Antler Drop Point

This project began as an exploration of the traditional Scandinavian method of mounting a knife blade on a handle. The central element of the handle design is a slice of antler from which the wood handle and bronze guard flow organically. A different style and construction from my usual methods, this was an interesting challenge.

The raw material for the blade was a section of a chainsaw bar, forged and clay tempered. The bronze guard is fashioned from a large bearing race, and a piece of found antler accents the rich colours of the smooth wood handle. A five yen coin from Japan (dated 1987) serves as the pommel through which the tang is riveted, securely locking the handle parts together. The wood has been coated with pure tung oil for a totally natural finish. The blade is about 4.75″ long and the overall length is 9.5″.

The sheath is designed and handcrafted by Armando DosSantos, a Vancouver Island artisan known for his unique decorative style and use of leather. His involvement in the arts started at The School of Decorative Arts in Lisbon, Portugal and he is also a trained Architectural Draftsman. Working from his island studio, his handcrafted and decorated chests, boxes, mirror frames and bowls have sold in Europe and North America for several decades.

The intent of my work has been to fuse an ancient European way of working with leather and a sophistication that is available today, making it meaningful by depicting vast themes. Armando DosSantos

Material: Reclaimed chainsaw bar steel, reclaimed bronze bearing race, five yen coin.

This piece is in a private collection on Vancouver Island. (the client also happens to be a coin collector!)

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

From the Making Process

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials

Island Blacksmith: Hand forged traditional knives from reclaimed materials


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