The Purple Heart Knife (medal, not wood)

J. Neilson

J. Neilson

Joined
Feb 6, 2001
Messages
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This was a knife I was very proud to make. It was commissioned to me by a father who's son was wounded overseas during "Operation Desert Storm" when a "bouncing Betty type" device sprang up in front of him and detonated. After his son received a Purple Heart Medal, presented to him by President Bush, his father wanted to commemorate the honor and give him something he could use. Since Jacob is an avid deer hunter he came to me with a request to make a hunting knife for his son in the spirit of the medal he received. This was my effort... the “Purple Heart Medal” Hunting Knife. I used my "Whitetail Hunter" pattern to make a physical representation of the Purple Heart, colors to match the medal....stabilized/dyed purple (by K&G) Tiger Maple wood, alternative ivory throat and brass furniture. The blade itself needed to be extra special, in my opinion, so I welded actual O.D.S. shrapnel given to me by "Gentleman" Jon Andrews, into the "river & pool" damascus and pierced the ricasso with a heart-shaped cut out. The Tess went the extra mile actually carving the medal into the face of the sheath, not an easy thing to make look good but, leave it to Tess...she did. Rich picked up the knife a couple days ago and was very pleased (his son doesn't know about it yet), I hope you like it as well.
Thanks,
J.
 
Now that's a beautiful knife! and for a noble cause to boot. could you pass along a stranger's respect to Jacob if possible, please?

The carved medallion is incredible as well... talk about a talented family!
 
Very Nice J.
What a wonderful knife, and Tes did an awesome job as always.
Great job guys.
Darren
 
You two really nailed that one. The Purple Heart on the sheath is a great piece of work.
 
Great knife and story - I hope you'll let us know what father and son think of it when they've seen it. I don't boubt they'll both be very pleased.

Roger
 
Beautiful work, you guys! (Didn't Danny do anything on this project? What a lazy little.....! Slept through it again, right? LOL)

:D
 
That really is a stunning knife, with a great story providing the inspiration for such a commendable piece. I'm sure it will become a coveted piece when it is recieved,...... What an awesome surprise it will be. :) Nice work.
 
Thanks guys. His father really liked it and said he'd send me a picture of his son with the knife, I'm looking forward to that.

Nope Holger, coudn't get Danny boy to do a damn thing except bug me for playtime. :rolleyes:

Greg, I wanted to thank you again for your hospitality and having me over to your shop during the Hammer-In, you've got a nice little set-up there...though the garage would be nice. ;) Thanks.

Sorry, it's John Andrews, not Jon.
 
Great story. Did you consider using purple heart wood? I guess it's a bit too pink maybe?
 
That is an absolutely beautiful knife, and like all great works of art, has a great story behind it, too. :D
 
I love it. The theme is outstanding and done extraordinarily well, to say nothing about the absolute quality of the knife itself. :thumbup:
 
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