Mesgi'g Tia'm

P. McKinley

P. McKinley

Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
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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.

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, polished forge finish flats, flat ground and hand sanded 600 grit finish and 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 removable/adjustable 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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Like it, a lot. That's a man's knife.

Get strong. Good work, the talents still in the hands.

Larry
Tinkerer
 
Thanks for hanging in there and making great stuff, sure makes me happy to see it- very creative!
 
That is one bad ass looking knife! You are definitely on my list of Makers to buy a knife from in the future Peter.
Congrats on the name change too.

You'll be in my prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
 
Very nice job !! I like the Damascus guard and leaving the hammer marks in make you feel like you could use it.
Sorry for the surgery you had to go through.
 
Thank you folks!!

Patrice - That is a fine compliment indeed, especially coming from you.

Patrice Lemée;12661371 said:
Congrats on the name change too.
Click to expand...

On the name change.... I was getting a bit tired of that name. It refers to my 17ft(actually 16' 10", but "Bigblue 16' 10") did't get it) blue, cedar-canvass canoe. I used it in my "early days" of my incognito cyber-existance and I just never had the motivation to change it. Lately I've been getting a bit more serious about making knives and building a brand, and "incognito" just doesn't work to well for that.

So, I guess I've finally come out of the canoe.
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I'll get my coat.

-Peter
 
That knife is awesome. Take care of yourself, and don't push it too far. My cousin just had similar surgery and it has taken him a while to get back into the swing of things. Needless to say, that knife is a great one for a comeback.
 
Bbak. Wow beautiful work bud. Looking forward to seeing more of u work.

Hope you have a speedy recovery and all goes well.
 
That is an absolutely gorgeous set. I'm always amazed by the blades you make.
Nice scar. I hope you heal quickly and completely.
 
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