KNIVES
ALL Knives are hand forged in my shop from spring steel, hardened and tempered
to hold an edge, yet sharpen easily. Each blade is draw-filed and polished, by
hand, to produce a period-correct finish. Handles are of Wood, Antler, Horn, and
Bone, and are assembled using hand-made copper rivets. Blades can be ordered
satin polished, or they can be lightly aged.
Currently for Sale
Bone Handle Knife 7 1/2 inch blade, iron bolsters, checkered bone grips, and aged finish. Knife measures 12 inches overall. Shown with a period correct, center seam sheath that would compliment this knife nicely.
Knife alone $375
Knife and Sheath $420
English Trade Knives or "Scalping Knives" as they were called in the period. As in the period, these are in Large, Medium, and Small sizes. Shown with an example of a period correct, center seam sheath which is available for any of the knives for an additional $45
Top 1 - Large 7" Blade. Aged and distressed beech handle, diamond pattern $200 (knife only)
Middle 2 - Medium 6" Blade. Cocobolo handle, aged finish, diamond pattern - $190 (knife only)
Middle 3 - Small 5" Blade. Cocobolo handle, aged finish, oval pattern - $165 (knife only)
"Judge" Antler Handle Knife Inspired by a small knife in Madison Grant's book, The Knife in Homespun America, this knife has the folksy image of a colonial judge carved into the butt of the antler. The 6 inch blade has an aged finish. Engraved pewter bolster. Paired with a nice, brain-tan sheath made by Bill Wright. SOLD
Knife by Tim Ridge This beautiful knife and sheath made by Tennessee smith, Tim Ridge features a 4 1/2 inch blade, with a partial tang extending more than half of the curly maple handle. Knife measures 8 1/4 inches overall. $250
Antler Handle Knife by Nathan Allen Crown antler hand with natural dome. 6 1/4 inch blade with dark finish, 10 1/2 inches overall. Pewter bolster and wedding band. $200
Cut Steel Folding Knife Hand forged, high carbon blade measures 4 inches. Open length 8 3/4 inches, closed 4 3/4 inches. Grey finish. SOLD
Dagger with iron guard and beech wood handle. 6 inch blade, 10 inches overall. Pewter ferrule. Aged finish. SOLD
Small Bone Handle Knives 4 1/2 inch blades, 3 1/2 inch bone, pistol grip handles. Brass bolsters and aged finish.
Top - Plain Handle SOLD
Bottom - Checkered Handle SOLD
English Trade Knives or "Scalping Knives" as they were called in the period. These are all Medium size, 6 inch blades.
Top 1 - Aged and distressed beech handle, diamond pattern SOLD
Middle 2 - Cocobolo handle, aged finish, diamond pattern - SOLD
Middle 3 - Cocobolo handle, aged finish, diamond pattern - SOLD
Middle 4 - Cocobolo handle, aged finish, diamond pattern SOLD
Bottom 5 - Cocobolo handle, aged finish, oval pattern SOLD
Lion Head Knife close copy of an original shown in Madison Grant's The Knife in Homespun America. At least a couple examples of this type are known to exist, the one in Grant's book was found in Ohio with a history of Indian use. The lion motif distinguishes this knife as an early piece, most likely mid-late 18th century. Great care has been taken to make this as accurate reproduction as possible. The brass handle is sand cast by hand in two halves, then soldered together, just as the originals would have been. It is then filed and polished by hand. All lines and details have been hand chased, then an aged finish is applied. The blade measures 4 3/4", and the knife is 8 3/8" overall. SOLD
SOLD - Antler Handle Rifleman's Knife with guard, ferrule and cap in sterling silver. The 8 3/4 inch blade is paired with a 4 3/4 inch elk stag handle. Through tang is riveted over end cap. Tastefully engraved with an aged finish. SOLD
SOLD - Rifleman's Knife with Guard Features a hand forged and filed, engraved guard, engraved iron ferrule and iron and silver butt cap, also engraved. The elk antler handle is 5 inches, and the slender blade measures 8 3/4 inches. Aged finish. $575
Correct 18th Century Razors!
SOLD - 18th Century Razor A close copy of the original English razor shown at top left. The hand forged blade is tempered to a perfect edge, sharpened, and ready to for you to strop a final edge. Horn scales. Measures 5 3/4 inches long when closed. $200
New Folding Knives
NEW French Single Pin Friction Folders These are copies of original blades in my collection from the Great Lakes region. These were an early style referred to as "flatin: type and common during the late 17th and early 18th century. Knives of this type have been recovered in large quantities from all major French colonial as well as native sites.
