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Moderators feel free to move this post if it is not located correctly, I just want some informal feedback on a personal project.
Greetings all,
I have been an avid collector of pocketknives for 25 years, and have a collection that currently numbers over 750 knives from 100's of makers both old and new, with many CW vintage. So it was only natural for me to enter into the next phase and begin biulding my own knives. I solicit your feedback on my latest creation, I made this for myself to tote in my pocket at reenactments and living histories. I felt I could do a better job creating a period correct knife that represented a typical pocketknife of the 19th century than what is currently available on the commercial market, (at least as far as a good bone handled knife, Jim Kindred does offer an accurate wood handled knife). For the pattern I chose a very common and time tested two bladed swell end jack. meaning both blades pivot from the same bolster. The knife is somewhat of a forerunner to the trapper pattern but smaller, and totally correct for the period. For handles I used dyed jigged bone, I fancied dark green for some reason. In keeping with the period style, the bolsters are of German silver as are the pins and nails, linings are of brass. The blades are of carbon steel, one clip point and one spey blade, not the shiney stainless steel. The only 21st century liberties I took were to use cyrogenically treated blades, they have been quenched at -320 degrees F., this lines up the molecules so that they hold an unbelievable edge, I chose to do this as it is in no way detectable in the appearance and thus would not detract in visual appeal, but would certainly add in performance. Again in keeping with the period, you will note too the absence of any tang stamp. Most of the construction was done by hand using simple hand tools and bench work, but obviously some power machinery was used as well. All assembly and finishing was done by hand. While not overly large, she is a hefty little beast. Built solid and strong. Made here in the good old USA by yours truly, and built with my own hands to be the kind of knife that can be handed down to generations to come.
I ask for your feedback as I am considering making a few for a few close comrades and perhaps in the future a very limited few for the the general masses. My next one will sport handles of natural undyed smooth bone. I'm also considering a three bladed equal end.
You can see some pics here;
Regards;
Dan Houde
Greetings all,
I have been an avid collector of pocketknives for 25 years, and have a collection that currently numbers over 750 knives from 100's of makers both old and new, with many CW vintage. So it was only natural for me to enter into the next phase and begin biulding my own knives. I solicit your feedback on my latest creation, I made this for myself to tote in my pocket at reenactments and living histories. I felt I could do a better job creating a period correct knife that represented a typical pocketknife of the 19th century than what is currently available on the commercial market, (at least as far as a good bone handled knife, Jim Kindred does offer an accurate wood handled knife). For the pattern I chose a very common and time tested two bladed swell end jack. meaning both blades pivot from the same bolster. The knife is somewhat of a forerunner to the trapper pattern but smaller, and totally correct for the period. For handles I used dyed jigged bone, I fancied dark green for some reason. In keeping with the period style, the bolsters are of German silver as are the pins and nails, linings are of brass. The blades are of carbon steel, one clip point and one spey blade, not the shiney stainless steel. The only 21st century liberties I took were to use cyrogenically treated blades, they have been quenched at -320 degrees F., this lines up the molecules so that they hold an unbelievable edge, I chose to do this as it is in no way detectable in the appearance and thus would not detract in visual appeal, but would certainly add in performance. Again in keeping with the period, you will note too the absence of any tang stamp. Most of the construction was done by hand using simple hand tools and bench work, but obviously some power machinery was used as well. All assembly and finishing was done by hand. While not overly large, she is a hefty little beast. Built solid and strong. Made here in the good old USA by yours truly, and built with my own hands to be the kind of knife that can be handed down to generations to come.
I ask for your feedback as I am considering making a few for a few close comrades and perhaps in the future a very limited few for the the general masses. My next one will sport handles of natural undyed smooth bone. I'm also considering a three bladed equal end.
You can see some pics here;
Regards;
Dan Houde
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