tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75610662689151721782024-03-13T12:42:05.783-07:00Plowshare ForgeDan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-86582893315100863692014-07-10T18:52:00.001-07:002014-07-10T18:52:24.872-07:00Welcome,<span style="font-style: italic;">"Shivs, shanks and pigstickers and things too fierce to mention"</span><br />
Welcome to the new-and-improved, Blogger version of my old website, formerly found on .Mac.<br />
If you've seen my work there then you should know what I'm about.<br />
If I'm new to you, it's nice to make your acquaintence. What I make are high-quality, use able reproductions of historic fighting knives.<br />
I started out making large Bowies from the period of "The War for Southern Independence" and since branched out into knives from the two world wars.<br />
I avoid "Milspec" knives such as the M2 or M3 or either of the US, WW1 trench knives as I find them far less interesting than the stuff the boys made themselves or brought from home.<br />
I don't make fakes. Each knife is dated. The year is stamped; ie "o9" on double-edged blades while those with a spine have the year filed into it in Roman numerals.<br />
The ricasso of each is stamped with my mark, crossed monkey wrenches.<br />
The way this is set up, you can either scroll down endlessly, covering all three periods consecutively.<br />
Alternately, on the left is a list of everything in order.<br />
Click on the image for the category or on the names of the individual knives listed beneath.<br />
Good hunting and thanks for stopping by.<br />
Dan BrockDan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-15495264156518709082009-07-26T11:59:00.000-07:002014-07-10T18:51:14.335-07:00Johnny Reb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1yTntc41Yk/U787GHrBEWI/AAAAAAAAFSs/OTYXQppUvb4/s1600/JR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1yTntc41Yk/U787GHrBEWI/AAAAAAAAFSs/OTYXQppUvb4/s320/JR.jpg" height="400" width="317" /> </a></div>
This knife was a commissioned piece which I'd tried to make as close to the one in the photo I was given as possible, and with apparent success - at least according to the guy who covered the bill.<br />
It's a nice little D-guard; nice because it's only got 10 1/2" of blade and is far more manageable than the 14 - 16" limb-loppers.<br />
These will be made to order so none of this was set in stone.<br />
The guard is blackened steel. The handle wood is chinquapin. The blade is 5160 - leaf spring. That's all folks.<br />
The beauty of the D-guard is simplicity; it's only got three pieces.<br />
A D-guard around this size with similar bells and whistles:<br />
$185 with sheath (The pictured example was ordered without).<br />
Plus $10 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-4185705327997306312009-07-23T13:00:00.000-07:002013-07-13T10:41:30.616-07:00"File Knives"Being that this knife is the first in the list of "Custom Work", I'll line out my made-to-order protocol.<br />
If we've never done business before, I ask for 50% up front. Otherwise, the total is paid on completion.<br />
The 50% is refundable in case a decision is changed <span style="font-style: italic;">if</span> it's a knife that will be saleable otherwise. Anything too oddball and that won't be the case.<br />
You would be advised in advance if your request fits this category (they rarely do).<br />
The money for custom work is similar to the prices posted for something comparable in size and/or complexity, plus 20% or so.<br />
Ballpark: A big Bowie (14"+ blade) $175 to $200.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmjBuCRgQDI/AAAAAAAACVA/jYaqdnFpR9k/s1600-h/file-knives.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361748353013006386" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmjBuCRgQDI/AAAAAAAACVA/jYaqdnFpR9k/s400/file-knives.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 304px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>19thc<br />
These two knives were commissioned by an old customer from my E-Bay days. He wrote that he had some of his Granddad's old files he wanted made into knives. He mailed me a Black Diamond, farrier's rasp and a beautiful 14" Kearney and Foot, coarse mill file that was 5/16" thick. Both files are visible in the background of the picture. The rasp became the spear-point at top along with the handle-with that bitchin' rectangular brass ferrule-from the other file. All it needed was a cross guard.<br />
The K&F became the Lone Star, C-guard with the antler handle.<br />
I'd like to add that I considered it quite a priveledge to work on these knives. I like the idea of things from the past being made into something meaningful.<br />
That being said, If anyone were interested, I'd be happy to make a knife out of Grandpa's old hay rake tine, saw blade or one of the springs from his old Studebaker.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me. </a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-33740588763699944532009-07-22T10:16:00.001-07:002013-07-13T10:42:48.157-07:00Spanish Bowie<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_CaE8hAnI/AAAAAAAACLA/s2r1F7VwS3E/s1600-h/Spanish-Bowie.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350208635599389298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_CaE8hAnI/AAAAAAAACLA/s2r1F7VwS3E/s400/Spanish-Bowie.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 237px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>19thc
This knife was commissioned to fit a particular sheath that the customer already possessed and is based on a very early Mexican Bowie.