Top: Boxwood handle and bright finish SOLD
2nd From Top: Aged European Beech handle SOLD
3rd From Top: Aged European Beech handle SOLD
Bottom: Aged European Beech handle $150 SOLD
18th Century Cut Steel Folding Knife An adaptation of the original knife shown below, this one with sterling silver inserts, engraved with hunt scenes by noted gunsmith, Mike Miller. Each one of these knives is engraved with a different and unique scene. 3 1/4 inch blade, 8 1/4 inches open, with darkened finish.
SOLD
18th Century Cut Steel Folding Knife My newest reproduction folder, a direct copy of the original shown. Like many original cut steel knives, this example has thin brass inserts, with simple wriggle-style engraving. The tapered back spring makes this a thin, elegant knife. 3 1/4 inch blade, 8 1/4 inches open, with darkened finish. SOLD
Georgian Knife & Fork A close reproduction of a late 18th century knife and fork. Set features hand forged blades, sterling silver hardware, and coral handles. Coral was just one of many exotic materials used on high-end English cutlery of the period. This set has been exactingly reproduced from original examples, and I feel one of the best ever offered. Knife measures 9 1/2 inches long, fork 7 3/4 inches. SOLD
SOLD - Bone Handle Knife with integral forged bolster, checkered bone scales and iron rivets. The distal tapered blade tapers in thickness from just over 1/4 inch at the bolster, all the way to the tip. The full tang is double tapered. Blade measures 7 inches (from front of bolster), 11 1/8 inches overall. Aged finish. $475
English Trade Knives
Also referred to in the period as Scalping Knives. We offer these authentic recreations in the small, medium and large sizes, as they are commonly referred to in 18th century inventories and advertisements. Blade styles are correct to the third quarter, 18th century (later post-Revolution fur trade era styles also available) Hand forged, high carbon steel blade handled in European Beech. We offer the following handle styles: Oval cross-section, Diamond cross-section, and Faceted. Rosewood and Boxwood handles as well as aging and other blade lengths are available for a slight additional cost.
Top: Large (7" Blade) shown with oval handle. SOLD
Middle: Medium (6" Blade) shown with diamond handle. SOLD
Bottom: Small (5" Blade) shown with faceted handle. SOLD
(See below for current stock)
Aged Trade Knives
SOLD - Folding Knife with bone scales. This folder is one of a kind; with lanyard, thumbnail nick, and checking details that will not be duplicated on this pattern. Knife measures 4 1/4 inches closed, 7 5/8 inches open. Aged finish. $375
SOLD - Native Effigy Knife Based on an original that has been in a museum at Versailles since 1786. The knife is a basic French trade style with appropriate boxwood handle carved in close detail to the original. The blade measures 6 1/2 inches long with a 4 1/2 inch handle. This knife was featured on the October 2009 cover of Muzzle Blasts. $350
SOLD - English Scalping Knife with Quill Work Handle I teamed with Chris Anderson, who did the fine quill work on this knife. A typical English-style trade knife with a 7 1/2 inch blade. The handle is topped with finely plaited quill work over a brain-tanned sleeve. Aged finish. $275
SOLD - Large Pistol Grip Knife with Bone Handle This knife is forged from heavy stock and features an integral forged bolster, bone scales and copper rivets. The distal tapered blade tapers in thickness from just over 1/4 inch at the bolster, all the way to the tip. The full tang is double tapered. Blade measures 8 inches (from front of bolster), 12 1/8 inches overall. A big knife, yet comfortable in the hand, graceful, and well balanced. Aged finish. $450
Lion Head Knife based on an original as seen in Madison Grant's The Knife in Homespun America, this knife features a handle cast in fine pewter. At least a couple examples of this type are known to exist, the one in Grant's book was found in Ohio with a history of Indian use. The lion motif distinguishes this knife as an early piece, most likely mid-late 18th century. I hand-carved the pattern for the handle, which is cast, polished and an aged finish applied. The 4 inch blade is also lightly aged. Handle length 3 3/4 inches. SOLD
SOLD - Knife and Fork Set Adapted from the knife shown below. This set features the same hand-forged knife paired with a hand-forged and filed, high carbon steel fork. Set $400
Previously Sold Knives
SOLD-Broken Sword Knife The idea behind this knife is that it was made from a hunting sword (or cuttoe) that had either been broken or intentionally shortened for service as a knife. There are several original examples of swords that have been converted to use as a knife. This piece features a hand forged 10 1/4 inch blade, 5 1/4 inch handle. The cow horn grip is carved in a spiral pattern. The shell guard is hand forged. It also features a iron butt cap, pommel cap and ferrule. Aged finish.
