Recommend me a blank for...

[Dan D'Silva]

Hello there,

I'm attempting to assemble a mid-18th-century Scottish dirk with a table knife and fork carried in the same sheath. The dirk blade will probably have to be custom-made and I've got a blank for the fork, but I was hoping someone could recommend an off-the-shelf blade for the table knife with minimal customization.

Since I'd like it to theoretically double as a general-purpose small work knife, it should be sturdy and have a shoulder. Picturing something like the one at the bottom of this picture:

18th-century knives seem to invariably be flat-ground. It could have a point like this one, or a drop point or broken back. A forged-in bolster would be a plus, although not necessary. I don't mind if it's stainless.

The closest option I've found so far is a small Seigen gaucho blade which can be bought unmounted on eBay, but they're a bit thin (1/10"). Otherwise, I've thought of getting a wide scandi blade like a Lauri little leuku, trying to flatten out the grind and otherwise reduce the shape, but that's a lot of work and risks ruining it.

I'm prepared to accept that such a thing may need to be fully custom-made. Just thought it would be worth asking about what might already be available.

Thanks.

 

[unwisefool]

Since I'd like it to theoretically double as a general-purpose small work knife

Wait, you want the dirk knife or the table knife to be a small general purpose knife? Because dirks have blades longer than 10 inches.

 

[Dan D'Silva]

The table knife. Lemme see if I can make the original post any clearer.

 

[afishhunter]

Same steel as your fork?
If you want crbon steel, one of the 10xx should do the job. Better steel than what tablewear is made from today, IMHO.

 

[Dan D'Silva]

Any knife blank that looks right and is made of decent carbon or stainless with decent HT would be fine really. Functionally, think of it as light-duty, not a survival knife. Of course, I'd like every blade I buy to be super-tough, sharp and durable, but realistically, it's unlikely I'll wind up using this particular one all the time.

The fork is some unknown carbon steel with no HT, probably Indian-made -- I got it only because its design looks correct.