The Purple Heart Knife (medal, not wood)

J. Neilson

J. Neilson

Joined
Feb 6, 2001
Messages
3,621
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.
 
Just an amazing story and knife and sheath. Truly wonderful. :thumbup:
 
That is an awesome thing you did J!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful knife and the sheath is just amazing!!!!
 
As usual, beautiful job. Tess that medal on the sheath is amazing. Great work both of you!
Ed
 
J., Yours and Tess's work is certainly amazing art, for sure! When I saw the pictures of your knife and sheath, I was really impressed, but not surprised, given your talents. The shrapnel I sent you was like a sow's ear turned into silk when you went to work with it. Hey, I got more of that shrapnel, too. Thanks very much for the kind email and pictures, J. You have also done something wonderful for the young man and his father.
 
J. and Tess, you guys do wonderful work. That knife and sheath has a lot of heart and soul built right into it from the start! This is the way knifemaking should be. Bravo! :) :thumbup:
 
6 smokes :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:


geat work that should be in blade mag. and a pic of the presentation too. :D
 
you two! I and TRYING to get my girlfriend/fiance interested in leather work so's we can be together out in the shop, it's working... sorta :confused: Anyway that's nice leather work Tess...

regards, mitch
 
I do not know whether J. and Tess realize it but they are part of my family's healing process. Jake is doing well and he is going on his 17th operation. I would like to thank the Neilson's here on this forum for the wonderfull job they did on Jacob's knife and taking the time to see me when I visited. They are truly what America is all about and why Airmen, Soldiers, and Marines do what they are called to do. From myself, Jacob and our family to the Neilson's and everyone on the forum Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year.

Rich
 
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