Blade length: 9"
Overall: 13"
The handle was turned from desert ironwood with a guard and pommel of wrought iron.
As picture without a sheath this knife would run $225 shipped.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a> Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-72976369492613892672009-07-22T10:06:00.000-07:002013-07-13T10:43:22.776-07:00Rifleman's Knife<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmdHTB7otwI/AAAAAAAACUI/2ScScDbqfBc/s1600-h/R%27man%27s-Knife.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361332273669519106" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmdHTB7otwI/AAAAAAAACUI/2ScScDbqfBc/s400/R%27man%27s-Knife.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 256px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>19thc<br />
I've got to admit, I kind of guesstimated on this one, but I think I got close. The customer wanted a French and Indian War, Rifleman's knife. After dilligent research and looking at what lots of other folks are selling as such, I came up with this: An overlarge, tricked out, butcher knife. I like it. The handle is Fiddleback Western Maple, the blade has been left with the tempering colors in place. There's filework on the spine (along with my date - the year in Roman Numerals MMVI) and one of those cute curlicue ricasso thingies. I should probably find out what that's called,and a brass guard and binding.<br />
$200.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a><a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com"></a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-91551057945537507152009-07-22T10:05:00.001-07:002013-07-13T10:43:57.699-07:00Antler-Handled Bowie<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmdG5ri5B4I/AAAAAAAACUA/jzcGqzYbYok/s1600-h/Bowie.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361331838163421058" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmdG5ri5B4I/AAAAAAAACUA/jzcGqzYbYok/s400/Bowie.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 306px;" /></a>19thc <br />
This was a recent commission for an old customer, one of my first customers as a matter of fact.<br />
It's a reproduction of a Sheffield produced Bowie, circa 1840.<br />
The short clip blade is 12" long and 2' wide, hand forged from spring steel. As requested by the client, the clip was left unsharpened.<br />
The guard and pommel cap are forged from wrought iron. They were cut from an antique picket pin I picked up in Montana where my great, great grandfather and his brothers raised horses for the U. S. Cavalry.<br />
The handle is deer antler, the sheath, cowhide.<br />
To duplicate this knife would cost $180.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a> Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-53645039841283986122009-07-22T10:04:00.001-07:002016-03-13T09:30:36.101-07:00Boarding Axe<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-4w5EVv2G0/VuWTKw6OafI/AAAAAAAAF7k/JEss2KHZcjA_elSUihe7TCklu4PXiHyNw/s1600/BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-4w5EVv2G0/VuWTKw6OafI/AAAAAAAAF7k/JEss2KHZcjA_elSUihe7TCklu4PXiHyNw/s400/BA.jpg" width="270" /></a>For the past two hundred years, right up to end of the days of "wooden ships and iron men" fire aboard ship was a dreaded occurrence.<br />
But space on a wooden warship was at a premium. therefore many artifacts of on-shore life were downsized to fit the new reality. Swords became cutlasses, pikes became boarding pikes and axes became ... these.<br />
First and foremost, it was a tool; a firefighting and damage-control tool. Grappling lines could be chopped loose, downed spars and lines cut away - and a fella could "repel boarders" if need be. Fact is: It was far more useful right where it lived unless someone couldn't find a cutlass to cross over with.<br />
A case where it could be invaluable was in chopping free hotshot. http://plowshareforge.blogspot.com/2016/03/chill-hotshot.html<br />
This oft-overlooked piece of our material heritage lives on in our world as the modern fire axe.<br />
This example is based, insofar as possible on a photo of a USN axe from the War of 1812.<br />
This axe has a turned ash or hickory handle, 23" long with a ball at the end. <br />
A high-carbon steel head weighing about 24 oz.<br />
The head/handle transition is reinforced by steel langets which also lock the head in place with three rivets.<br />
It has an axe edge and a pick head opposite. with teeth cut into the "beard" of of the axe side to aid in pulling away debris.<br />
<br />
$200 plus $15 shipping.<br />
To order e-mail me.<br />
