This knife was a collaboration with Coastal Carvings artist Jeremy Humpherville who designed the unique shape based on a traditional ulu pattern. Jeremy has been saving a very special piece of walrus tusk which will be used for the handle. See more photos of the finished work.
Forged from a reclaimed antique Model T leaf spring, the blade pattern is an original by Jeremy Humpherville, designed to incorporate the best characteristics of a traditional ulu into a skinning knife. Some of the hammer marks and century-old rust pitting are left visible on the blade. The temper of this high carbon steel blade has been left relatively hard and is well suited to users who require a good edge and are willing to take care of it.
An heirloom piece resulting from the collaborative effort of artists and craftsmen working across a decade to create meaningful, functional art that can be passed on for generations.
Specifications
The blade is just under 4″ long and 2.75″ deep, the overall length with tang is about 6.75″, and the spine is about 5.5mm thick.
Materials: reclaimed Model T leaf spring steel
This piece is in a private collection on Vancouver Island.
Process
This piece was forged in a charcoal fire using a hand hammer, shaped with files and polished with stones. Hardening was done using the traditional Japanese yaki-ire technique, used historically for sword making.
See more photos of the finished work.