Most years I like to take something Confederate to the Arkansas Show. I've thought about building one like this since I first got Flayderman's Book. It's not meant to be an exact duplicate but was definitely influenced by one in the book. I had thought about trying to antique the pewter pins & spacers but so far haven't found anything to do so that didn't stain the wooden handle so I left them bright. I'm sure that they will darken naturally with time.
Blade: 14"
OAL: 19"
Steel: W1
Handle: Briar Burl
Octagonal D-Guard: Wrought Iron from Wagon Wheel Tire
Pins & Handle Spacers: Poured No-Lead Pewter
I'd appreciate any thoughts good or bad.
Thanks,
Gary
That is great Gary! I know exactly which bowie from the book. Excellent job re-creating it. I want to see this one at the show.
Brion
Brion Tomberlin
Anvil Top Custom Knives
ABS Mastersmith
Wow! Very cool.
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
Great piece Gary!!!
Thanks, everyone. I appreciate it.
Gary
Yes, cool knife! The handle looks like a puzzle...
|quoted:
The handle looks like a puzzle...
<img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> It was in a way. There was only one order that it could be assembled. Glad you liked it.
Gary
Wow!! That's awesome Gary! I can't wait to see it in Little Rock!
Looks great Gary, I have enjoyed seeing all of the historically inspired bowies you have been making. Personally I like the handle as is, I'd rather see it age naturally. -Justin
Thanks Steve & Justin. It's always nice to hear that the things that you enjoy making are liked by others.
Gary
Wasn't there an original at the museum exhibit a while back? Interesting handle.
|quoted:
<img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//biggrin.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> It was in a way. There was only one order that it could be assembled. Glad you liked it.
Gary
A WIP would have been nice for the handle construction <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> But the solution is: put all the pieces together and then slide over the tang, drill holes and do the pin thing?
chrs
|quoted:
A WIP would have been nice for the handle construction <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> But the solution is: put all the pieces together and then slide over the tang, drill holes and do the pin thing?
chrs
That's pretty much it except that the holes were drilled initially. The tricky part was how to clamp the pieces together in order to glue the pieces in place until the pewter could be poured since there aren't many parallel surfaces.
Once I had all of the handle components glued in place, I plugged one side of the pin holes with some cork. I then slid the handle over the tang and poured the pins from one side. This also filled any space in the mortise for the tang which had been notched both top & bottom. Once cooled I then removed the corks and poured the opposite side. The excess pewter was then removed with 1/2" strips of sanding belts in a shoe shine manner.
I didn't think about WIP photos but hope this helps explain the process.
Gary
That helps, Gary. Thanks