<a href="mailto:dbrock76@yahoo.com"><br />
</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-19894876522870768222009-07-22T10:02:00.000-07:002009-07-26T12:30:13.091-07:00Antler-Handled D-Guard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmdGcNsIE8I/AAAAAAAACTw/bRtA5he8VpE/s1600-h/Antler-D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmdGcNsIE8I/AAAAAAAACTw/bRtA5he8VpE/s400/Antler-D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361331331932885954" /></a>19thcDan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-3907652048253861222009-07-22T10:01:00.001-07:002009-07-26T12:30:38.724-07:00"Barn Find"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_B6eQinUI/AAAAAAAACKo/py1cnHUPndc/s1600-h/BARN-FIND.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 209px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_B6eQinUI/AAAAAAAACKo/py1cnHUPndc/s400/BARN-FIND.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350208092638453058" /></a>19thcDan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-75404703267873655172009-07-22T09:59:00.001-07:002013-08-15T11:36:21.498-07:00Middle East Commando Knife<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_CPzIBzJI/AAAAAAAACK4/wHXfB412oBo/s1600-h/ME-comando-knife.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350208459017145490" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_CPzIBzJI/AAAAAAAACK4/wHXfB412oBo/s400/ME-comando-knife.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 276px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>ww2<br />
These knives show other places as well but they're generally associated with the Middle East Commandos.<br />
They were small, elite units raised locally and under the command of the British Army.<br />
They formed up in mid'1940, then some months later, they were absorbed into a larger commando force, called Layforce" intended to help rein-in Rommel.<br />
This knife, inexplicably named "The Fanny" has a blade of high-carbon tool steel, 6" long and sharpened along the curved edge.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Smkkpc69cxI/AAAAAAAACVI/-Bt4j6kgQBg/s1600-h/fanny-pc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361857125918012178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Smkkpc69cxI/AAAAAAAACVI/-Bt4j6kgQBg/s200/fanny-pc.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 144px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Like the <a href="http://plowshareforgeknives.blogspot.com/2009/07/clements-knuckle-knife_1281.html">Clements</a>, this knife has the blade mounted "up-side-down".<br />
"Death's Head, knuckleduster grip of cast brass.<br />
Blade length: 6" <br />
Overall length; 11 1/2"<br />
Includes the sheath pictured.<br />
$165 plus $7.50 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a><br />
<a href="mailto:dbrock76@yahoo.com"><br /></a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-77318430157640847802009-07-22T09:58:00.001-07:002013-07-13T10:30:22.166-07:00Special Unit Z Knuckle Knife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GTGVZUSVXE/USg5uvS0-eI/AAAAAAAAEro/wQm6v7pIk4w/s1600/Unit-Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GTGVZUSVXE/USg5uvS0-eI/AAAAAAAAEro/wQm6v7pIk4w/s320/Unit-Z.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.ozatwar.com/ausarmy/zforce.htm">Special Unit Z</a> was a McAurthur-approved, branch-unit of the SOE (Special Operations Executive - the Commonwealth version of the OSS).<br />
Accordingly the personnel were mostly Australian while the equipment was American.<br />
They were active in Malaysia and vicinity plying the recon and demolition trade. Read more <a href="http://plowshareforge.blogspot.com/search?q=unit+z">here</a>.<br />
A piece of kit issued them that was very non-American was their knuckle knife.<br />
They were made in Australia and came with handles cast either in brass or zamack.<br />
A very compact little knife;<br />
Blade: 4", 8" OAL<br />
<br />
$150. plus $5 shipping.<br />
<br />
Zamack will be available if there's sufficient interest.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a><br />
<a href="mailto:dbrock76@yahoo.com"><br />
</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-47155267582786762312009-07-22T09:57:00.001-07:002014-07-12T17:03:40.030-07:00North African "Bazaar Knife"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uru51s0ndVo/U8HHddudLrI/AAAAAAAAFS8/Z9_4Pr4t-Io/s1600/nafrica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uru51s0ndVo/U8HHddudLrI/AAAAAAAAFS8/Z9_4Pr4t-Io/s1600/nafrica.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
