New Dirk & Basket Hilt

[Ryan Ross]

Ryan, I wish I could show you a picture of my "custom" dirk, but I can not find my pictures in my files (still looking ) I would take new ones, but the dirk is currently on it's way to the E. Coast ( as is my "Armour Class Basket Hilt ). A GOOD friend of mine needed them. His Daughter is getting married & it is a FORMAL, 3 day affair( Scottish ) plus while he is back there, he will be participating in some other activities. I did email him requesting so pics, when he gets time.
But until then here is an idea of what it looks like.

This is the "prototype' we used.
Changes made:
1.Hilt. - Bolock "haunches" sim. to this

The wood is " figured curly Maple" stained
Note the metal work is "german silver" & was done by a man in my ML/BP club. ( "german silver is inexpensive & easy to work with)

2. Here is the blade ( bought it from this site https://www.lochnessorigins.com/acat...omponents.html


BTW - Making a sim. dirk actually not that difficult. The hilt is the major task ( if you buy the blade) BUT if you keep it simple & have access to a lathe, it can be done. Here is an idea Just eliminate the "knots.
The cost is worth the effort. My total cost was under $150.00. But you can do it for less, depending on the blade etc.

Hope this helps.

BTW, here is a picture of the blade that we are copying for my new dirk. The hilt design is still in the works. ( I am "Practicing on a couple of deisigns, trying to find one I can do with my limited skills )
Note, there will not be engraving.

Puffer

Ah, thanks for the pics and the info!

The blade you used looks great! Not that I would ever be using such a thing for it's intended purpose, but how would you say the quality of the steel was (in terms of it's ability to take and keep a good edge? As for the handle, I actually do have a lathe and some extremely modest experience with carving, aswell. One of the reasons I've thought about making a dirk is because the only dirks to be found with short enough handles, cost an arm and a leg. I may well get to this project, sometime soon.

[puffer]

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...9&goto=newpost but how would you say the quality of the steel was (in terms of it's ability to take and keep a good edge? I may well get to this project, sometime soon.

My blade took a good edge & has kept it ( I do not do much cutting with it, but afterward, I touch it up with an Arkansas stone ( cross sticks)
BTW, I emailed the supplier abut the metallurgical specs. If I get them I will let you know.

If you do decide to venture forth on this project, let me know. Plus if I can be of any help, also let me know.

Puffer

[Ancienne Alliance]

Great blades there !

[Ryan Ross]

My blade took a good edge & has kept it ( I do not do much cutting with it, but afterward, I touch it up with an Arkansas stone ( cross sticks)
BTW, I emailed the supplier abut the metallurgical specs. If I get them I will let you know.

If you do decide to venture forth on this project, let me know. Plus if I can be of any help, also let me know.

Puffer

Thanks a lot, Puffer. When and if I get around to tackling this one, I'll be sure to let you know.

[Aracos mac Domhnaill]

Nice blades gentlemen!

I've got one LIKE THIS that I got from either Jas Townsend & Sons or Smoke & Fire Co. 12 years ago. I had it sharpened to a very fine edge and after sterilisation, we used it to to cut the umbilical cords for each of my daughters when they were born at home. (14 months apart.) It hangs in my daughters' room now that they are old enough and have been taught how to handle it.

I'll eventually get another for costume or ritual use, but my sgian dubh works well enough for more legal every day use.