Quote Originally Posted by rocarule View Post
Why not a frameback? cut a blank with a good geometry, then attach a frame. The grinding would be minimal or no existant, decreasing cost. you'll be using less steel, again cost reduction. why not just order blanks from a solingen forge? you'll get a blank that needs minimal grinding. As for scales maybe something mild injected or 3d printed.
A frameback would solve a lot of the problems! Now we are talking! You could even source out the frame and blade separately and assemble in house for final fit and finish. I like this idea, it has lots of possibilities. If you were brave you could move into the removable blade types down the road as well. Not to mention doing any kind of etching on a flat piece of steel and THEN inserting it into the frame would simplify the process quite a bit.

Great suggestion!