World Trade Center memorial knife

DanGraves

DanGraves

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
2,677
This was a great project to work on. A cross was erected at the Shanksville Fire dept. in Pa. where flight 93 was brought down using a beam from the World Trade Center tower 1. Donald Ziolkowlski is a Sheriff's Officer who escorted on one of the rides to dedicate the steel. In Don's words "I think the story of the design (Bowie), reflects an American patriot (our heritage) and of course the composition of the knife reflects heroism of today, inc; families living with the tragedy as well as the police, firefighters, and troops who give all for our way of life. The knife is symbolic of the American Spirit. "
Group of Police and Firemen motorcycle riders in front of Memorial in Shanksville Pa. Flight 93 crash site. Fire Dept. NY Commissioned Engine "343" dedicated to the 343 New York City firemen who perished on 09-11-01.

The blade was made using a cutoff of the beam. It was made into Damascus so it could hold a good edge and defend America. Here are pictures of the memorial etc.




 
Here are some other pictures of the knifeas it came along. The last picture in the first thread is just the pc of beam forged out.



 
I guess I did not make it clear that the knife is for Donald Ziolkowlski who is a Sheriff's Officer who escorted on one of the rides to dedicate the steel for flight 93.
 
This project started out as a 2 lb. piece of steel that was a remnant cut off from a large beam. It made me so proud that Dan literally dropped everything he was working on, to create this special piece. Dan gets it. This was not about creating souvenirs or for profit momentos, it was about taking something American that terrorists destroyed and rebuilding something American from the rubble. James Bowie was an American Patriot who fought at the Alamo in the Texas Militia. It seemed only fitting that Dan create a rendition of almost exacting replication of such a famous American battle blade as was carried by Jim Bowie. The steel forged in the blade goes without saying, that it is some of the most American steel I know. So much of the recyclable steel from the World Trade Center is being sold as scrap overseas to China and India. Without getting into a political debate, I would have only wished that all of the steel were to remain on American soil. This small piece of steel was not going to be scrapped, it's now a piece of American artwork. Dan, being an artisan in his craft, in my opinion captured the true fighting American spirit with this piece. I am forever grateful. Don Z.
 
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Very nice Tribute well done Sir. And a very beautiful knife if i do say so myself. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
d762nato said:
Very nice Tribute well done Sir. And a very beautiful knife if i do say so myself. :thumbup::thumbup:
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And a very powerful example of the American emotional psyche that is still ever present concerning this horrific event.

Bob Betzner
 
tinman1343 said:
This project started out as a 2 lb. piece of steel that was a remnant cut off from a large beam. It made me so proud that Dan literally dropped everything he was working on, to create this special piece. Dan gets it. This was not about creating souvenirs or for profit momentos, it was about taking something American that terrorists destroyed and rebuilding something American from the rubble. James Bowie was an American Patriot who fought at the Alamo in the Texas Militia. It seemed only fitting that Dan create a rendition of almost exacting replication of such a famous American battle blade as was carried by Jim Bowie. The steel forged in the blade goes without saying, that it is some of the most American steel I know. So much of the recyclable steel from the World Trade Center is being sold as scrap overseas to China and India, without getting into a political debate, I would have only wished that all of the steel were to remain on American soil. This small piece of steel was not going to be scrapped, it's now a piece of American artwork. Dan, being an artisan in his craft, in my opinion captured the true fighting American spirit with this piece. I am forever grateful. Don Z.
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Great post, and welcome to the forums. :)

Completely agree with everyones sentiments on here, it is stunning and the symbolism behind it makes it a true piece of America.
 
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