I recently picked up a project I had sitting on the bench and decided to finish it. It isn't done yet, but it's far enough along that I can start sharing the process photos. In looking back, I can't believe that I forged this out almost a year ago.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
The blade survived the HT and finishing. This will be a through-tang take-down handle so I forged and ground the tang down to make it threaded with 10/24. Here it is at 600 grit. Approximate dimensions are 31,5 cm L, 3,5 cm wide and 4,4 mm thick.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
Making the handle required me to reaquaint myself with the wood lathe. This caused the first try to explode suddenly. The second try got better, but was too long. The thrid try made the grade. Dirk handles are kind of short compared to the typical knife we all know and love. The top portion is typically around 2 inches in diameter on traditional Highland Dirks so it was tricky finding a suitable piece of wood. It's not a traditional Dirk handle wood, but I had a piece of Bubinga that fit the need. This needs more tweaking, but you get the idea. More later.....
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
Casting the pommel cap was another experience laden task.....I forget how many times I tried this.
I use a sand casting method and will be using bronze casting grain. First I had to carve a wax model.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
I've shown the sand casting method in other posts, so I won't load this thread up with more of it. Here is the casting.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
Here it is after being mostly cleaned, threaded to fit the tang stud, and fit onto the knife
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
The side view
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
Classic profile on a very classic blade, good luck with your project.
Classic profile on a very classic blade, good luck with your project.
Thanks Kevin. Now comes the hard part. Dirks typically have carved handles. There is actually a standard knotwork carving that goes around the haunches called "The Dirk Knot" and a typical weave pattern used on the body of the handle. The crown, or pomell area can be carved or left plain. Here is the layout for the carving.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
Minor progress to report. I got the weave and haunches roughed in over the last few days. This is done with a few wood carving chisels, a couple of pointed gravers, and a very thin knife-edged nedle file #4 cut.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
A side shot
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
I just realized that I had to redo the layout for the weave, but never posted the pic of the second layout. Here it is.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
I have beveled and sanded the weave and haunch knot. Tomorrow, I will add the grace lines to give it more body.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
Another photo.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
Today I finished the carving.
“So I'm lightin' out for the territory, ahead of the scared and the weak and the mean spirited, because Aunt Sally is fixin’ to adopt me and civilize me, and I can't stand it. I've been there before.”
