Spanis notch. How to?

J

J.Ziegler

Joined
Jun 11, 2003
Messages
120
hi guys ...I'm working on a Bowie and after getting to the point of being ready for heat treat I think it would look good with a Spanish notch. I realize it would have been wise to have done this before I got this far but it wasn't until i did some decorative file work on the spine that i had the idea of adding the notch.
Any Ideas? I do not have a milling /boring machine so I will have to use a table top drill press, bandsaw and hand files.
Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks Jim Ziegler aka Kraut
 
I don't think it will be a problem.
just figure what type you want, drill the hole(s), and connect the dots, so to speak, with files etc.

If your blade drops down in front of the choil, it will be fairly easy. Just be very careful, and know the final design you want.
After you drill, and cut, it's too late to change your mind.:eek: :D

You can black out areas with a marker to get an idea of how it will look, and where you need to drill.
Good luck.
 
i have seen some bowies with the spanish notch, but what is it used for? is it just there for looks or does it have a real purpose? :confused:
 
Terry-
I've heard and read lots of reasons for the Spanish Notch, including that it was used to haul in fishing line - I've hand hauled salmon and the idea of having sharp blade in your hand while doing this is almost laughable if the idea wasn't so dangerous.
The most likely reason and the one most historians will give is that it a decorative leftover from the old main gauche or left hand dagger used when fighting with a rapier. The Spanish maintained this style of sword fighting much longer than other countries. There are many examples of the main gauche style dagger extant with notches running almost the full length of the very stout blade which usually is about 9-10" long. The notches were designed to catch and even break the opponents blade. I've seen it's use demonstrated by reenactors and it really does work when done right.
 
Personally, I think it's just a simple drip 'spout' if you will.
The original Mediterranean knives that mostly featured the notch were used for everything, eating, cleaning game etc. People wore long sleeved shirts, and laundries were scarce, as was soap.
The notch would interrupt the flow of liquids down the edge, and cause them to drip off before reaching the hand.
The notches were too small to be used as a fighting knife foil. Those knives that are made today with intended foils/blade catchers are much bigger.
Just my opinion.:eek: :D
 
Hi Guys... Thanks for the reply's. Sorry I havn't responded sooner we were having internet problems at home and I could only use the computer at work and our usage on outgoing messages is monitered so I kept it to a bare minimum.

George.. You were succinct as usual. Behave yourself and do what Carol tells you and we'll have you around for a long while. I know it will be hard to slow down for a while but it sure beats the alternative.

All the best Jim
 
I resurrected this thread because I have a similar problem. I ground the
blade on a mediterranean dagger, forgetting to drill the hole for the Spanish
notch while the blank was still flat and unground. The tang has not been
tapered yet, and is still full thickness. I could clamp that up to be sure I have
true right angle. What I'm worried about is whether the drill bit will drift of
skitter off when it meets the 45 degree angle of the ground blade. Has anybody had to drill a hole with the blade flat already ground? I'd appreciate
any suggestions.
 
wicksknives013_640x480.jpg
This is my version of the Spanish notch. Drill a starter hole and file.
 
RI_Shooter said:
I resurrected this thread because I have a similar problem. I ground the
blade on a mediterranean dagger, forgetting to drill the hole for the Spanish
notch while the blank was still flat and unground. The tang has not been
tapered yet, and is still full thickness. I could clamp that up to be sure I have
true right angle. What I'm worried about is whether the drill bit will drift of
skitter off when it meets the 45 degree angle of the ground blade. Has anybody had to drill a hole with the blade flat already ground? I'd appreciate
any suggestions.
Click to expand...

use an 1/8" center cut end mill. Go slow and you shouldnt have any problem. You can chuck it up in a drill press with no problems.
 
I tried it with the 1/8" center cut end mill chucked up in the press, and
it worked great. Thanks for tip, Michael. LRB, that is a truly beautiful job
on the big Bowie.
 
RI_Shooter said:
I tried it with the 1/8" center cut end mill chucked up in the press, and
it worked great. Thanks for tip, Michael. LRB, that is a truly beautiful job
on the big Bowie.
Click to expand...

No problem, glad I could help.
 
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