C Craft,
Thanks for the comments. I appreciate them. I am new to knifemaking and just trying to learn where I can. My thought on the the "teat" was to just give a little extra meat for my hand in a reverse grip. As for handles, that is one thing I am definitely guilty of, I seem to want everything to fit my mitt perfectly. Sometimes it is hard for me to remember that it has to fit lots of variety and not just my hand. Good thing the few knives I have made have all been for friends and family so far.
Thanks again.
J.walk84.
There is nothing wrong with making each knife to each customer's hand.
I do that with most, but not all of my Culinary knives.
Just realize that you will need to make each knife to each one of your customers hands.
I have them put there dominant hand flat on a piece of paper with their digits together and trace around it for a reference to shape the tang and handle scales.
Then I have them come in for a final fitting when shaping and final finishing of the handle scales.
The rest I make for stock inventory and make with a bit more of a general feel so they will fit more buyers hands.
Some buyers will like that little "teat" on the Ricassio. For reverse grip as mentioned. Others will not, So make some with and some without if you like? Or save that as a option for the full custom orders. I had a similar feature when I made mostly Hunters/Tacticals. and those have a place on a necker type knife too!
You are on your path.
Keep refining your designs and the functions.
Dare to be different and go for your hearts desire!
Laurence
www.rhinoknives.com
P.S. I really like the carving on the scales of the finished black handle.
Can't tell how it would fit? But really like the look!!
Go for it!!