[John W. Leach]

Hi everyone,

I have been tinkering with historical cutlery for the last couple years. My focus is primarily on 16th and 17th century items, although I dabble with other periods...

I had long been wanting to create a knife for myself, based on this still life by Van Dijk, ca. 1613. The blade is forged out of O1 tool steel, with an integral bolster. The tang runs through the handle and brass end cap, and is peened over an iron finial. The ebony handle is a simplified version of the much more ornate handle shown in the painting.

The capped sheath/case is vinegroon dyed vegetable tanned cow leather, and lightly tooled with a basic floral/grapevine motif, which was inspired by another sheath supposedly dating to the 17th century.

The still life in question:












Just thought I'd share. It's been a pipe dream of mine for more than a decade now to create cutlery like this and I am very excited to be able further refine my techniques and learn the trade of the cutlers of old!

[Dan D'Silva]

Very handsome. What kind of wood finish did you use?

And is that aged gouda? Mmm...

[John W. Leach]

Dan,

I use a home made finish that consists of linseed oil, turpentine, and beeswax.