Scottish Dirk w/ 5,000 year old bog Oak handle by Hanford Miller

[HTMD]

This is now the sixth in a series of Hanford's ongoing efforts to understand how many of the classic historical blades were constructed and how they might be recreated in modern times.
Hanford modeled this Scottish Dirk on a particular museum specimen. The handle, which appears simple enough, hides some interesting complexities but the most interesting aspect is the authentic 5,000 year old dark bog Oak obtained (with considerable effort) from a wood-carver in Northern Ireland. Hanford's patron commissioned this blade and supplied the bog Oak which has been carbon dated.
The Damascus steel blade is a modern touch, obviously, and Hanford has applied some of his usual details and adornments but in so many ways he has captured the authenticity that is often elusive in modern recreations of classic historical blades.
To date I have photo-doccumented all six of Hanford's historical recreations:
Viking Dagger
Jambiya
Cinquedea
Ear Dagger
Quillon Dagger
Scottish Dirk
Next will be a Gladius Sword followed by a Poignard Dagger. After those I think some sort of article is in order. Hanford believes that makers should not forget the classic blades and that by imitating them a maker naturally broadens their knife-making knowledge and skill set in ways that are not widely taught or practiced today. He follows Bill Moran in this regard, who was Hanford's long time friend and mentor.

 

[JParanee]

Great piece and I love the story

Blade designs of old have alot of lessons in them

 

[Marcel54]

Great piece. Love both the dirk as the scabbard. A more detailed photo of the handle would be great:thumbup:

To date I have photo-doccumented all six of Hanford's historical recreations:
Viking Dagger
Jambiya
Cinquedea
Ear Dagger
Quillon Dagger
Scottish Dirk

Buddy, I think it would be great if you showed the photos of these knives once again. I for sure can remember the cinquedea, the ear dagger and the quillion dagger, but the viking dagger and jambiya I have no recollection of.

Marcel

 

[RogerP]

Great piece and a commendable effort by the maker to learn from history. I second Marcel's request for you to bring us up to date with past photos from the series.

Really looking forward to seeing what he does with the Gladius.

Roger

 

[jjtjr]

Next will be a Gladius Sword followed by a Poignard Dagger. After those I think some sort of article is in order. Hanford believes that makers should not forget the classic blades and that by imitating them a maker naturally broadens their knife-making knowledge and skill set in ways that are not widely taught or practiced today. He follows Bill Moran in this regard, who was Hanford's long time friend and mentor.

Buddy,

I really like the way Hanford Miller recreates these old patterns.

I also agree with Marcel and Roger that you should repost the images of the other knives in this series.

Jim Treacy

 

[ckerwin]

More, More:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[pootsythesamurai]

Any idea where in Northern Ireland it came from? (my lil homeland ) I'd be interested to know that. I do know of one fantastic wood carver who likes to carve stuff in oak and see how it warps.

 

[SharpByCoop]

What a privilege to witness both Hanford's and Buddy's work.

Make a New thread. Post them all!

Coop