I offered this knife several years ago and no interest was shown - ever.<br />
This disappointed me since I had thought at the time, and still do, that this is one of the very few, practical knuckle knives around.<br />
The single finger-loop is smallish so it'd be tough with gloves on but the payoff is that the overall width, although a bit chubby, is still comfortable enough to hold - for pencil-sharpening, fish-cleaning... all the random things one does in a day that don't happen to be - knife-fighting.<br />
Snyder's Treasures carries one now and then, and every time they say it's "rare" and over time the provenance stated has run from: "Who Knows?" to Rommel's DAK.<br />
In any case; likely purchased in Morocco, Algeria, Egypt during the war and made by the famous and elusive: "Some Guy".<br />
6 1/2" blade.<br />
$150 plus $10 shipping in US<br />
Rare or not, it's nice little knife. I love this thing.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-19367427663188939832009-07-22T09:56:00.001-07:002013-07-13T10:46:44.142-07:00Montana Power Co. Knife<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sl-R0Q6AEbI/AAAAAAAACOw/dcxI4UW5pIY/s1600-h/Mt-Power-knife.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359162408671646130" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sl-R0Q6AEbI/AAAAAAAACOw/dcxI4UW5pIY/s400/Mt-Power-knife.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 351px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>ww2<br />
<br />
Montana Power Co. Knives<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />"We received from correspondent Steven Briggs a copy of the "Energizer" , a Montana Power Employees Magazine that is undated. In the company newsletter is an article on knives made by the employees in their spare time during World War Two. The article goes into some details from the guys who made the knives and where they were made, it is great reading. The knives have been attributed as Anaconda Copper Knives in the past and some of the work was performed there on them. The knives are actually Montana Power Co. knives as these are the guys who made them. Anaconda Co. employees stamped out the blades from power saw blades but all the rest of the work was performed in various Montana Power Co. shops. The knives were distributed to the troops through the many troop trains that crossed Montana. The knives were distributed directly to the troops. Overall they, the men, stated they made close to 1200 knives in 1942 & 43 and every piece of the raw material was "bummed" to do it. Great Americans!"</span><br />
<br />
From Frank Trzaska's website, <a href="http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/">militaryknives.com</a><br />
<br />
Blade 7 1/2" long with cast-aluminum handle.<br />
Includes cowhide sheath<br />
$160 plus $10 shipping<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a><a href="mailto:dbrock76@yahoo.com"></a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-49683123634686987402009-07-22T09:54:00.006-07:002013-07-13T10:47:28.772-07:00Lt. Clarence Tierney's Knife<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Smyl4RfqnqI/AAAAAAAACVQ/gwRnOGOGyCE/s1600-h/Tierney-Knife.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362843642478894754" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Smyl4RfqnqI/AAAAAAAACVQ/gwRnOGOGyCE/s400/Tierney-Knife.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 194px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
This is a recent commission with some personal connection for me.<br />
Pictured is my reproduction of the personal fighting knife of one Lt. Clarence Tierney, First Special Service Force.<br />
That having been my Dad's unit, I was fortunate to own a copy of the same book as that of the customer.<br />
A double-edged blade, 10" long with a stacked leather handle and cast brass fittings.<br />
Photographed on the photo of the original in the book; <span style="font-style: italic;">"The Supercommandos First Special Service Force, 1942-1944"</span> by Robert Todd Ross.<br />
Includes cowhide sheath<br />
$175 lus $10 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-47802119902343531952009-07-22T09:54:00.005-07:002013-11-19T09:28:26.069-08:00M1918, Mk-1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-G50aIq_sM/Ug0VcW_KCVI/AAAAAAAAE3M/t2JAYikH5_I/s1600/MK-1-para.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-G50aIq_sM/Ug0VcW_KCVI/AAAAAAAAE3M/t2JAYikH5_I/s400/MK-1-para.jpg" width="335" /></a> </div>
When they hear the words: "trench knife", this is likely the knife most folks think of.
