Show us your dirks

[Woodsheal]

I've posted these before elsewhere, but since it's a dirk thread....

I go for the earlier historic patterns (late 1600s to early 1700s). This one was made by Glenn McClain:



The back edge of the McClain dirk: ~FEAR GOD AND DO NOT KIL~1680 (It's a copy of an original dirk):



As is this one by Warren Halstead:

[Chas]

Woodsheal - I am aware of your expertise, so am somewhat hesitant to ask this. How accurate are the sheaths of your two dirks? That is to say, was there a lot of fancy leatherwork? And for that matter, were the belts of a similar standard?

Regards

Chas

[Woodsheal]

Woodsheal - I am aware of your expertise, so am somewhat hesitant to ask this. How accurate are the sheaths of your two dirks? That is to say, was there a lot of fancy leatherwork? And for that matter, were the belts of a similar standard?

Regards

Chas

Of the two sheaths, I would say the knotwork on the first one (McClain) is rather fanciful and "interpretive", though the configuration of the sheath itself is accurate. The sheath with separate frog set-up is based off an original or two. The simple crossed lines and dots motif of the second sheath is correct, and commonly seen on period sword and dirk scabbards.

[Chas]

Thanks, Brian, for the swift reply. A leatherworking friend of mine has promised me a new belt and I must admit that I am torn between the two designs.

Regards

Chas

[Woodsheal]

Thanks, Brian, for the swift reply. A leatherworking friend of mine has promised me a new belt and I must admit that I am torn between the two designs.

Regards

Chas

If you're after a Jacobite period-looking belt, I'd go with the simpler design. It shows up on shoulder-belts (baldrics), too. It's a nice alternative to the dense knotwork appearing on so many present-day belts!

[Chas]

If you're after a Jacobite period-looking belt, I'd go with the simpler design. It shows up on shoulder-belts (baldrics), too. It's a nice alternative to the dense knotwork appearing on so many present-day belts!

I think it is the simplicity that attracts me. Although very pleasing the dense knotwork has almost become a byword for any Scottish leatherwork - almost a pastiche of itself.

I notice that the clip has a matching saltire - was that a period feature or happy coincidence?

And what material and shape should a buckle be?

Thanks

Chas

[Woodsheal]

I think it is the simplicity that attracts me. Although very pleasing the dense knotwork has almost become a byword for any Scottish leatherwork - almost a pastiche of itself.

I notice that the clip has a matching saltire - was that a period feature or happy coincidence?

And what material and shape should a buckle be?

Thanks

Chas

I wonder if all those Xs were meant to be saltires, or were just an easy way to incise a decorative touch...?

Anyways, the "double-D" style of buckle was most common on 18th C. belts. Various widths available here (scroll down):
http://www.thequartermastergeneral.c...tegory=buckles

If you need a UK source, Todd here could fix you up with a proper period buckle:
http://www.foxblade.co.uk/

[Chas]

I wonder if all those Xs were meant to be saltires, or were just an easy way to incise a decorative touch...?

Anyways, the "double-D" style of buckle was most common on 18th C. belts. Various widths available here (scroll down):
http://www.thequartermastergeneral.c...tegory=buckles

If you need a UK source, Todd here could fix you up with a proper period buckle:
http://www.foxblade.co.uk/

Thanks, Brian. Todd at Foxblade isn't far from me.

Regards

Chas

[MizzouScotsman]

Here is my first dirk - an ebay special....lol

[JRB]

Here's my early period dirk.