Stag handled Dirk-Progress

**Mark E.** · 10th October 11, 10:18 AM

Greetings all...It has been a while since I posted on this project (couldn't find the original thread)...I have made a bit of progress on my "downhill without breaks" stag handle dirk and roe deer handle by-pieces project.

The main dirk blade is permanently mounted into the grip-tang is 3/4" tapered to 3/8", with about 1" of threaded end to recieve the nut. I was forced to countersink a 1" long nut INTO the steel pommel cap, but it worked. Peined and ground flush, then re-peined...it's solid. I used two allen head bolts threaded into the crown to hold the pommel position, too. I am working on test pieces to figure out hot soldering-I am going to fill the fuller gaps (and guard gaps) at the entry of blade to guard with solder, once I figure it out. Original thought was to braze, but the stabilizer material I used inside of the antler is only rated for around 600 degrees F...Brazing requires more heat-that, and I did not want to wreck the temper of the blade. It's looking like one of those blades of convienence...not exactly pretty, but very durable.

The fork pictured is one of a pair I picked up trolling antique shops. From 1750's, I figured it would be as close as I could come to a good original, and given the shape of this one's handle, I have no problem dismantleing and mounting into the roe deer antler shown.

The assembled spoon is a test model-combo copper pipe and one antler from a deer I hit with my Jeep. Oh, and a bit of sinew-ran into an issue using a wide kerf saw blade. For the dirk by-spoon, it will be a brass bowl and a jewler's saw inlet (that copper gets HOT when eating oatmeal and soup!).

Also, does anyone here know a smith that could bang out a real steel sword scabbard throat with locket and tip? Given the dirk above is intended to appear to be made of a broken backsword, I was hoping to be able to have a scabbard that resembles an equally altered scabbard of the same era. Might be a year before I am in scabbard mode, so....

**Ryan Ross** · 10th October 11, 10:53 AM

That's not a dirk- It's a shortsword! Yeesh...

Looks awesome, though. It'll be a piece to be proud of, for sure. Love the look of that fork you found, too.

**Mark E.** · 10th October 11, 11:10 AM

Yes, it is more akin to a shortsword...The schematic I provided the smith with was based on recovered backswords...and the proportions ended up thusly. The tolerance ("ish") factor sorta got away from him, anyway. Given my historical position (ghillie/huntsman), it likely would have been the only "swordy" think I would have been able to afford-and works well for dispatch and joint cutting of mid to bigger game, so would be more useful than 3' of steel for one intent.

Here is the scabbard hanger system I have devised-it allows me to pivot the knife into a horizontal position, for sitting or horseback riding. It is at the present hangering my current dirk...a more refined variety will be forthcoming for the stag whopper. Fits well with my 3.5" wide doubled 12 ounce or so kilt belt...

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/m...-frog-back.jpg

**Harold Cannon** · 10th October 11, 11:08 AM

Thats a BIG BOY DIRK!!!! Would probably look good on me! LOL!!!

**Mark E.** · 10th October 11, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by Harold Cannon

Thats a BIG BOY DIRK!!!! Would probably look good on me! LOL!!!

Nahhhhh...I'm 6'-3" and trying for 215 lbs...Those tiny dirks look funny when you have 38" leg to balance...

And No, it ain't for sale.

Visit me funeral, you may be able to slip it off of my person though, once I'm done

I don't believe we have met-have you met my other junk? Full badger sporran, 3.5" ish wide kilt belt, 12 ounce baldric? I don't cut corners on much...The links below may give you some ideas if you aren't an "off the shelf" sort.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...khanger-60514/

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...sporran-60549/

**Harold Cannon** · 10th October 11, 11:38 AM

Me either I make most of my own stuff as well. It is the only way you can truly get what you want. Plus being a big guy I can make it proportional to me. This makes it look a lot better!

**Mark E.** · 10th October 11, 03:09 PM

Ok, couldn't resist the urge...So now back from my little shop of horrors...Voila!

First pic is tools of the trade...Second pic is of the new roe deer handled 1750 fork, alongside the other 1750 fork I picked up (in remarkable shape for its age), and a poor modern rendition of a by-fork (not by me!). Third pic is a side view. Third pic is a back view. I got a little pin happy-two coulda done it. The pins are 100 year old nails from the house I was raised in...taking a bit of my history with me in whatever I make...The last shot is of the backside.

I haven't quite figured out what to do with the knob of skull above the crown-something leftover after I removed the rest of his head...to carve or to create a lanyard loop for a quick keeper...choices, choices

**Dale Seago** · 10th October 11, 03:53 PM

Totally mouth-watering pieces!

As a historical side-question, does anyone know (seen photos or actual pieces) of any dirks with antler handles of that type actually existing before the 19th century?