Although it's just one of many designs of knuckle knife from both world wars this one gets most of the media exposure - as carried by Lee Marvin's character in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Red_One"><i>The Big Red One</i></a>.<br />
Other than the earlier, French version made by <i>Au Lion</i> in 1917, none of these knives were issued overseas during the Great War.<br />
Having missed the action, they spent the twenties and thirties in storage.<br />
And luckily so it would seem as the Army at least had <i>something</i> to issue to Airborne and Ranger units when WW2 (Great War - Chapter 2) rolled around.<br />
Upon issue one of the first things done was to cut or break off the two "wings" of the guard which made it lay flatter in the sheath.<br />
To this end, my version has no wings.<br />
It's also inauthentic albeit more solid due to my limited production methods.<br />
The solid-brass, knuckleduster handle is cast directly onto the tang and thus can never work loose.<br />
The pommel spike is screwed into a hole drilled into the casting and epoxied in place.<br />
Blade length: 6 1/2" <br />
Overall length: 11"<br />
Includes the sheath pictured.<br />
$175 plus $7.50 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a><br />
<a href="mailto:dbrock76@yahoo.com"><br />
</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-53647710810870181922009-07-22T09:54:00.003-07:002013-07-13T10:49:14.577-07:00BC 41<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_CAnVJy8I/AAAAAAAACKw/ChOpad5fShg/s1600-h/BC41.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350208198152932290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_CAnVJy8I/AAAAAAAACKw/ChOpad5fShg/s400/BC41.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 246px;" /></a>ww2<br />
This is a knuckle knife from early in the war and was reputedly made for the British Commandos prior to the introduction of the F/S.<br />
Obviously based on WW1 knuckle knives, it was produced with the grip cast in either iron or brass.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SHPa3C1AxGI/AAAAAAAABC0/Xt5ra0807Iw/s1600-h/BC41.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220757032239416418" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SHPa3C1AxGI/AAAAAAAABC0/Xt5ra0807Iw/s400/BC41.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
My version is cast in brass with a blade 5 1/2" long and a cowhide sheath<br />
$140 plus $5 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-46258526770276425952009-07-22T09:54:00.001-07:002013-07-13T10:56:54.369-07:00Fairbairn's Cobra<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmS9UAZHs-I/AAAAAAAACSw/i-lmyiXpwww/s1600-h/cobra.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360617607878128610" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmS9UAZHs-I/AAAAAAAACSw/i-lmyiXpwww/s400/cobra.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 350px;" /></a>ww2 <br />
Back by popular demand.<br />
After the development of the Shanghai Fighting Knife, the many variations on the F/S stiletto design came and went with little input - or interest from W. E. Fairbairn.<br />
He went into a completely new direction in knife design. He came up with a smaller version of the Smatchet called the Fair Sword and this item.<br />
During the 1950's, Fairbairn went to Cyprus to instruct the local constabulary in point-shooting and riot control.<br />
At that time he designed what he considered his favorite knife. Based on several Middle Eastern and Asian, incurved blades, it was called the Cobra.<br />
There's no telling how many were actually produced as there is only one photograph, a poor one at that, in existence.<br />
11" high-carbon, hardened and tempered blade, sharp for the full length on the inside edge and for half of the back.<br />
Overall length is 16" and includes the handle which in the case of the knife pictured, is purpleheart.<br />
Comes with a hand stitched cowhide sheath.<br />
$175 plus $10 shipping.<br />
One vailable now with burl walnut scales.<br />
E-mail for details.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-13572288478164439392009-07-22T09:52:00.001-07:002013-07-13T10:58:04.235-07:00Sgt. Bob<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Smi_tgbaTpI/AAAAAAAACUw/NVM29SIiaKM/s1600-h/sgt-bob.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361746144904498834" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Smi_tgbaTpI/AAAAAAAACUw/NVM29SIiaKM/s320/sgt-bob.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 210px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>ww2<br />