SOLD - Broken Sword Knife made as if cut down from a fine broken or discarded saber. Guard matches up as the center part of a standard 4-slot hilt with brass lion-head pommel showing hole from where the guard bow (now discarded) once attached. Grip is of dyed moose antler, simulating ivory. Entire piece shows considerable wear consistent with these type of re-worked knives. Blade measures 11 3/8 inches, grip 5 1/2 inches.
SOLD-Broken Sword Knife This knife is built as if it were made from a broken, or cut-down model 1742 hanger. The hanger could have been English, or American manufacture, utilizing spare parts. Everything on the knife is made as if it had been built using the original sword components. The guard appears as if cut down from the original heart shaped guard and the bow removed. The brass ball pommel has the hole where the tang of the guard connects filled crudely, as if it were plugged with lead-solder. The walnut handle shows wear consistent with a piece that was decommissioned from military service. The substantial blade is made as if the original sword blade were cut down and has a deep aged finish. The whole piece has been aged and is consistent with a piece that might have been put together by the local blacksmith. Blade length 10 3/4 inches, handle length 6 inches.
SOLD - Large Pistol Grip Knife with Bone Handle This knife is forged from heavy stock and features an integral forged bolster, bone scales and copper rivets. The distal tapered blade tapers in thickness from 1/4 inch at the bolster, all the way to the tip. The full tang is double tapered. Blade measures 7 1/4 inches, handle 4 3/4 inches. A big knife, yet comfortable in the hand, graceful, and well balanced. Aged finish.
Featured on the cover of the October 2009 issue of National Muzzleloading Rifle Association Magazine, Muzzle Blasts. Photo by Lon Brauer
Native Effigy Knife with Quilled Sheath Djuana Tucker and I collaborated on this fine knife/sheath combination based on an original that has been in a museum at Versailles since 1786. The knife is a basic French trade style with appropriate boxwood handle carved in close detail to the original. The blade measures 6 1/2 inches long with a 4 1/2 inch handle. The sheath is simply a work of art! It has 16 aged tin cones with cochineal dyed deer hair in them. The sheath is lined with deer rawhide and it is sewn with linen thread. The quills are dyed in cochineal and some are overdyed in walnut to darken the color to black. The 27"x 1 1/4" strap is done in quill netting, an extremely tedious and time-consuming process. To give you an idea of the time it takes to do this work, one row takes Djuana about an hour to do and is about 1/8" long. The quilled netting part of the strap measures about 7" on each side. The strap is pieced in the back and that part is sewn with real sinew. The exquisite quality of the work speaks for itself. This is a rare opportunity to own a museum quality reproduction of native art that has been featured in a national publication.
To see more of Djuana Tucker's quillwork, visit her website at: www.djuanasquillwork.com
SOLD Sword Knife - Made to resemble a cut-down English hunting sword. Aged and fullered blade. Carved horn grip and iron mounts. 9 inch blade.
SOLD - Knife with Fluted Horn Handle This knife is copied from the original in the bottom photo. The original is European, late 17th or early 18th century, most likely Mediterranean or Southern France. It features a fluted cow horn handle, brass fluted pommel with decorative cap-stand, 5 1/2 inch blade with forged bolster and file work on the top of the blade. Knife measures 10 1/2 inches overall. Aged finish.
SOLD - Gentleman's Belt Knife This knife would be equally at home as either a belt knife, or table knife. Early style integral forged bolster with decorative "turning" on the bolster. Handle is polished bone with hardware in sterling silver. Blade measures 7 3/4 inches, handle 5 inches. Aged finish.
SOLD - Bone Handle Knife in the European style features a handle of checkered bone mounted to a 8 1/4 inch blade with integral forged bolster. Handle is secured with 3 copper rivets. 12 3/4 inches overall. Aged finish.
SOLD - Small Bone Handle Knife with integral forged bolster. Checkered bone handle in the pistol grip style. Blade measures 5 inches, 8 3/4 inches overall. Aged finish. Would make a great bag or neck knife.
SOLD - English Style Knife with checkered bone grips. Late 18th century English shape. Integral forged bolster and full tapered tang with a 7 inch blade and 4 inch handle. Aged finish.
SOLD - Small Bone Handle Dagger with iron hardware. This well-proportioned little knife was copied from an original. The 4 1/4 inch blade is mounted with a 4 1/4 inch handle and trimmed in heavily aged, iron guard, ferrule, and cap. Would look great on a bag or in a neck sheath.
