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Henrik Bjoern Boegh

Location: Agder, Norway Joined: 03 Mar 2004
Posts: 386
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Posted: Mon 25 Sep, 2006 1:49 pm Post subject: Pommel decorations on Scottish dirks? |
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Hi all,
Many dirks from the 17th and 18th century feature nice decortive lines and patterns on the top of the pommelplate.
When I was working with my dirk project recently, I had no clue about this. To decorate the pommelplate, I simply used some fine files and made some simple lines which formes a cross. This I think looks OK, but how does one make sircles etc.? Please tell me how the historical method would be, since I prefer to do most of the job without electric tools.
Cheers,
Henrik
Constant and true.
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Laurie W
Industry Professional

Location: SW Arizona Joined: 20 Jan 2006
Posts: 61
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Posted: Mon 25 Sep, 2006 1:57 pm Post subject: |
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You use a circle/round punch and hammer. Just be sure to practice first abit to get the technique to strike without rocking to one side or the other to get a goodlooking/perfect circle.
Kirby makes his own for whatever size hole needed but you can also find steel counter punches.
Laurie Wise-Fraser FSA Scot.
Kirby Wise-Fraser FSA Scot.& Son
Arms and Armour
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Henrik Bjoern Boegh

Location: Agder, Norway Joined: 03 Mar 2004
Posts: 386
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Posted: Mon 25 Sep, 2006 3:06 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Laurie!
You're a great help!
Does brass need to be heated in any way before this is done?
Cheers,
Henrik
Constant and true.
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Johan S. Moen
Location: Kristiansand, Norway Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 259
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Posted: Mon 25 Sep, 2006 11:36 pm Post subject: |
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Henrik Bjoern Boegh wrote: | Thanks Laurie!
You're a great help!
Does brass need to be heated in any way before this is done?
Cheers,
Henrik |
If the brass has been work hardened a lot, you should anneal it(heat it and drop it in some water). Just wondering; are you using brass sheet from Clas Ohlson(that stuff does almost _never_ need to be annealed)? I can attest to what Laurie is saying; definately practice! I went through a lot of scrap pieces before I could get a circle that looked nice...
Johan Schubert Moen
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Justin King
Industry Professional
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Posted: Tue 26 Sep, 2006 6:08 am Post subject: |
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Having the brass on an anvil or something that won't bounce will help a great deal.
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Henrik Bjoern Boegh

Location: Agder, Norway Joined: 03 Mar 2004
Posts: 386
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Posted: Wed 27 Sep, 2006 10:07 am Post subject: |
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Thanks!
Does one have to get special tools for this?
Johan, you're right, I've bought brass sheets from Clas Olsson (in Kristiansand, actually )
Cheers,
Henrik
Constant and true.
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