Early Dirk,

[Micric]

Whilst looking for something else, I found these pictures of an early style dirk I made some years ago, and thought to maybe show them here.
If I Did show them, please accept my apologies!

Blade buggy spring,
Handle maple, and pommel cape buffalo, with a brass pommel -cap.

Has vestiges of the earlier ballock dagger about it.
Aged it a bit, after completion.

Actally, although made a good few years apart, this and a sgian, and the sporran all have a family look about them. Can't think why!

Richard.dscn3171_133.jpgdscn3172_733.jpgdscn3174_243.jpgdscn3176_161.jpgdscn3173_173.jpg

[Dughlas mor]

That is a beautiful piece of work, between the dirk and your recently posted sporran it seems you are quite a craftsman.

[Micric]

Good morning Dughlas,

Thank you for your comments.
I do like making things, but unfortunately the farm has me about run ragged most of the time!
It's me maybe getting older, and it taking longer to get things done....
I Have made all sorts of things, and I wonder how I found the time! Still a lot of things I'd Like to make, if I get at it!

All the best Dughlas,

Richard.

[Orvis]

That is a beautiful dirk - looks like one I'd seen (in a book) that dated from the mid-late 17th century. Congratulations on a beautiful piece of work!

[Micric]

Orvis,

You are very close!
I think it is roughly based on one marked down as 1640's if I remember right.
Pleased you like it.
The reason for the horn pommel disc, is that wood very often gets chipped, as we see so often on old pieces.
Horn on the other hand, if cut from a slab, is somewhat flexible and will not chip with use.


Dughlas,

Sorry for spelling your name wrong! Will correct it.

[Orvis]

Thanks for your kind words!

I got interested in historical dirks when I got involved in a reenacting group that portrayed 18th c. Highland Regiments in America. So I obtained a copy of John Wallace's "Scottish Swords and Dirks," which put me on the path to knowledge in that particular field. These days I am a Jacobite Highlander reenactor, so I am inclined towards early-to-mid-18th c. dirks with more strapwork hilt carving and brass pommel caps. I don't have the skills or facilities to make dirks myself, but have been lucky enough to acquire a couple from skillful and true-to-authenticity craftsmen.

Have you checked out Vince Evans' album website - he includes detailed photo instructions for dirk and basket-hilt sword construction - he has also published a booklet with instructions for dirk-making heavily illustrated with photos. Perfect for do-it-yourselfers! I highly recommend it!