This marks the triumphant return of the famous (it could be famous) Sgt. Bob.<br />
Named for its designer, CMsgt. Bob Anderson, USAFR (Ret) and my own Papa, the late Staff Sgt. Robert D. Brock, FSSF, it's based on a second-war, brass-handled knuckle-knife made by Smith's of New Zealand.<br />
The blackened, 8", double-edged blade is hand-forged from high-carbon steel, hardened and tempered.<br />
The cast aluminum knuckle-duster handle - as well as the steel cross-guard are painted OD.<br />
Overall length is 13" and a hand-stitched cowhide sheath is included.<br />
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$160 plus $7.50 shipping.<br />
$80 shipped for any serving member of the active armed forces - Federalized Guard and Reserve included. One per customer.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-46460185152719203522009-07-21T13:28:00.001-07:002013-07-13T10:59:45.750-07:00V44'sFirst of all, to clear up any confusion, <a href="http://plowshareforge.blogspot.com/2006/06/great-bowie-knife-controve_114979851833228900.html">the <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span> V-44 was a fixed-blade, bolo tip knife, intended as a survival machete.</a><br />
It was preceded by many, many Bowies and somehow all the Bowies have the name V-44.<br />
So be it.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOc1AxbAPI/AAAAAAAACRQ/kHRX0KBZ9zQ/s1600-h/V44.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360300416055312626" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOc1AxbAPI/AAAAAAAACRQ/kHRX0KBZ9zQ/s400/V44.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 315px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>ww2<br />
On the fourth of November, 1942, as part of America's first offensive of the war, the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion landed on Guadalcanal. Their exploits over the next few months earned them a place in history and their commander, Lt Col. Carlson his third Navy cross. The M2, "Kabar" utility/fighting knife wasn't yet available so the Raiders were equipped with the Collins #18 Machete. This knife had a 9 1/2" Bowie style blade, a brass cross guard and green handle slabs of horn. It was adopted initially, in 1935, by the Air Corps as a survival machete. It ultimately came to be associated with Carlson's Raiders and was afterward referred to as the "Gung Ho" knife. The above is not that knife.<br />
An aside to this story (and the reason I'm writing this at all) is that one of the young officers serving under Carlson on Guadalcanal was Evan C. Carlson, the Colonel's son. The younger Carlson was transferred in Feb of 1943 to the 1st Battalion, 21st Regiment in New Zealand where he ordered for his Marines 1000 knives designed to mimic the Collins #18 almost exactly. The exception being that the brass and horn handle was replicated in cast aluminum painted OD.<br />
It was probably not specially designed by the good Colonel's son as it was also the issued "bail-out knife" of the RNZAF and belongs to a group of WW2 Bowies erroneously referred to as "V44's"<br />
My reproduction of this famous knife is the same size and profile as the original. The blade is 9 1/2". It was hand forged from 1095 steel, is hardened and zone tempered.<br />
Includes a cowhide sheath replicating the original.<br />
$175 plus $7.50 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a> <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_Cr4hwuYI/AAAAAAAACLQ/xPb31oqhj8U/s1600-h/T-V44%27s.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350208941503592834" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sj_Cr4hwuYI/AAAAAAAACLQ/xPb31oqhj8U/s400/T-V44%27s.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
My time in the Seabees makes me nostalgic over any WW2, "theater knives" - that is - knives made or modified "in theater".<br />
Having acess to skills, materials and shop space, many knives in the Pacific were produced by "The Bees" such as the jolly gentlemen pictured.<br />
To this end, as time permits, I put together a theater V-44 on spec.<br />
Each example pictured would include the same sheath as above.<br />
$180 - $200 plus $7.50 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-5500164141866537322009-07-21T13:11:00.001-07:002013-07-13T11:03:28.068-07:00Smatchet<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmYhGXhHNEI/AAAAAAAACTY/tV25FL8uOxc/s1600-h/Smatchet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361008799706985538" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmYhGXhHNEI/AAAAAAAACTY/tV25FL8uOxc/s400/Smatchet.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 251px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>ww2<br />
