Some more historically inspired Highland cutlery with carved knotwork handles.

**Brasilikilt** · 10th February 16, 10:06 AM

Hello Everyone.

I've been a bit of a carving addict lately.
After having been intimidated by the idea of doing Celtic knot carving for years, (I thought it a hopelessly tedious, and difficult endeavor!) I per-chanced upon an old set of miniature wood carving tools in the garage, and figured it was a sign...
Here is the first one. Some of you may have seen this is another thread unstained, and without any wear or distressing done yet. It almost looks like a different knife now!

Here is the one I am working on currently. The blade still needs a little forging and refining, but other than that, this one should be ready to assemble and given it's final finish before long.

This last one had such a nicely grained walnut handle that I thought too pretty to be hidden under carvings...So I left it as is. Eventually all these knives will have a wet-pressed center seam scabbard like this made for them.

Comments and constructive criticism are always appreciated...
Thanks for looking
Iain

**Profane James** · 10th February 16, 04:40 PM

I think they look great!

**GrainReaper** · 10th February 16, 05:40 PM

I'm a "schlock-level" smith, (my coal fired forge sits idle outside due to winter), I'm impressed by the carving! free form knot work is a bit of black magic to me, even a 4-rib basket weave pattern makes my teeth itch because I can't just make a pattern and transfer because of the handle shape... Well done!

**Dale Seago** · 10th February 16, 06:19 PM

Love it!!!

**IsaacW** · 10th February 16, 08:13 PM

Wonderful! I love it

**MacRob** · 11th February 16, 06:35 AM

No criticism at all. Very nice work.

**Brasilikilt** · 20th February 16, 12:59 AM

Thanks for the kind words!
I found your compliments so encouraging that I went ahead and started another.

The wood I have been using is a type of laurel hedge which grows everywhere around here. This particular piece was cut from a branch which was injured somehow (lightening?) and re-grew a red, much harder wood around the wound. This makes for an interesting contrast to the normally very light color that this wood normally is.

The blade is forged to mimic the basic shape of the much larger dirks, but in a much more convenient package...The thick spine, and fine needle-like tip allows for ideal slicing and superb penetration. Features which would undoubtedly come in handy if one was forced to defend themselves against a violent, drug-crazed Haggis, or unruly gang of Scotch eggs.
Thanks again for your kind words!

**Downunder Kilt** · 20th February 16, 03:07 AM

Much admire your talents as a blacksmith and carver. Your blade shape reminds me of the Sgian Achlais or armpit dagger . cheers and continue with the impressive work.

**Brasilikilt** · 27th February 16, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Much admire your talents as a blacksmith and carver. Your blade shape reminds me of the Sgian Achlais or armpit dagger . cheers and continue with the impressive work.

YEP! These indeed are made with the sgian achlais in mind. Apparently, there are very few remaining originals left, so designing these has been left mostly up to my imagination.