Kevin Cashen Ring Dagger - Best Fixed Blade, BLADE Show 2012

[Buddy Thomason]

There is a powerful vision behind Kevin Cashen's historically inspired swords. Anyone who has visited his table at BLADE in the past will know what I mean.
His depth of historical knowledge and firm grasp on the arcane science of metallurgy make that vision real - in the form of his large swords. Imagine my dismay when Kevin, several years ago, explained why I would probably never be able to get one. (Yes, he speaks the truth no matter what.) So, I grieved and went on.
Then, this very year at BLADE, I took a brief break from Coop's busy photo room to walk next door where the BLADE Show Best of series judging was just ending. Many of the knives had already been taken away by the maker but there were plenty left to look at briefly while room emptied out. I saw Kevin's 16th century "ring dagger" and was very impressed. There was no indication it had won an award. I moved on and Kevin came in, took the dagger in its beautiful scabbard and walked out. Steve Shackleford, BLADE Magazine editor, called out, "Kevin, wait, I need to get your picture." Kevin looked mystified as I watched from a distance. That's when he found out the ring dagger won Best Fixed Blade. Later, I briefly stopped by Kevin's table and we had quite an intense conversation while fellow maker from the next table, John White, stood not two feet away watching and listening to every word, but not saying anything, not even with his eyes. I kept hoping he'd get busy elsewhere, but no. Finally I got down to business with Kevin, after which John White broke out a big smile of approval. Anyway, the ring dagger was mine. I'll follow below with particulars about the dagger.
And finally, FOO on my knife nut pals who couldn't pull the trigger on this one! I scooped ya'll big time. Game ova, sukka. U lose.

[Jim Treacy]

Buddy,

Great photo and story.

I missed viewing this knife at Blade. I heard that it was spectacular. Your photo shows that it is as nice as was described to me.

Congratulations on getting something special.

Jim

[Allen Newberry]

Nice score! That knife has a lot of cool stuff going on.

[Lin Rhea]

That knife is awesome! I love it. The photo is good Buddy, but man what a knife! Good for you both.

[Kevin Jones]

Beautiful and complexed piece.
Extremely nice image as well.

[Buddy Thomason]

Thanks guys. Here is a large image of just the pommel/handle/guard/ricasso area:
http://www.fototime.com/7024B424D9BC93D/orig.jpg

And here are some details:
16th Century Dagger
OAL - 20.5"
Blade - 14"
Blade steel - 01/L6
Handle - Traditional iron wire
Fittings - Fire blued steel, silver, copper
Sheath - red felt over wood and leather

Kevin stuck to materials that were in use at the time. The iron wire wrap on the handle will rust without proper care. There is a wax like material pressed into the wire. The mirror image handle halves, if I understood correctly, are actually halves of two like handles mated to produce the chevron pattern. The ornamental silver strip covers where the handle halves come together. Kevin applied the engraving, silver florals and dots.

And no, you don't put your thumb through the ring.