Blacksmith Knife
Raelene Heersink
Hey guys. I was wondering. I think most of us have made a blacksmith's knife. I have heard them refered to as a woman's knife, patchknife, utility blade etc. You know, their one piece w/ a metal handle. Some people turn the handles into strikers if its thin, others just leave the handle big enough. Most of the time there is no leather wrapping or anything, just metal. I am in the SCA and I was wondering if anyone has any historical references for when such a knife was made,what it was really called, what culture/s used them? Are there any surviving examples? is there a website with this information, or better yet, articles or books on this type of blade. I am assuming it is a european kind of thing, from 1700-now. Just a guess, but I need to document this so that they are aware of the history of these kinds of knives. Please let me know. Thanks :notworthy: :notworthy: :You_Rock_Emoticon:
any where and any who should have had them they all had the tech (during the iron age) to make said knives but i dont think you will find much on them since for the most part i would think the ppl who owend them wouldnt have thoght any more of them than we do off the steak knives we used for dinner last night or the box cutter that some uf us use at work
I'd say they're common in any era in which man used tools, although for most re-enactment eras steel knives would be most common. It's not a technology that's new by any means, although for older eras (primitive societies, for example) a bone or wood handled knife might be more common because a short tang pinned in a handle uses less steel.
I think they'd almost have to make an argument against this type of blade not being "period" rather than you having to show an historical document describing the tool. It'll be very hard to find examples becasue they weren't interred in graves or deposited at offering sites (like the shallows at La Tene) because they weren't considered valuable, compared to a gold hilted sword (or any sword for that matter) beyond their everyday use- like dragoncutlery said
"When I raise my flashing sword, and my hand takes hold on judgment, I will take vengeance upon mine enemies, and I will repay those who haze me. Oh, Lord, raise me to Thy right hand and count me among Thy saints."
I'm almost certain these types of knives were fairly common in Viking society, especially as knives used by women in everyday chores. I'd have to check on that now since I can't remember where or what book I was reading at the time!
A good way to make one that would be acceptable for SCA would be to make sure the profile of the blade resembles a typical utility knife from the time period you are trying to replicate, and then do whatever you want with the handle portion. Makes me miss SCA. Any of you ever go to Gulf Wars?
It is my opinion that this type of knife has existed since the first blacksmith lit the first forge. I call them "self knives". I was into bowyery before I discovered this true addiction. A self bow is defined as a bow in it's simplest form... a stick and a string. Man's first bow was a self bow. When I saw my first blacksmith knife that is the name I gave it before someone 'corrected' me. I also think that while I love every aspect of knife making, self knives have a simplistic beauty that will keep me making them for the rest of my life. Besides... they are the perfect tribute to a tool worn past the point of being usable. Here is a shot of a few that I have made recently, all from files. It just feels right to take a file that is responsible for shaping knives and turning it into a knife when it's teeth have worn.
I've always heard them called both self knives and blacksmith's knives. The self knife name was explained that since the smith finished it him"self" instead of sending it to a cutler for final work, that it was a self knife. I don't know if that's true or not, I've never found any documentation supporting that.
I see them quite often at SCA events, and sometimes make (and teach others) how to make them. Most of the time, though, I walk them through making ones similar in design to the top right hand one in Adam's picture. It's a good design to start with, can be used with or without additional handles, and can adapted quite a bit.
Sharp, strong, and stylish this fixed-blade utility knife has been battle tested by the ages and hand forged to be the perfect accompaniment for Beserkers, Butchers, Backpackers, Beekeepers, and anyone who wants more than just a flimsy folding pocket knife at their side. Made from high carbon steel and forged right here in the USA, the Blacksmith Knife's overall length is 8 inches with the blade length being 3.5 inches while the handle is a comfortable 4.5 inches. Weighing only 3.2 ounces, this knife is durable without adding additional weight making it ideal for campers, hikers, and backpackers. There is a reason this belt knife has stood the test of time: It works. The handcrafted Blacksmith Knife, or as we call it the "Norse Classic", fits securely into the purpose designed genuine leather sheath, keeping it secure whether you are hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, or invading England during Raid Season. Made in America from only the most quality American sourced materials, our fixed blade Blacksmith Knife is built for adventurous people by adventurous people. Whether you are woodcutting, skinning, deer hunting, cooking, or camping this fixed blade knife is a perfect redesign of an absolute classic.
That is a great knife,and really well done..One like it would be an excellent projuct for folk new to forging knives as it would help develop lots of skills including hammer control and remembering to not work cold metal,,that little nail will lose heat real fast,,you must plan each step of its making to get the most out of each heat,,,Thanks for sharing.
I like it Bart! Are the nails high enough carbon to make a striker? Something like this with a straight spine and a piece of flint would make a terrific survival kit knife.
I have to agree with Rich too, it'd be a perfect project for any blacksmith student as an intro to tool steel and heat treatment.
Well done.
Frosty the Lucky.
Thanks guys for all the positive comments. I have made several if these over the past couple years...give them all away! The youngsters really appreciate them (after getting an ok from mom/dad of course!). In my neck uf the woods most males of the species carry a knfe or three starting at an early age.
As to the knives themselves i draw out about a third of the length on the "head" end for the blade. The rest is drawn out for the handle. Blade is shaped with files and finished up with emery cloth. I harden and then temper to bronze in oil.
Frosty: not sure of the composition of the nails but if you harden in water they will spark. Not as well as a file or hay-rake tine though. A fellow once told me he had an old box that said they were 1095. The ones i have dont say but i dont think they are thst high in carbon...maybe 70 points??You can get the 16d ones at lowes. I had to get the 20d ones from a guy on ebay from a hardware store that was going out of business. I bought all he had!
Heres another one msde from 16d nail:
I have used some similar if not the same and they appear to act more like 30 points of carbon to me. Mine would make good letter opener type blades but not good enough for carving knives (whereas 1090 would be good for carving knives). That is a pretty cool piece though! Quite a nice example of detailed miniature work! I liked them before I had a forge as I could torch heat such smallish pieces. Now with a bigger forge and the Anyang sitting out there they are less tempting to use. I also have scrap, from larger projects, of steel that IS 1090 or thereabouts that could be cut down to such sizes easily... so my nails languish... but forging moves ahead!
I just ran across this thread and must say its one of the most facinating subjects I've seen in awhile.
I have the recpie for super quench and will try this for any masonry knives I might make.
For anyone who wants larger style nails/spikes try here, tremontnail.com. If the link wont work, cut and paste.
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Joe Keesler and Greg Neely shared their love for the forged blade and still are willing to offer pointers when we meet at events. A year later I was able to take the Damascus class under Bill Fiorini. This just broadened the possibilities!
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