"The psychological reaction of any man, when he first takes the smatchet in his hand, is full justification for its recommendation as a fighting weapon. He will immediately register all the essential qualities of a good soldier-confidence, determination, and aggressiveness.<br />
Its balance, weight, and killing power, with the point, edge, or pommel, combined with the extremely simple training necessary to become efficient in its use, make it the ideal personal weapon for all those not armed with a rifle and bayonet."<br />
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W. E. Fairbairn from "Get Tough" his WW2 vintage self-defense manual (see link below)<br />
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That pretty much sums it up. Additionally there is this quote furnished by my good friend Kevin, attributable to a person unknown:<br />
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"The smatchet was designed at Lochailort. The first ones were made in Glasgow by a man who was, by all accounts, a thoroughly insane Scot (he insisted that the blade be tempered in the piss of red-headed boys from Glasgow) and brought by train up to Ft. William. They were delivered to the local hotel ...and then sent out to Lochailort."<br />
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This is an example of the earlier British model with the smaller brass pommel. The blade is 11 1/2" long and is sharpened on one edge and 3 1/2" on the other. The handle is African Rosewood and included is a cowhide over leather scabbard.<br />
Inset is one with the later, more common-and-chunkier, aluminum pommel option, available for $5 less than the brass.<br />
Guards of both are steel.<br />
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$180 plus $10 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-58298526323911333332009-07-19T17:08:00.000-07:002013-07-13T11:04:08.513-07:00Robbins of Dudley Push Dagger<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sl-tpRiFivI/AAAAAAAACPw/KNoCoQxdT8o/s1600-h/Robbins-Push.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359193006186793714" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/Sl-tpRiFivI/AAAAAAAACPw/KNoCoQxdT8o/s400/Robbins-Push.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 290px;" /></a><br />
Here's a particularly wicked little piece of trench weaponry that English industry produced during the Great War. Robbins was a metalworking concern operating in Dudley, Worcestershire from the 1870's until the mid '20's. Fans of industrial history may be interested to know that Dudley was also the home of Peter Wright's forge, the maker of the first "built-up" forged anvils. Little is known about the company's wares other than that, except during the war, they didn't produce knives at all. At one point they were registered as "fender makers", the fireplace kind. When they did made knives they specialized to the extreme. They produced a line of knuckle knives, push daggers as well as more conventional blades all of which comprised an aluminum handle cast onto the blade.<br />
Like the original Robbins knives, the aluminum handle is cast onto the blade, which in this case, is hand forged from file steel and blackened. Blade length is 3 5/8". <br />
Includes a sewn leather sheath.<br />
$95 plus $5 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-21597413533602059092009-07-19T17:07:00.001-07:002013-07-13T11:04:51.425-07:00Robbins Punch Dagger<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOist_eqXI/AAAAAAAACRo/TSIY8dJaV5c/s1600-h/Robbins-Punch.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360306870644812146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOist_eqXI/AAAAAAAACRo/TSIY8dJaV5c/s400/Robbins-Punch.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 282px;" /></a><br />
This may count as one of Robbins of Dudley's more bizarre designs. In that it was extensively copied by other manufacturers during the Great War, it must have been a popular design as well. There even exist some homemade examples, cobbled together from scrap brass and at least one hollow cast iron one. Another non-Robbins knife has the knuckle bow cast in aluminum integrally with the handle.<br />
