Thank you, but I'll have to credit P.Rollins on the idea. He suggested I should make them with a slightly longer handle. He was right on the money. I'm just here grinding steel like a peasant.
@Mudman Is it just me or do the scales look a little large for the blade? I think the photo is playing tricks on the scale on the scale/ actual size of the knife.
They are extremely large, I tend to flatten the scales at a later step. This keeps things square, while I work on other parts of the knife. The scales will be flattened next step, and the front of the handle beveled. I only have a few hours free before work, so I get whatever I can get done the fastest. But at least two will be done by this weekend. I'm looking to have the handles a hair under .70" thick. Where its beefy for a small knife, but won't feel like a broom stick. Here, you'll see my scale Mark's that I will flatten them down to prior to shaping.
Didn't have a lot of tine today, but got these pretty close to what the actual dimension will be. Next to the rest I haven't worked on yet.
More roughing out today. Put on am edge way too early in the process. So if you guys see a post the following day involving a cut, you'll know why.
Had work in the morning, did a little sanding when I got home. Now they are being glued up, and hopefully finished tomorrow.
Finished the prototype blades, and off to the post office within 20 minutes. Didn't get to play with them at all, but hopefully the guys getting them will provide input.
Thanks Semo, the kydex really gave me a hard time. I'm not thrilled with them, but they get the job done. I had to remold the kephart sheath about 10 times.