A Detailed Knife Handle Drawing – Step by Step

A thorough and precise working drawing is essential because it ensures that the knife’s shape and function are accurate and consistent. It serves as a clear guide, reducing errors and material waste while making project planning more efficient. Later, the drawing also serves as a template when cutting out individual parts.

Detaljeret tegning af kniv.

Draw the BladePlace the knife blade on a piece of paper and trace its entire outline, including the tang – the portion of the blade that will sit inside the handle and be glued in. It is important to include the tang correctly, as the handle must fit it precisely.

1. Mark Centerline and Measurements Identify the transition between the blade and handle; this is the 0-point, from which measurements begin.

2. Mark the total blade length on the paper.

3. Place a key measurement at 4.5 cm from the 0-point. This is the widest part of the handle, just before the midpoint, which will influence how the sheath fits the knife later.

4. Place another measurement at 9.5 cm, approximately the distance from the outer side of the index finger to the outer side of the little finger. This ensures the handle fits comfortably in the hand. This can vary from person to person but works for most adult hands.

5. Finally, mark the total handle length, adding 1 cm for extra allowance, typically around 12 cm.

6. Draw the Underside of the Handle Extend the line that marks the blade’s underside into the handle area. Draw it slightly longer than you think it will be – it is easier to adjust later than to start over.

7. Draw the Top Side of the Handle Extend the line that marks the blade’s spine into the handle. Adjust this line according to the desired shape of the handle. The top can be straight or have a gentle curve.

8. Mark the Handle End Draw a horizontal line from the blade tip backward to set the handle’s height.

9. Draw the Belly End Draw the curve that finishes the handle near the little finger. Mark the point about 6–8 mm down and draw a gentle curve from the little finger’s position, ensuring the end is comfortable to hold.

10. Connect Key Points Connect the points at 9.5 cm and 12 cm. Choose how to shape the line between them: it can be a curve, a straight line, or an S-shape. A curve with a radius of 75 mm (Ø75 mm) often results in a harmonious, natural shape.

11. Shape the Top Side From the 4.5 cm point on the top side, draw a gentle curve that leads to the centerline at 12 cm. This shape can be adjusted later as you refine the handle’s balance and aesthetic.

12. Front of the Knife Draw the front shape, which can be a gentle curve, straight line, or S-shape. Use the same curve as the inlays to keep the design consistent.

13. Add Inlays If you want inlays in the handle – for example, liners in horn, bone, wood, or mammoth ivory – draw them now. Use the same curve radius (Ø75 mm) for these inlays to maintain a harmonious design.

14. Extra Details Add additional details as needed: extra inlays, back bolster, or other elements. Always use the same measurements and curves so that the handle design feels cohesive and balanced.