Some dirks in progress

[slothead]

I like the second one (the one with the holes in the blood-groove). The artistry on the grip is beautiful.

[JohntheBiker]

Lovely work!

[Isaac]

I love the craftsmanship!
I've never seen a perforated fuller before. It makes sense structurally as a way to reduce weight without losing stiffness. I think it also makes the blade more aesthetically interesting, though that's a matter of taste. Are there historical examples of this practice, or is it a modern, post drill-press, improvement?

[Oberu]

I love the craftsmanship!
I've never seen a perforated fuller before. It makes sense structurally as a way to reduce weight without losing stiffness. I think it also makes the blade more aesthetically interesting, though that's a matter of taste. Are there historical examples of this practice, or is it a modern, post drill-press, improvement?

I've found a few mostly ranging from 17-18th centuries. Here's an example.
IMG_2768.JPG
That one was my first and based heavily on Evans. I pray to hold a sheet in that man's wind one day!

[Luke MacGillie]

I love the craftsmanship!
I've never seen a perforated fuller before. It makes sense structurally as a way to reduce weight without losing stiffness. I think it also makes the blade more aesthetically interesting, though that's a matter of taste. Are there historical examples of this practice, or is it a modern, post drill-press, improvement?

Here is one with piercings,

http://www.nms.ac.uk/explore/collect...?item_id=15432

Also if you have access to Wallace's "Scottish Swords and Dirks" look at item 52, which I have not yet been able to "Find" on the above listed website as collection numbers have changed a bit since the publication of the book.

[Oberu]

You can see the making of the one you liked in a post I made a while back
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...86/index3.html

[MacRob]

There are a number of antique dirk blades extant which have holes in the fuller. Most of those holes seem to be there to hold a brass inlay in place on the blade, not for decoration, to lighten the blade, etc. This is obvious on one blade I have seen on which the brass inlay is missing, which has a back that is contoured as well as the holes drilled in the fuller. If I can find the photo in my archives I will post it.

[Oberu]

IMG_2766.jpg

Further along.. now to finish carving handles. Using some lignum vitae which is new to me. It's really dense and acts more like plastic or resin than wood. Wish me luck!