Hi all,
First proper post here though I have been browsing and reading this site for quite a few years now. My main interest is in making and finally in the past six months have started some of my own knives. This is number ten just finished (and eleven) and is my first big project that isn't a simple eating knife so wanted to share.

This is a 15th/16th century German style Bauernwehr, I say style as it is not copied from anything in particular and i'm sure there will be something i have not done quite right, but I hope it looks the part. I have done this as a three piece set in the manner of medieval hunting sets, so there is a little byknife and pricker too. The blades are forged from 1075+cr (bauernwehr) and 1080 (other two), with mild steel fittings and yew handle scales. The pricker has been tempered at a lower temperature in the hope that it could in theory be used for sharpening. The sheath is multi pocketed to hold all three pieces, and has tooled vine decoration and a simple fabricated steel chape. Lots of firsts as this was mainly as a learning process and will be used for absolutely nothing.

Anyway thanks to everyone here really as this has been my main go to resource for answering any questions. Particularly to Tod who has always been very generous and helpful to me.

Any critiques welcome as I hope to do a lot more of this
Cheers
Alex

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Alex,

I know you joined a while ago, but welcome to the forum! This is some really nice work that you have done. I have no critiques. Thank you for sharing.

I'm curious to know how you forged/fabricated the chape. It's lovely.

So a "farmer's knife." He would have been one prosperous "gentleman farmer" to possess a set like that. Quite an extraordinary creation, there.
Henry

Phenomenal workmanship, Good Sir!

What a wonderful set Alexander. Can't believe you've only been at this for six months. Truly envious!

Thanks for the kind words all!

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I'm curious to know how you forged/fabricated the chape. It's lovely.

This was cut from sheet steel, folded into a flattened cone section and the seam soldered shut down the centre back. The finial was filed from an offcut of square bar, with a little nub left at the base so that it could slot into the tip of the cone, and then the join was soldered and cleaned up and the whole thing polished.

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He would have been one prosperous "gentleman farmer" to possess a set like that.

Yes! This farmer got lucky with a scratchcard I suppose. Originally this was not going to have the small knife, pricker, or chape, but lockdown has left me with a lot more time than usual.

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Can't believe you've only been at this for six months. Truly envious!

That is very kind- I am very new to knives and bladesmithing but so as not to seem disingenuous I am lucky enough now to make things for a job, though mostly with leather, so have a little experience in practical work and a nice set of hand tools.

Cheers!
Alex

Nice work!

FYI: I posted a link to this topic in a FB group I help admin that was started by bladesmiths and has many craftspersons as members (as well as people like me that just enjoy the stuff!).

Here's a link to the posting - might be another place for you to show off what you do and get inspiration.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ULAweapons/?multi_permalinks=3118515864866572&notif_id=1589051808452384&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif

It's a fantastic looking set! I especially like the leatherwork. Great work!

Fantastic work! Would love some WIP picts, such a project would be well worth documenting!
How long did it take you to make?

Thanks

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It's a fantastic looking set! I especially like the leatherwork. Great work!

Very kind- I am full of admiration for your own work.

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Fantastic work! Would love some WIP picts, such a project would be well worth documenting! How long did it take you to make?

Difficult to say really as this went on hold a few times waiting for materials, but it's been on and off since the end of March. Definitely longer than it should have taken anyway.

I have scoured my phone for progress pictures and turns out I took basically none, but here is what I found. Enough to see my very professional grinding setup in any case... These show the fuller being cut in, which was done with a file before the blade was hardened, and the finished nagel and bolsters as they were before attachment.The nagel was quite tricky and took a couple of attempts, and was actually an old piece of rebar, split and forged down into a T shape and the rest was with files.
Final picture is my polishing setup. One day it would nice to have one of those big american 2x72" and the space to put it, but a file, angle grinder and bench grinder/sander will have to do in the meantime.

I do have a little 16thc messer and a big batch of eating knives just started so perhaps can post a proper WIP for those.

Cheers!
Alex

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The set looks amazing! Looks very professional.
I bet a lot of people would be happy to own that set - me included.

The pattern of the wood is absolutely spectacular.
That's yew for you.

Stunning work.