This clay tempered blade was hand forged from a sawmill blade. The natural texture from fire and hammer marks have been left on the surface of the blade. The shape draws inspiration from the lines of a classic clip point and the deep belly of a buffalo skinner. A fusion mount, the handle is constructed like a Japanese tanto and may be disassembled for repair work. The generous rectangular coffin/box grip profile is suited for larger hands and or alternatively, there is ample wood remaining to allow some diy customization to suit the user.
The guard began its life as a wear strip on a Caterpillar tractor and the hand shaped maple handle began as a piece of discarded furniture built in 1968. A bamboo peg locks the tang into the handle assembly. The wood is burnished with an antler tip and finished with a coat of 100% pure tung oil. The blade is 4.5″ long and the overall length is 9″.
The hand shaped split red-cedar scabbard is a collaboration with the button maker. A hand-hammered brass Edo button accents the rawhide wrapped leather frog that encircles the handle of the knife as well as providing a belt-loop anchor. A dew-claw toggle on a leather thong acts as a retaining strap when sheathed. The scabbard is finished with tung oil and the frog with neatsfoot oil.
Material: Reclaimed sawmill blade steel, reclaimed bronze Caterpillar wear strip, reclaimed maple furniture, reclaimed leather, rawhide, reclaimed brass push-plate, Red Cedar, deer dew claw
This piece is in a private collection in Texas.
Photos of the Process
