Scottish Dirk- copper- musk ox

[milesofalaska]

Experimenting with cast handles. Getting the weight down (casting hollow). Laminating everything to a thin ‘other material’ seems to work , in this case local diamond willow wood.

The original is carve in was – a pretty easy material to work. A rubber mold is made from the wax so I can repeat the pattern in wax. Each wax out of the mold can be easily custom altered, then lost wax cast. In this case ‘free metal’ from old 1920’s village water pipes. Bronze from old barge propellers.
Getting everything to fit snug is still a challenge. The metal shrinks when cast so not possible to cast a perfect fit.
But interesting outcome with lots of potential - hope it gives others some ideas.
Scottish Dirk or kitchen paring knife. Thin flexible 4 inch blade. Copper bronze and musk ox horn. Metals custom carved in wax and lost wax cast for this knife. Fairy light in weight (considering all the metal ) . Guard has feather on one side and totem design fish on the other. Handle has ‘Mother nature’ with wolf head above her on one side and different view on the other side. Handle has two metals. Brass rivets hold it all together. High carbon 1095 steel blade with acid etched flowers deeply etched. Comfortable fit in the hand

[Dan Pierson]

Amazingly creative! I like the concept a lot.

[Fred.Rowe]

I agree, very creative with a wonderful use of materials and technique.

I do question the use of the term Scottish dirk, since they were always large and many times rough weapons and always of a certain shape.

Hope you try some other pieces using these techniques, Fred

[milesofalaska]

Hello Fred!
Well… I’m not Scottish (that I know of) and someone who saw it said “Scottish Dirk!” and since it needs a name…. I said “yea!” First I made it, then I had to think what it’s good for. So what I had in my head was one of those knives I think Scotts hid on a belt over the shoulder – able to be pulled out in a hurry-- sort of small dagger looking and ornate like this, old, from the bronze age Celtic designs – women in flowing hair and such. . I thought I built it as one of my “lady of the Night’ series for a woman…. Keep it in a purse-- a boot knife or the like. Whoever it connects with will know what it is for!

[milesofalaska]

Hello again Fred!
The customer who just bought it told me what this kind of knife is called a 'skindo' (probably spelled wrong). Correct a 'Dirk' is a special style rustic big sword looking thing. A case of "A rose by any other name.." I just... saw it in a dream I might say. Or let the piece evlove and take on a life of it's own , me being the observer as much as the creator ... but never mind. It's a skindo!