Mesgi'g Tia'm

P. McKinley

P. McKinley

Joined
Jan 27, 2008
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"Mesgi'g Tia'm" (pronounced mes-kiig di-aam) means "Big Moose" in the language of the local Mi'kmaq First Nation's People's here on Cape Breton. The Moose antler used in this piece was given to me by a member of the Membertou band of the Mi'kmaq here in Sydney.

The blade was forged from a 5/8" bar. The Ipe handle was a real PITA to achieve a proper finish. I first applied a shellac/Tung oil finish, but that didn't work out too well. In the end I hand sanded to 1000 grit then wiped it down very well with acetone to remove the natural oil from the surface then applied five light coats Tung oil and buffed with a clean wheel. I think the Ipe finished up quite well.

This is the first piece I have worked on in three months. On July 22 I had multi-level(c 4-7) spinal fusion surgery. The recovery has been difficult and I still have very little strength in the hands, and I'm unable to put in a full day's work.... but, I'm getting there. So, to mark my "comeback", I put together the largest knife I've made to date!! :D

Please take a look and offer up your comments and critiques.

-Peter

Mesgi'g Tia'm
Here are the specs:
Blade: 10 1/2" x approx 1/4" of forged 5160 steel(Aldo), polished forge finish flats, flat ground bevels, hand sanded to a 600 grit finish with an un-sharpened false edge.

Handle: Ipe with a buffed Tung oil, wrought iron guard with a heavy texturing etch and wrist lanyard notch, brass seppa, pinned moose antler and brass spacer, peened 1/8" brass pin. The adjustable/removable leather wrist lanyard has two Ipe beads.

Sheath: Open spine design, 6-7 oz veg tanned leather(RJF) with mink oil finish, two piece moose antler inlay with paste wax finish, brass snap, shoulder strap carry set-up. The leather shoulder strap has two brass fittings.

Here are a few photos:


































And... a final shot of the post-op gore:
 
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I like everything about the knife except for the forge marks left on the flats.

The sheath looks to be superb.

Nice wound....wear it in good(better/best) health

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Well that's spectacular!

I, too, like everything about knife and sheath, except the forge marks.

Still, from over-all design, to each detail of knife and sheath, this is an absolutely exceptional project.

John
 
Thanks guys! :D

except for the forge marks left on the flats
Click to expand...

except the forge marks
Click to expand...

Yeahhh........ well. :cool:
I knew some folks would say that!
I kinda' like the look and I don't have a surface grinder. So occasionally this is how I treat my forged blades.

-Peter
 
I am with the others in that generally I like the knife but don't like the forging marks in the blade. I like the sheath as well.

Bill
 
beautiful work, I guess I will be odd man out, I like the forge marks. Thank you for sharing and hope you have a speedy recovery.
 
I am one who does like forge marks.

A lot of my favorite makers use them, so I must be one of the target audience for these!
 
Exceptional, a masterpiece. I too like the forge marks. I don't think I have ever seen a sheath to match the quality and beauty of this one.
 
I hate forge-marks AND that particular blade shape, but those are simply personal tastes. The craftsmanship here is unimpeachable, especially all the work on the handle, guard & sheath. Great artistic vision too it all comes together in a very nice package!
 
hell of a comeback knife man! Good to see you back in action.
 
Love the whole thing, its rustic and rugged as hell, and I think the forge marks add to that story. I'm not really a fan of recurves normally but this one doesnt offend me so much. The sheath is superb, and I really like the natural materials you added to match the handle. If I owned it, it would definitely be hauled out every time people came round and showed off. A truly awesome piece and best of luck with your recovery.
 
I like the moose tracks
 
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