Scottish Dirk w/ 5,000 yr old bog Oak handle by Hanford Miller

[Buddy Thomason]

This is now the sixth in a series of Hanford's ongoing efforts to understand how many of the classic historical blades were constructed and how they might be recreated in modern times.
Hanford modeled this Scottish Dirk on a particular museum specimen. The handle, which appears simple enough, hides some interesting complexities but the most interesting aspect is the authentic 5,000 year old dark bog Oak obtained (with considerable effort) from a wood-carver in Northern Ireland. Hanford's patron commissioned this blade and supplied the bog Oak which has been carbon dated.
The Damascus steel blade is a modern touch, obviously, and Hanford has applied some of his usual details and adornments but in so many ways he has captured the authenticity that is often elusive in modern recreations of classic historical blades.
To date I have photo-doccumented all six of Hanford's historical recreations:
Viking Dagger
Jambiya
Cinquedea
Ear Dagger
Quillon Dagger
Scottish Dirk
Next will be a Gladius Sword followed by a Poignard Dagger. After those I think some sort of article is in order. Hanford believes that makers should not forget the classic blades and that by imitating them a maker naturally broadens his knife-making knowledge and skill set in ways that are not widely taught or practiced today. He follows Bill Moran in this regard, who was Hanford's long time friend and mentor.

http://www.fototime.com/6F3BA2D02255276/orig.jpg

[Kevin Jones]

Another beautiful example of your photography.

Will you post the others?

[Jim Treacy]

Next will be a Gladius Sword followed by a Poignard Dagger. After those I think some sort of article is in order. Hanford believes that makers should not forget the classic blades and that by imitating them a maker naturally broadens their knife-making knowledge and skill set in ways that are not widely taught or practiced today. He follows Bill Moran in this regard, who was Hanford's long time friend and mentor.

Buddy,

I really like the way Hanford Miller recreates these old patterns.

I think that you should repost the images of the other knives in this series.

Jim Treacy

[Bob Betzner]

There are certain knives I've become aware of through the years that I've purposely sought out, to more or less build a sub-collection (of Warenskis). Reminds me of what I've tried to do.

Bob