Adam H. Posted July 23, 2023 Share Posted July 23, 2023 Hello all, I have a few projects I would like to share, so I figure I would just make a thread for all of them instead of posting multiples. Most of what I make is simple stock removal projects, made from oven-softened files or saw blades gifted to me by friends. I also re-work the occasional old knife into something new (after doing my best to confirm it isn't a valuable antique!). ^First up, a file knife. Olivewood, copper, and buffalo horn from a dog chew. Full flat grind blade, just over 3" long, about 7 and 3/8" total. ^This tiny knife was based on this knife found in a glacier melt in Norway. The original used birch for the handle, while I again used olivewood. No sheath was found, so I made one like you would for a puukko, with a carved wood core wrapped in veg tan leather. I thought it ended up looking like an acorn, so I tooled oak leaves and acorns into the leather using a bamboo bbq skewer. The blade is made of a piece of saw blade gifted to me by a friend, and matches the original in size, save for thickness, being only .090" thick. https://i.imgur.com/5HRa6Zn.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OOFtrY4.jpg ^The scabbard build and handle-re-wrap I did for my Hanwei/Tinker Pierce Norman sword. The scabbard has a poplar core, lined with natural linen and wrapped in veg-tanned sheep or goat skin (I forgot which). I tried to keep it as period correct as I could, even referring to the archaeological find for the stitching on the back. I didn't include a chape, as those were pretty rare for the time of the Norman Conquest, and I was trying to create the look of a more "common" sword. A before and after of an old butcher's knife I converted into a mid-19th Century bowie knife. The darker wood (which I was unable to identify, but has a dark dark red color when you cut into it) is part of the original handle. The lighter wood is black walnut from a branch a storm knocked out of a tree in my parent's backyard. Kept as much of the weathering on the blade as I possibly could; I didn't want it to look new, even though it was made into something new. Mild steel guard, and red brass plaques with my initials inset into the handle. 8 and 5/8" blade, just shy of 13" overall. Balance point is about 1.5" below the guard. I wish it had more, as this blade is on the thinner side, about .135" on the spine. Still, she's razor sharp and very fast in the hand. Would be right at home in the old West, or even the US Civil War. I plan on making a sheath soon! More to come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 Welcome from the Ozark mountains. Those are some very good looking knives and sword. I started making knives years ago by stock removal, mostly fishing filet knives and NW Hudson Bay trade knives. Never tried reproducing more ancient knives. I was doing hobby blacksmithing and started forging out knife blanks and never looked back. Something about hammering hot steel into the shape of the knife you want is magic to me. I can't control the wind, all I can do is adjust my sails. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 Very nice, and nicely photographed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
templehound Posted July 25, 2023 Share Posted July 25, 2023 Your rebuild Norway ancient knife is absolutely sweet!....maybe I had left the leafs on the sheath away, but in fire of passion I understand why you did it. all the other stuff you posted is really nice as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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