- Joined
- Apr 11, 2016
- Messages
- 18,825
On the topic of daggers, this one is pretty sweet.
Yep, would like to get one of those. They come up on eBay every once in a while, but always seem to be beat to hell.
Last edited:
On the topic of daggers, this one is pretty sweet.
Great info Dylan, keep it coming. That "scalper" (bright green background) is really interesting. It would be interesting to know how the handle studs were traditionally done, unless they were through pins but I doubt it.
“These scalpers are of the simplest pattern possible-a generally straight or very slightly curved blade 6 or 7 inches long, fairly straight and unsharpened on the top, ending in a point from which the sharpened bottom edge begins and runs along the bottom back to the grip, making a curved edge suitable for skinning and slicing. The grip is a single piece of wood split with a saw for two-thirds of its length. The short tang of the knife blade was shoved into this split and fastened by two or three rivets inserted into holes drilled from side to side. With a minimum of machine polishing, the knife was completed and ready for sale.“
“hundreds of blades of this general style have been found at fur trade sites of the 1780-1840 period.“
The Sheffield guys told me that some of the handles were also of the extreme octagon shape and that other handles were originally nothing more than the rectangular slab handles with the corners angled. They also told me that tangs were made both half and full. Full tangs were easier to haft and were stronger,
but cost slightly more to produce. Pin numbers varied as to the size of the blade it supported and whether it was full or half tang. You’ll see 4, 5, or 6 pins commonly, usually depending on the size of the knife. Either way it was always more than 3 pins. The 3 pins become standard with the invention of the “big fat” brass cutler’s rivets of the 1890s. Iron and less often brass pins are correct for the time period and not the large brass cutler’s rivets. Brass pins are also acceptable. Some of the 19th century examples even have 3/32” to 1/8″ iron pins. The norm, based on years of handling and looking at originals in collections and other research, is wood handled with iron pins.
The “scalping knife,” or “scalp knife,” had ordinary the shape of a single-edged butcher knife, but occasionally it was two-edged, like a dirk. The traders usually sold the knife alone, the Indians making the scabbard according to their own liking. The instrument was carried in the belt or on a cord passing about the neck. The prices paid for these knives differed widely. Thus, in 1665 certain Canadian Indians received 8 knives for 1 beaver skin, while in the beginning of the nineteenth century, during the height of the power of the fur companies, $7.50 was paid in their territory for a knife which in England was worth 3 1/2 pence. At about the same period farther south, in the United States, a knife cost $1. Catlin tells us that in 1832 a Sheffield knife, worth perhaps 6 pence, was valued at the price of a horse.
John McKnight leaves on a trading expedition with the Comanche in 1822 (Three Years Among the Mexicans and Indians by John McKnight. In his trade list are: …2 doz. Cartouche Knives …2 doz. Buck Knives …3 doz. Brass inlaid knives …1doz. Clasp knives and …1 doz. Pocket knives … The list of McKnight's goods are in the Chouteau/Moffit collection in the Missouri Historical Society. From Tomahawk and Long Rifle, Vol. 12, No. 1 (March 1987).
"A smoothly carved wooden handle with brass and iron rivets seats this iron blade. Five iron rivets dot the handle near the blade, six at the top of the grip, and six dots forming a circle with a seventh in the center marks the center of the hand on either side. Ten bronze rivets form an oblong circle around the seven iron rivets.The blade itself forms a spear point shape, made of dark iron.The sheath is dark leather with diamond shaped tooling along the front. All is sinew sewn. Initials J or T and I near the scabbard throat."
Pàdruig , Dylan this is a "Beaver Tail" Hudson Bay Trade knife?
View attachment 1308136
I would have bet $$s that is was a version of a Sgian Dubh though most I've seen are a bit more ornamental.
That Beaver Tail is a beauty I'll take it.
Sgian Dubhs
I had a second cousin that would always say "You know Johnny, if a guy was smart, he would...."Oh, now you've done it.
How are your Sgian Dubh skills, John?
Oh, now you've done it.
How are your Sgian Dubh skills, John?
I had a second cousin that would always say "You know Johnny, if a guy was smart, he would...."
You know Rupestris and @mitch4ging if a guy was smart, he would start thread about.....
I could definitely get behind some Sgian Dubhs... I've been known to wear a kilt on occasion.
No kilt here. I don't even have socks that would house a sgain dubh but, I might be willing to get some knee highs if means rockin' a Redmeadow like a sheep... er... Scotsman would.
Early American butter knife? Continental jam spreader? Cowboy cornbreader?
A Butter CutterEarly American butter knife? Continental jam spreader? Cowboy cornbreader?
I'd love to see a Redmeadow version. Unfortunately, most modern renditions are for formal dress so a nice, functionally sound one would be really cool to see.
DIBS!!!!I had a second cousin that would always say "You know Johnny, if a guy was smart, he would...."
You know Rupestris and @mitch4ging if a guy was smart, he would start thread about.....
That one is danged near perfect.I really like that idea. Here a few inspirations -
Basic in Black and silver. Can never go wrong with basic black.View attachment 1308299
That one is danged near perfect.
That Black and Silver is stunning, beautiful hamon too.I really like that idea. Here a few inspirations -
Basic in Black and silver. Can never go wrong with basic black.View attachment 1308299
Imagine one in twisted stacked leather - getting too formal? Nice though, isn't it?
Tube sock?No kilt here. I don't even have socks that would house a sgain dubh but, I might be willing to get some knee highs if means rockin' a Redmeadow like a sheep... er... Scotsman would.