18th Century inspired Bird & Trout

[Don Abbott]

My mother commissioned me to make this one as a gift for her grandson (my nephew). He likes to fish and hunt, and my sister actually picked out a pattern from one I'd made years ago.

 

It has contemporary elements like the ricasso and and etched logo, but I had to incorporate the seven pin bird-head handle to keep a little 18th century vibe going.

 

I forged the blade from 1084. The handles are, as Dr. Jim would say, bovine ivory (cow bone). The pins are 6p finish nails. Leather sheath dyed with iron acetate and hardened with heat and bee's wax. 4.25" blade, 8" overall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hate that I didn't get a good spine shot. I was extremely pleased with the distal taper in the tang and blade.

[Alan Longmire]

Nice one, Don!

[Ron Benson]

That is one sweet little knife.

[Doug Lester]

That one is just spot on.

 

Doug

[Gary LT]

Ooh….. I do like this one, Don.

How did you procure or come by the bone? 

(Asking because I am looking for some w/o spending lots $$)

 

GaryLT

[Alex Middleton]

Very nice Don.  Very simple looking, but not simple at all.  Very difficult to pull off and you nailed it!

[Alan Longmire]

44 minutes ago, Gary LT said:

How did you procure or come by the bone? 

 

Dunno about Don, I get mine in this form: https://www.redbarn.com/collections/bones/products/white-bone?variant=37840242475188

 

A little careful bandsawing and you're good to go.

[Gary LT]

Thank you Alan!! This is what I hoped for! Beats hydrogen peroxide or trying to cook one!

Gary LT

 

[clint c]

Love it, super classy and great lines, really like the round pommel!  Clint

[Don Abbott]

16 hours ago, Alan Longmire said:

 

Dunno about Don, I get mine in this form: https://www.redbarn.com/collections/bones/products/white-bone?variant=37840242475188

 

A little careful bandsawing and you're good to go.

 

Bingo. You can also find 'em at the PetSmart type stores.

 

And thanks for the kind words. I really enjoyed this one.

[Alan Longmire]

I don't order them from that store specifically, that was just the first example I saw online.  I generally get them at Tractor Supply or PetSmart. I like to hand pick through them to choose the ones best suited for the scales I need.  There's a lot of waste, but it sure beats doing the boil/scrape/bleach thing yourself!  Just be sure you don't buy the ones pre-stuffed with peanut butter...   Also check at any "natural pet supply" place.  They often have really nice elk and deer antler sheds for a lot cheaper than you find from knife supply places.  Just google "antler dog chews" and hold onto your socks. If you have an in-person place near you it's well worth it to pick through the bins. 

 

The more I look at that little knife the more I like it. Perfect blend of antique and modern.  

[Doug Lester]

Just remember that working with bone or antler with power tools can really reek.  I worked on some bone on my bandsaw which was in my basement and it took three or four days to get the smell out of my house.

 

Doug

[Barney Barnett]

oh my fiancee hates when I work with antler in the garage LOL

[dragoncutlery]

On 12/30/2021 at 1:55 PM, Doug Lester said:

Just remember that working with bone or antler with power tools can really reek.  I worked on some bone on my bandsaw which was in my basement and it took three or four days to get the smell out of my house.

 

Doug

you can get the smell out?

[Doug Lester]

It will go away after a few days.  Maybe you could spray something like Ozium air freshener around the shop.  You can find it at an auto parts store with the other air fresheners.

 

Doug