Hi all,

I've not seen too many dirks here lately, but here are two pictures of one I just finsihed.
I made it using a blade I'd got from a guy I ken in Scotland, local oak, thick leather and brass plates.
I based the design on typical dirks from the early-mid 18th century. I went for the more typical three band braid and a triangular celtic knot on the haunches. The hilt is not dyed but finsihed with boiled linseed oil and danish oil.

I hope you like it. This is the second dirk I've made and I'm much pleased.
[ Linked Image ]
[ Linked Image ]

Cheers,
Henrik

Yes, Henrik, we've seen too few dirks as of late :(

Your dirk looks fantastic. Nice job on the carving! I like the look of the early dirks.

As much as I like the dirk itself, I'm particularly impressed with the scabbard you made for it. Nice detailing. Did you make the scabbard tip as well?

Chris

Henrik...

That looks great. Can you share the name of your bladesmith, assuming he is working commercially?

Fine job.

Lin

Very very nicely done. Nice carving on the wood and the scabbard looks really good to me. Thanks for sharing! tr

[ Linked Image ]
Notice how high up the scabbard goes on the haunches.

Cheers,
Henrik

I like how the tang stands proud out and above the nut - that seems period correct to me.

Congratulations, Henrik! Exactly the kind of work I would expect from someone passionate about the period. Excellent work!

By the way, about soldering the tip. Here's my technique. Squeeze the two sides together (overlapping in the squeeze) until when they spring back they are together. Use a propane hand torch to gently heat up the piece and then apply a good quality solder flux compound along the inside of the seam. Heat the seam until when you touch the solder to the open end of the tip on the inside it will run freely down towards the tip. If the seam lips are exactly even, you will get some leakage to the outside. Apply enough to get a good "weld" but not enough to gum up the work. Let cool and then burnish with steel wool and voila, you should have a nice firm seam. Technique works with brass as well.

Take care, my friend!

Henrik...

I have been to their web site in the past and tried again after your post. Many of the pages gave me an error message and I was only able to view a little bit of their work. I did not see anything about availablity of dirk or other blades. How did you handle that? Did you just email with questions or has the site been more available in the past?

Thanks, and again, that is an excellent job.

Henrk, that's one fine dirk! Keep up the good work, and let me know when you start taking orders :cool: .

Terrific work on that dirk, Henrik. It looks terrific! Thanks for sharing your photos with us. :)

-Todd

That is fantastic work! I should think your basket-hilt project will be a beauty to behold as well. Ever thought about carved bone or antler? Ive used some as hanger grips but lack your carving skills so use it raw.

Thank you!
I would love to have a go at both those types. But I'm still a bit unsure how it would be put to it's best use. I kind of think the antler looks better and more historically accurate on smaller daggers and hunting knifes, such as skean dubhs, sgian achlaises and on gralloch knives.
Antler is a winner on hangers. I just love 18th century hangers with those grips and it looks as if the grip will be very firm when used.

Cheers,
Henrik

I guess I missed this when you posted it back in May.

Excellent work! That is truly a beautiful Dirk. The scabbard is excellent as well.

Is the butt cap brass or steel? I can't quite tell.

Henrik...

I was finally able to reach Paul MacDonald concerning dirk blades. I think he will be a good source and was very prompt in his reply.

Thanks for the information....