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Here is a question for you all !

Amongst last weeks achievements was upsetting an ancient British Institution by recycling their 18th century floorboards. These were sold via an architectural salvaged yard and I turned them in to hand made pens which upset them a bit. This week a greater challenge awaits. I have bought some 13th century timber which came from a venerable British building. What would be a fitting blade to use for scales of this age.

I am pretty much constrained with my traditional folding knives by conventional blades - sheepsfoot, lambsfoot, barlow etc.

If I was going to attempt a medieval blade type I would have to consign my project to my friends in Pakistan with all the complications that would inevitably ensue.

What should I do?

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Replies to This Discussion

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on November 3, 2014 at 9:53

I would use a spear point blade, only.

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Permalink Reply by Sue OldsWidow on November 3, 2014 at 10:45

A dagger

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by M. Carpenter on November 3, 2014 at 14:05

Given the ecclesiastical background of the wood it may not be appropriate. Any kind of knife is considered to be only one step removed from a weapon of mass destruction in the UK. Mind you Thomas Becket did meet his end in Canterbury Cathedral and it might be worth researching the kind of knife used although that would also be a sore point with the church.

For the remake of Jungle Book coming out next year I supplied Mogli with a great big Victorian bowie but then got a contract which appears to prevent me mentioning that.

That are certain perils involved in this matter.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on November 3, 2014 at 14:25

... an interesting discussion seemingly written for you ...

Also .. take a look here .. ideas

.. assuming you're looking @ a friction folder ..

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Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on November 3, 2014 at 16:12

Seen some nice friction folders coming out lately.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on November 3, 2014 at 18:23

LOL, they sold the floorboards, I assume they thought someone would use them.

M, your guys do such a classic sheepsfoot...I would have to say that one

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Permalink Reply by Brad T. on November 3, 2014 at 19:38

Tradition would dictate an ornate carbon steel Dagger w/ ornate nickel guard and pommel. That would be one extreme, the other would be a simple working knife. Such as a sheepsfoot.

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by M. Carpenter on November 4, 2014 at 13:21

I think that my trying to sell them their own floorboards back was a bit of a shock. The architectural salvage yard is right in the heart of London and it's an amazing place for all manner of objects including things like marble columns. They did have some wood from one the London Victorian lunatic asylums but I could not think of a use for that. I am always open to ideas.

Perhaps the best pattern might be a spearpoint for my wood.Anybody with any creative ideas for other products I am always pleased to hear from them.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on November 4, 2014 at 17:33

LOL, I dont know I might like a knife with the wood from the asylum on it. At least I know someone would finally like the wood LOL

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on November 5, 2014 at 12:01

I think they make folders only, that's why he's asking the question. He is limited on what kind of blades he can use. I still say a Spear point, it's the only blade used in a folder now days that is from that era. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

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Permalink Reply by Brad T. on November 6, 2014 at 16:39

I think a Spearpoint out of a nice piece of Damascus would be really nice. I love the symetry of my Pardue Goldclass with Odin's Eye damascus.

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Permalink Reply by Shlomo ben Maved on December 12, 2014 at 23:41

Why not something along the lines of a Roman folding knife,

They had some Norse/Saxon ones on display at the British Museum a few years ago when I was there that looked really neat, There were some others that were Crusades period that were very similar in design that would be in keeping with 13th century wood and pass British knife laws.

AFAIK Beckett was killed by a sword (a crushing blow) but if it was a knife it would be in the poignard style