dean,
Always use the golden mean. Hold the steel in your right hand, and bring it up across your face in front of your eyes. The blade should be as long as outer ear to outer ear. The clip should start in line with the left pupil. Now move the blade left moving your right thumb to your right nostril. The ricasso should be as long as your nostrils are wide. Now tip the blade straight up in front of your nose. The ricasso should be as wide as the space between your eyebrows. . . okay, I just ran out of bull.
I'll have to get up there, soon, and watch you work that beautiful little hammer.
Bob
|quoted:
Dean,
Always use the golden mean. Hold the steel in your right hand, and bring it up across your face in front of your eyes. The blade should be as long as outer ear to outer ear. The clip should start in line with the left pupil. Now move the blade left moving your right thumb to your right nostril. The ricasso should be as long as your nostrils are wide. Now tip the blade straight up in front of your nose. The ricasso should be as wide as the space between your eyebrows. . . okay, I just ran out of bull.
I'll have to get up there, soon, and watch you work that beautiful little hammer.
Bob
OK Bob, I did this and scratched both ears, started a bleeder from my nostril and shaved off part of my eyebrow. I'm glad I don't have a grindstone...it would damage my nose. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
