Zog Nit Backup SD blade
This is knife number 300!
Blade length: 3 inches
Overall length: 7 inches
Steel: 1080 steel, differentially tempered. Thickness at hilt is 1/8 inch, with a distal taper following the convex grind. Finish is taken to 600 grit and stropped
Grind: Full convex, partial double edge.
Handle: black walnut with 1/4 inch brass pins
Sheath: hand stitched boot pouch, with removable belt hanger.
This knife is SOLD
Price: $155, $8 for insured shipping via USPS priority mail
Click on photos for larger images:
Links to two rather blurry photos of the knife "in hand"
first one
and second one
Design considerations and the name:
There are several knives available from manufacturers in this size range, designed as self defense backups. They often have scaled down handles, very obtuse edge grinds, and fragile tip geometries. I wanted to make something that addressed all of these issues while stll maintaining the slim, small, backup profile.
Many of the blades are 5/8 to 3/4 inch broad- I chose to make a 1 inch broad blade of 1/8 inch 1080 steel . The breadth of the blade allows for a realistic edge geometry that will actually cut.
A convex double edge grind with a small thumb riding space on the off edge. While not a utility knife, it's a knife, and the slight thumb area allows for a bit more usability. The convex grind increases overall blade and edge strength.
Handle is not scaled down. It's thinner than I'd do for a full size knife, but not too thin, and not too narrow. slight reduction in breadth near the hilt for gription. The butt is well rounded for the palm heel.
The name, Zog Nit, comes from a WW2 resistance song- it roughly translates to "never say (this is the final road)". I was searching for the name the same week as one of my friends had her 91st birthday. She's a survivor of the Dachau camp and... the name seems suitable.
