Images of my first pushdagger

RSA Knifemaker

RSA Knifemaker

Joined
May 5, 2001
Messages
35
It seems to be fine to post pics here, as long as it is not for selling purposes. Well, I want to brag a bit as this knife is my first pushdagger, first wire inlay, first use of mokume, first horn sheath (seamless!)
It is the third knife I made with a raised tang. (about nr 400 since I started)
pushdagger1.jpg

pushdagger3.jpg

Let me know what you think!


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Tiaan
www.burgerknives.web.za
www.blades.web.za

[This message has been edited by RSA Knifemaker (edited 06-29-2001).]
 
Sorry, I forgot!
The blade is 440c, the handle, African Blackwood, the sheath, Eland Horn. Copper and brass mokume of my own making.

I think you will have quite a time finding a suitable horn in the US, but if you do, here's how:
I used eland horn because it is short and thick with a thin wall. First I made a "jig" the same size as the blade, same thickness as the tang. I cut the horn tip off, about 1" longer than the jig. This left me with a hollow tapering tube with one end closed.
I heated the horn tip using linseed oil on a camp gas stove (Use an old saucepan that is deep enough so the horn is covered with oil.)
When the horn became soft I plaged the jig inside and hammered it in as deep as it would go. With the jig still inside I placed it back in the oil and reheated. Hammered a bit more, then clamped the horn between a piece of wood and a marble slab from an old coffee table top. I waited about two minutes, released the clamps, hammered the jig in some more, reheated, hammered, clamped. Checking with a piece of wire told me that the jig has reached the solid end of the horn. I clamped it with the jig inside for about twenty minutes to cool. Then I cut of the tip of the horn, cleaned up the outside and cut it to the correct length. Thats it!
All that was left to do was polishing, adding the wire inlay and the copper band around the mouth, do the scrim and texture.

For more info on horns visit www.blades.web.za

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Tiaan
www.burgerknives.web.za
www.blades.web.za

[This message has been edited by RSA Knifemaker (edited 06-29-2001).]
 
I've reformed gemsbok horn into slabs using boiling water and c clamps and steel plates, but this linseed oil sounds interesting. I've also had real good results bleaching black horns with that thick peroxide used for womens hair. It takes a while to do but nice brown colors result.
 
Now that is just flat awesome!
smile.gif


Thanks for taking the time to post it and explain your sheath...I like it.

Nick
 
Tiaan, that knife is absolutely beautiful! Thanks for the note on working the horn, I would never have thought of reforming it. Terrific job! I have a special place in my heart for push daggers and can't wait to make another (my wife's preferred carry knife!).

Dave
 
Thanks for all the compliments! I enjoy pushing my limits with every knife I make, and plan to post them here for you to enjoy and to learn from on a regular basis.
 
Outstanding knife and sheath. I never quit learning here. Thanks for sharing about the sheath.
 
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