Italian Side-ring Dagger (17th Century)

The dagger would be held in the left hand for parrying, while using a sword in the right.

The side-ring on the guard would protect the outside of the hand (i.e. the knuckle side).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfQmVQIgwa4

The tip looks sharp as a needle, yet blade geometry keeps it strong. A serious stabbing tool. 

The holes in the fuller illustrate how sophisticated the weapon-smith must have been.

Not sure what the inscription says or means

Impressively elaborate decoration on the side-ring.

This dagger can be seen at the Detroit Institute of Arts. 

Viking Shoes

"Don't wear shoes, 

or use carved spears,

unless you've made

them yourself;

an ill-fitting shoe

or a crooked shaft 

leads to evil luck."

                  --Viking Proverb

In preparation for a period short film set in 1057 A.D., I had my Dad make some "Viking shoes".  The pattern is based on a shoe found in the city of York in England, from the period of time when that part of England was part of the Viking kingdom of Danelaw.  The film is called "Hell-Hound", and it is taken from the last scenes of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ltVBK9Ykwc

Hand stitched leather. Dyed with linseed oil.

Here's what the shoes looked like after the film shoot.

Actual Viking boot found in York, currently in the Yorkshire Museum.

Chain-mail Knife Lanyards for Sale

I've made a few of these chain-mail lanyards, and if anybody is interested in purchasing one they are available on etsy.com:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/218400508/chain-mail-knife-lanyard?

Circular-Saw Blade Knife Concept

This is a conceptual drawing of some knife designs that I wanted to cut out of a discarded circular-saw blade. It was interesting to see what different designs I could come up with while minimizing wasted material. The thinness of the saw blade is such that I think they would make decent kitchen knives.

Hedge-Shear Bowie Knife

This is a knife that I started working on in 2012, and one day I'm sure I'll finish it.  I had salvaged some rusty old pruning shears, and I decided that the blade looked like a good preform for a bowie knife, so I gave it a try.

The Forge in Winter

This is why it is difficult to make knives in the winter… the forge is somewhere under all that snow.
To see my forging videos go to https://www.youtube.com/Blackhardt72