Dirk handles

[fortcollinsjerry]

For those who own a dirk would you please measure the handle at the widest point (the hips just above the blade) and the over-all length. I'm going to start practicing some carving and would like to use the standard size piece of material.
Thanks

[Phil]

Sorry, this isn't the answer you want but I couldn't resist it seeing your question - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz2-ukrd2VQ

[EagleJCS]

I have a thistle-hafted reproduction dirk with a crown pommel, no forks or jewelry. (I presume it was made in either India or Pakistan, but it has no maker's marks on it.)

The carved wooden portion is 1 5/8" wide at the hips by 5" long. There is a 3/16" high portion under the pommel and 7/32" high portion under the base ring. Total reveal on the length is about 4 1/2". Length from the hips to the start of the 'thistle' is 2". The 'thistle' is 2 1/4" long, with about 1/2" flaring out to the pommel, which covers the last 7/16". The pommel itself is round, with a 1 1/2" overall diameter (3/8" less under the metal cap - a 3/16" lip).

The pommel (the metal crown) is 11/16" high and the metal ring at the base of the hips (just above the blade) is 9/16" high. The metal ring is the same width as the wood (1 5/8").

Wish I could provide pictures, but I do not have a digital camera.

[JRB]

I have an early style dirk (18th c.) with ballock type lobes and a sharply tapered blade. It measures 1 3/4" at the hips and is 4 1/2" from where the grip meets the blade at the hips to the end of the butt plate.

[fortcollinsjerry]

lordy Jay - how did you come across that gem? It's beautiful!

[JRB]

That was made by two brothers from the Czech Republic that make historic blades under the name Arm Art. It was a commissioned custom piece but they liked my finished dirk so much that they offered it as one of their catalogue items. It's based closely on several historic dirks.

[fortcollinsjerry]

Yeah - there are a lot of really talented smith's out there looking for work who can make good items. A friend of mine is a Master Blade smith but I'm not sure I can afford his fee for a blade. We are talking about it now.

[JRB]

Just so you know, the 4 1/2" length of my dirk's grip is at the upper end for grip length of period dirks (though still historically acceptable). A lot of old dirks have grips of less than 4". If you have big mitts like mine that is just too short to offer a comfortable grasp. From the period dirks I've read about and seen, 4" grips seem to be the norm.