Hi all,
I delivered another commission last week to a guy with an outstanding 1320 knightly kit.
He wanted something special for his table knife... he said...
The blade is a forged composite blade (inserted and forge welded hardened cutting edge) by excellent blacksmith Timm Esemann (blade legnth 123mm, overall length 249mm).
I made the handle from darkened oak, bone and brass.
The richly decorated sheath is a bit of an experiment. There are several finds of sheaths and leather girdles with remains of pigment paint and gilding. I never tried this before but I thought this would just about be appropriate for a night at the dinner table.
It is made out of blackened (iron water) 2m calf leather with cut and stamped motives after the german "Codex Henricus"
The coloring is done with oil paint (iron oxide pigments with linseed varnish) and leaf gold applied with egg white.
Although the gilding kind of worked I must say that leaf gilding will not become my favorite technique... ; )
The cord is made of madder died silk and is -of course- hand roped...

Hope you like it...

Exceptional indeed!

Tod

That really is lovely. I love all of it, but the sheath is exceptional.

This is stunning work! I'll try to close my dropped jaw for the next few hours... :surprised:

Very beautiful! The sheath is exquisitely decorated.

By chance do you have a photo of this fellow's "1320s knightly kit" that you can share? You can PM me so as to not distract the conversation... That's right up my alley and I always love seeing good interpretations!

-Gregory

A top class work on that scabbard and a nice blade. I think it captures the spirit of the medieval period. Superb

that´s wonderful!
just a small technical question (if it´s not a secret): how did you join layers of brass & bone & wood on the handle? did you use any glue, or it´s just holding together by a peened tang? have used both methods, but have problems finding a glue that is both historically accurate and sticks well (esp. on brass).

Beautiful! Great use of materials..

That is simply outstanding! It always brightens my day to see works of such finely executed (and functional) art; I find its tasteful elegance both beautiful and very appropriate for the desired use/period. You did a fantastic job on it all. :)

Of course, there's a downside...Now, I want something like it, and haven't yet plotted funding it...lol