Bit by the Dirk bug

[Mark E.]

If you WERE going to be traditional and have it represent a cut-down broadsword or backsword blade, it would be a "Moran" style or convex edge.

What really drives me buggy about DIY dirk projects is the way they're so often misproportioned -- the biggest (literally) things being handles 'way too long, and blades much broader and thicker than sword blades were.

Historically, dirks weren't "meant for sword fights" either: They were stabbing/slicing weapons meant for puncturing and cutting, um, meat. If you ever want some good clues as to how they probably were historically used, the dagger-fighting sections of surviving medieval and Renaissance-era European training manuals would be useful.

I'll second that. I am a hunter myself, and have had to use a Kabar for something I wished I had a dirk for (once)...If you plan on using yours for traditional "hunting" applications, take a look at the grind styles on German trouses-they were notorious for carrying those and hunting swords, even into the firearms era. In making my dirk, the (sword) blade would have been differentially tempered-and, given what I plan on doing with it, including chopping 2x4's and whacking rope in cutting tests, it made sense to retain that particular quality-Hard edge and a softer but still springy back.

Also, a side note...You may find a sgian achlais or gralloch knife and a light hatchet more useful in the boonies than a single heavier knife...