What dirk handle

[figheadair]

Gents,

Your thoughts please.

I've just inherited an old dirk. It's made from a cut down C18th back sword blade but has a nasty antler handle. I'm interested in have a replacement along the lines of those pictured in Drummond's Scottish Weapons. Given that it's a single edge blade (13 inches plus tongue topped by the original screw thread) what style of handle would you go for and why.

I should add that this is not something that I would undertake myself but rather commission someone with a proven track record - perhaps these guys: http://www.knifemaker.co.uk/Gallery/dirkshome.html

Thoughts?

[Piper]

If the dirk is old, and the handle original, I would think long and hard before making any alterations. Replacing the handle would tend to seriously lower the value of an antique dirk, no matter how skillfully done. I would lean towards hanging the original dirk in my den, and picking up a repro for hanging on a belt.

[JolyStNicholas]

If ya be into that sorta thing definately display the "OLD" one. It would look grand on your wall!

[figheadair]

If the dirk is old, and the handle original, I would think long and hard before making any alterations. Replacing the handle would tend to seriously lower the value of an antique dirk, no matter how skillfully done. I would lean towards hanging the original dirk in my den, and picking up a repro for hanging on a belt.

Nope, the handle is recent - last 15 years. I remember my father finding the blade amongst an old carpenter's tools at which time it was without a handle.

[davidlpope]

Peter,

What a neat project. My advice is to go back to the originals of that time period. Below are some links from the National Museum of Scotland website.

This one might be the best fit, timewise:
http://nms.scran.ac.uk/database/reco...searchdb=scran

Although you could probably use any one of these designs, although they're a bit older:

http://nms.scran.ac.uk/database/reco...searchdb=scran

http://nms.scran.ac.uk/database/reco...searchdb=scran

http://nms.scran.ac.uk/database/reco...searchdb=scran

http://nms.scran.ac.uk/database/reco...searchdb=scran

I've been very impressed by the carving done by Rab Gordon, although he normally handles modern sgian dubhs and dirks. Still, might be worth talking to him.

Best of luck.

David

[figheadair]

David,

Thank's for the steer - that looks like what I had in mind. Coincidently, I'd alsready contacted Rab and so must make time to get down and see him.

Peter

[Woodsheal]

With the cut-down sword blade, I'd go with a fully carved grip from the 1700-1750 timeframe. That's when the practice of using such blades was most prevalent. Plus, dirks really started to degenerate after mid-century into more ornamental styles.

Something along these lines would be perfect:
http://www.arscives.com/vevans/image...ttish-Dirk.jpg

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I would suggest that you contact Crisp & Sons Sword Cutlers (www.crisp-and-sons.com) as Ray Crisp, formerly with Wilkinson Sword, is probably the best man at his craft in the whole of the United Kingdom.

[figheadair]

With the cut-down sword blade, I'd go with a fully carved grip from the 1700-1750 timeframe. That's when the practice of using such blades was most prevalent. Plus, dirks really started to degenerate after mid-century into more ornamental styles.

Something along these lines would be perfect:
http://www.arscives.com/vevans/image...ttish-Dirk.jpg

Very much what I have in mind.

[Thomas]

I would recommend the work of Bob and Jake Cleland. Both of them have the right feeling and the skills to make exactly the handle you want. AND - it would be an opportunity for a nice trip to Skye. ( just my thoughts on this)

Cheers
Thomas