SOLD - Small Belt Knife with Guard The 6 inch blade is mounted with a 4 1/2 inch bone handle and trimmed with heavily aged, oval iron guard, ferrule, and butt cap. Through tang is riveted over the butt cap. As is the nature with bone, this handle shows some fine checks and hair-line cracks.
SOLD - Small English Knife copied from a knife in George Neumann's collection at Valley Forge. This knife features an integral forged bolster and a bone handle with checkering. Blade length is 3 1/2 inches, 7 inches overall. Aged finish.
SOLD - Rev War period Dagger Detailed dagger mounted in
sterling silver. Carved ebony handle with silver wire wrap. Blade
measures 6 3/8 inches long, 10 3/4 inches overall.
EARLY PLUG BAYONET copied from an original in Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, this bayonet was recently made for a customer. Features cast brass hardware, walnut handle and 12 inch aged blade with a 6 inch false edge.
Plug Bayonet Copy of an original recently made for a New York State historic site. 12 inch blade, brass hardware, walnut handle. Aged finish.
Small Scottish Knife with turned iron ferrule and pommel. Through tang and polished antler handle. File-work on back of blade. Aged finish, 6 3/8 inch blade, 10 3/4 inches overall.
SOLD - Virginia Knife This knife is my concept of a common knife carried by a Virginia solder, carved in his spare time, during the American Revolution. The hedge handle is carved with the words "Virginia" on one side, and "For Liberty" on the other. The full tang is riveted over a small iron washer. Brass ferrule and aged finish. 8 1/4 inch blade, 4 7/8 inch handle.
SOLD - Antler Handle Belt Knife with slotted crown antler handle. 8 1/2 inch blade, 13 inches overall. Aged finish.
Original
SOLD-Small French Forged Bolster Knife based on the original knife above. The original was found in upstate New York. 4 inch blade with forged intregal forged bolster. Cow horn scales and aged finish. 8 inches overall.
SOLD - Rifleman's Knife with iron guard and crown antler handle. 8 inch blade. Aged finish.
French Trade Knife Aged blade, horn scales.
SOLD - Early French Trade Knives with cast brass handles in the shape of a hunter and dog. These knives are based on several that have been found at early sites. The handle is a copy of one in the Museum of the Fur Trade. Blade features an integral forged bolster and measures 5 1/2 inches. Knife is 8 3/4 inches overall. Aged finish.
SOLD-Pistol Grip Butcher Knife with Forged Bolster This one pairs our popular pistol grip style with a forged bolster. These knives were very common in England and Europe and exported to the colonies. This is a "no frills" butcher knife, very typical of the "common quality" knives of the day. The scales are cut from pressed cow horn, still showing some rasp marks. Integral forged bolster, aged finish, 8 1/2 inch blade (cutting edge), 13 3/4 inches overall.
SOLD-Belt Knife with carved design work. Through tang is riveted over iron butt cap. Pewter bolster. 8 3/8 inch blade, 5 inch handle. Aged finish.
SOLD - Small Scottish Knife with polished antler handle and pewter bolster. Tang passes through the handle and is riveted over an iron butt cap. Back of blade features decorative file-work. Blade measures 6 1/8 inches, handle is 4 3/8 inches. Aged finish.
SOLD - Native Effigy Knife Copied from an original French trade knife that had been native carved with an effigy in the figure of a pig. Handle is of boxwood. Aged finish.
SOLD - Small Turned Handle Knife with walnut handle and pewter bolster. Tang passes through the handle and is riveted over an iron butt cap. Blade measures 6 inches, handle is 4 1/4 inches. Aged finish.
SOLD - Virginia Knife This knife is my concept of a common knife from rural, colonial America. The hedge handle is shaped in the pistol grip style common for the period. Brass ferrule and aged finish. 7 1/2 inch blade, 4 5/8 inch handle.
SOLD-Horn Handle Longknife 9 inch blade, 5 inch cow horn handle. Iron butt cap and pewter bolster. Full length tang is rived over butt cap. Aged finish.
SOLD-Rifleman's Knife 9 1/2 inch blade, 5 inch handle. Forged iron guard, iron ferrule and butt cap. Full length tang is rived over butt cap. Polished antler handle. Aged finish.
SOLD-Knife with forged Bolster A slightly smaller version of our full-sized forged bolster knife, this one has a 7 3/4 inch blade (cutting edge). Integral forged bolster; half-length, full tang; crown antler handle; aged finish.
SOLD-Turned Handle Knife This knife was made for John Curry and recently traded on a new knife that I made for him. John has carried this knife for the last few years on many treks and has shown it at several seminars. The knife shows considerable use and has been left, just as John used it. The knife has a 9 1/4 inch blade and 5 inch, dark cherry handle. The through tang is riveted over an iron butt cap. All metal parts have a deep, aged finish.
