OT-patch knife questions

[awp101]

As I understand their usage you start the patched round ball and then cut the excess patch at or very near the muzzle, right?

What purpose does "filework" on the blade serve? http://www.north-river-custom-knives.com/tier3-7.html Just decoration?

[Chuck 100 yd]

Yes,that is right.
If cutting patches as you shoot using yard goods,lay the material over the muzzle,start the ball flush with the muzzle,bunch up the cloth in one hand and cut off flush using the muzzle as a guide for the knife.

[Hillbilly]

The really old print versions of Dixie Gun Works cataloug showed how to work over a used hacksaw blade to make a patch knife.
A couple of small wooden slabs glued on for handles... they left the blade end rounded so it couldnt jab anyone. The cutting edge was shaped into a curve with about a quarter sized radius. The blade was about 2 or 3 inches long... total length about 6" or so as I remember it.

Hill

[adirondakjack]

The knife on top is a patch knife, made using a "Russell pattern" blank from Texas Knifemakers (google em). It's very authentic, as these same blades have been made since the 1830s. I think the blade was about $6, and required very little to polish it up. The handle is cocobolo. It sits on my desk to open mail. The other knife is a Russell blank also, with a boot sheath.

[awp101]

Thanks everyone!

AJ, I've ordered from TK before. That reminds me, I really need to get a couple of kits out and get busy...

[Rusty]

Another good source for a patch knife is one of the Pakistani made straight razors. If you look around you can find them for $6-10. Cut off a portion of the curved section where your finger would go and epoxy the stub in a section of deer antler.

I also used a Mora knife for a good while. The key is it has to be very sharp so it only takes one slice to cut the patch. That way you get clean edges.

[kimwcook]

Depending on the filework, it can be functional when one chokes up on the blade for tight work. Or, it can be just decorational.

[Dave]

That file work is just for fanciness. Here is a link to a Green River kit. I don't see the finished knife offered right now. Green River knives are as good as they ever were and affordable.
http://www.crazycrow.com/Merchant2/merc ... ct_Count=8

[awp101]

I hadn't thoght about choking up on the blade!

Dave, thanks for the link!

[dr walker]

AWP101 Check out these guys. I recieved one as a gift recently and really like it.
http://www.blindhorseknives.com/patchknives.htm

[awp101]

Thanks Doc! I actually have that page bookmarked from a search the other day but it's good to hear from someone who's purchased/received an item from them.

[JerryB]

Rusty is right about the straight razors, they do make great patch knives. Years ago barbers would give them to you.Like Rusty said cut off the curl and drill out a dog or a deer leg bone for the handle.

[awp101]

The curl? It's been ages since I saw a straight razor and even longer (like never ) since I used one.

[jnyork]

Old straight razors are a very common item at yard sales and such, keep your eyes open and you'll find one. Ask around to your friends and neighbors, someone probably has one lying around they might give you. IMHO, no better material to be had for a patch knife.

[KCSO]

The file work is just for decoration. Any good small knife can be used as a patch knife as long as it is SHARP. A dull knife will pull at the weave of the cloth and can ruin the patch. I don't like a straight razor blade for a patch knife as i use my guns in the woods and a razor blade is not what you need to skin a squirrel and you don't need to carry a 10 pound bag to go hunting. My patch knives were all made from old crosscut saw blades and had a gp blade shape and a blade from 2-3 inches long.