The Robbins originals comprised a cast aluminum handle cast onto a steel knuckle bow and a double-edged 5' blade resulting in a weapon whose design makes it almost impossible to drop while being nearly idiot proof in action. And yes, you CAN stick it through a car door. See link below.<br />
I've made this knife from aluminum with a blade of hand-forged file steel, hardened and tempered. The blade is blackened as is the steel knuckle bow. Includes a sewn cowhide sheath.<br />
$140 plus $5 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-49769900651266043222009-07-19T17:05:00.000-07:002013-07-13T11:05:32.080-07:00Robbins Knuckle Knife<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOiUl2mXFI/AAAAAAAACRg/_I1Hz0plhDM/s1600-h/Robbins-of-D-KK.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360306456143223890" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOiUl2mXFI/AAAAAAAACRg/_I1Hz0plhDM/s400/Robbins-of-D-KK.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 351px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Here's another bash and slash weapon from those sensitive souls at Robbins of Dudley. This is a reproduction of a two stall knuckle knife with a blackened, dagger blade 5 5/8" long. The blade was hand forged from a file and the aluminum handle was cast in place. I should note that the pattern with these British knuckle knives was to engineer them to be used to best effect in the overhand, "icepick" style of grip. The idea being that if one is punched in the jaw, on the follow-through the blade slashes their throat. Lovely thought. This example in particular, is only really comfortable when held in this manner. Includes a sewn and riveted cowhide sheath.<br />
$120 plus $5 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a><br />
Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-61546545157063985982009-07-19T17:04:00.001-07:002013-07-13T11:06:17.013-07:00Clement's Knuckle Knife<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOfvkZ-H6I/AAAAAAAACRY/FUR3VvFzVfo/s1600-h/Clement%27s-KK.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360303621076295586" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOfvkZ-H6I/AAAAAAAACRY/FUR3VvFzVfo/s400/Clement%27s-KK.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 308px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
A\change from the standard dagger, this type of knife, often called "the throat cutter" because of its "upside down" blade, was produced by many Sheffield firms although it's referred to as the Clements knuckle knife after a large London retailer. They were a popular private purchase item particularly for officers and the design proved so effective that it was revived with a few modifications as the Second War, BC-41 British Commando knife, precursor to the Fairbairn-Sykes daggers.<br />
Blades are forged from file steel and measure 5 3/4" long. They're riveted to a cast aluminum handle and include a sewn and riveted cowhide sheath. Overall length, 9 3/4".<br />
$120 lus $5 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a><br />
<a href="mailto:dbrock76@yahoo.com"><br /></a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561066268915172178.post-71845174059873105322009-07-19T17:01:00.000-07:002013-07-13T11:06:49.495-07:00Clements "Death's Head" Spike<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOz8Rk0pwI/AAAAAAAACSA/0FDgLrCgv9M/s1600-h/clements+DH.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360325829592393474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cODTxzY0ZGg/SmOz8Rk0pwI/AAAAAAAACSA/0FDgLrCgv9M/s400/clements+DH.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 330px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
This knife is based on another of the Charles Clements firms offerings from the first war.<br />
The six inch, carbon-steel blade has a triangular cross-section similar to that of the US M1917/18 Trench Knife.<br />
This style of stabbing blade was supposed to leave a wound that closes less readily tan that of a conventional dagger. Furthermore, I suspect that The spike is far easier to withdraw than a flat blade.<br />
It's riveted to an aluminum handle, cast in the shape of a stylized "Death's Head" with spiked knucks (the "teeth" of the skull so to speak).<br />
Overall length: 10 1/2"<br />
Includes a hand-stitched cowhide sheath.<br />
$125 plus $5 shipping.<br />
<a href="mailto:plowshareforge@gmail.com">To order e-mail me.</a>Dan brockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11146234533337885291noreply@blogger.com