SOLD-Belt Knife with cherry handle and iron guard. Tang passes through handle and is riveted over iron butt cap. 8 inch aged blade, 5 inch handle.
SOLD-Knife with forged Bolster This large knife has a 9 inch blade (cutting edge) and is 13 1/2 inches overall. Integral forged bolster; half-length, full tang; crown antler handle; aged finish.
Sold - European Hunting Dirk with 7 5/8 inch blade. Very lightly aged iron hardware and polished stag handle. Sheath with belt loop, made to wear under belt or sash.
Sold - Small Dagger that I recently made for a customer. Iron mountings and English walnut burl handle.
SOLD-Belt Knife with octagon to round walnut handle, iron guard, ferrule and butt cap. Full tang passes through handle and is riveted over cap. Blade length 7 1/2 inches, 4 3/4 inch handle. Aged finish.
SOLD - Pistol Grip Butcher Knife Many times the pistol grip knives are thought to be French in origin, but the truth is they were quite popular in England and other European countries as well. This is a "no frills" butcher knife, very typical of the "common quality" knives of the day. The scales are cut from pressed from cow horn, still showing some rasp marks. Pewter bolster and 8 1/2 inch aged blade.
SOLD - Small European Hunting Dirk with polished bone handle, and iron ferrule and butt cap. Tang is full length and is riveted over butt cap. 5 5/8 inch, satin polished blade, 4 3/8 inch handle.
SOLD-Backwoods Knife with polished antler handle, pewter bolster and iron butt cap. 7 1/2" lightly aged blade. 5" handle. Full length tang passes through handle and is riveted over butt cap.
SOLD-18th Century Dagger. Tapering 8 3/8 inch, double-edged blade with well defined median ridge. Iron guard, ferrule, and butt cap. Tang is full length and is rived over butt cap. The round, dark cherry-wood has a hand-rubbed linseed oil finish. Handle measures 5 1/8 inches and flares to the cap with flattened sides. Aged finish.
SOLD-Pistol Grip Butcher Knife Many times the pistol grip knives are thought to be French in origin, but the truth is they were quite popular in England and other European countries as well. This is a "no frills" butcher knife, very typical of the "common quality" knives of the day. The scales are cut from pressed from cow horn, still showing some rasp marks. Pewter bolster and 8 3/8 inch aged blade.
SOLD-Rifleman's Knife - with hand-forged iron guard, crown antler handle, and through tang riveted over a sterling silver butt cap. Aged finish. 9 inch blade.
SOLD-Turned Handle Knife - This knife features a curly maple handle with very tight, exceptional grain, stained dark with a hand-rubbed, linseed oil finish. Pewter bolster and iron butt cap. Keeping with the English style, the 7 3/8 inch, aged blade has a very slight upsweep . 5 inch handle.
SOLD-Small knife with green, bone handle. 6 1/2 inch blade. The handles of cutlery were often dyed various colors during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many recipes for dying bone, ivory and wood can be found in the period publication "A handmaid to the Arts". Verdigris green was a very popular color.
SOLD-Antler Handle Knife with face carving. Inspired by an original knife seen in Madison Grant's Knife in Homespun America, this knife features a folk carving of an 18th century judge on it's crown. Aged with a 6 inch blade, it has a curve that would be best suited to left handed use.
SOLD-Carved Antler Handle Knife - A variation on the knife above, this one features the face of a colonial man. 5 3/4 inch aged blade. This knife would best be suited to right handed use.
SOLD-Bag Knife - 5 3/8 inch blade, 9 3/4 inches overall. Aged finish.
SOLD -Bag Knife - 5 1/2 inch blade. Aged finish.
SOLD-Turned Handle Knife - This knife has a 5 inch stained, osage handle. Tang passes through handle and is riveted over a steel butt cap. Aged finish. 7 1/2 blade.
SOLD - Scottish Dirk - Scottish Dirk with fully carved, blackwood handle. Aged blade
SOLD Early Scottish Dirk. Aged blade and carved osage orange handle.
SOLD Rifleman's Knife with Iron Guard. 9 1/2" blade.
SOLD-European Hunting Knife recently made for a customer. Aged iron hardware, polished antler handle.
SOLD - Rifleman's Knife 8 5/8 inch blade, 13 3/4 inch over all. Forged iron guard, iron ferrule and butt cap. Full length tang is rived over butt cap. Polished antler handle. Aged finish.
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Old Dominion Forge
Kyle Willyard
4186 N State Road 157
Bloomfield, IN 47424
812-875-8480
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