Blacksmith Knife?

M

Michaux111

Joined
Apr 28, 2015
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Does anyone know who (in the U.S.) makes a knife similar to this with known quality steel? They appear to be called Blacksmith or Viking neck knives. I'm seeing these on ebay and like the looks of these as something different, but would like more than a letter opener. They seem to be made of scrap steel in the Ulkraine or some such place.

Michaux


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That looks like something that unless I bought it at a maker's faire or some place where I met the guy in person and watched him work, I would consider that to be some mass-produced made item most likely from China. That would be a pass for me. If I was looking for that style of knife, I'd start by looking at local reputable blacksmiths or farriers.
 
Usually see these made out of a leaf spring or railroad spike. Who makes them? I don’t know. There may be some well known names out there, but most of the stuff I’ve seen is some backyard/garage made stuff from random DIY people who call themselves “blacksmiths”.
 
It's an age old pattern (understand Middle Ages, Vikings...). The quality actually depends on the blacksmith making them. I bought a very nice blade in this style from a local bladesmith (forged from 1075 stock). It's a good knife. It stays sharp for a long time, is resistant to "chips & rolls" while being easy to sharpen. I just happen to hate the "wringed, artistic handle". Doesn't work for me, A.K.A : it's "a pain in the hand". Such a "simple" product should be bought from someone you trust. By the way, there are many reputable brands / makers (clue : it's easy to produce) putting them out. Just google "viking knives"... and a plenty will be in the U.S, to boot.
 
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Thanks herisson. Appreciate the information. They just look cool to me though the "pain in the hand" statement is something I can tell just by looking at them. :)
 
It's a "light cutting" thing... Really, a necker or a pocket fixed blade, will be used only (or mainly...) for light cutting tasks. So, I must admit, the wringed artistic handle should not be a problem. Hey, I get by with the Fred Perrin Mini-Bowie...
 
Logan Pearce can probably make you a knife similar to that.
He's a member here , but hasn't posted in awhile. He's a blacksmith and made a knife for me a few years ago.
 
That’s a classic “patch knife” to me. For cutting the patch off after you start the ball into the muzzle on a rifle. Also used to strike a flint to make a fire. Although the safety of that always kept me from trying it. As stated not for heavy use. Kept razor sharp for delicate tasks.
 
It's common for blacksmiths to make all sorts of things from random and left over steel in this twist pattern. Seen everything from hoof picks to fire steel strikers.
 
Michaux111 said:
Does anyone know who (in the U.S.) makes a knife similar to this with known quality steel? They appear to be called Blacksmith or Viking neck knives. I'm seeing these on ebay and like the looks of these as something different, but would like more than a letter opener. They seem to be made of scrap steel in the Ulkraine or some such place.

Michaux

No one else here has ever shot Black Powder Rifles I guess, that’s Called a Patch Knife. I kept mine in my “Possibles” shoulder Bag. Think Daniel Boone.. Its for cutting any linen/cloth into proper size patches for the caliber of your rifle. The thong on the sheath is for tying into the shoulder bag or on your belt.... They were made of Iron at one time. Doesn’t have to be a great steel to hold enough of an edge to cut some squares of linen.easy to sharpen up on a rock if need be... Any black Smith can forge one out. Look on Black Powder enthusiasts sites would be a place to start. Stay safe & have fun!
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I see ads on Instagram from company named Damasteel.

They at first proudly advertised "Premium 1095 steel" and then removed it from their page once they started to get roasted by people who actually know a thing or two.
Now they don't specify their steel, and prices are as high as it gets, and knives look like P.O.S.

They also sell a knife that looks like the one you put up there.
It looks like mass produced P.O.S. being sold at way higher price. And design doesn't look too sturdy either.
 
Thanks all. I appreciate the information. After spending some time (too much!) looking on the 'net this looks like it's going to be a crap shoot to find a decent knife in this pattern with decent steel, at a decent price and made in the US. It'll be fun trying though. Thanks again.

Opps.. didn't see the post above. I'll check it out.

Michaux
 
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Per Bernard Levine, "patch knives" are a re-enactor fantasy and a more modern marketing ploy. Buyer beware of vintage patch knives.

In addition, he states Blacksmiths are not cutlers or bladesmiths and vice versa. Personally I've found that to be true and was told so by a blacksmith :)
 
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