Tuesday, July 30, 2019

"The Shieldmaiden" Seax: Replica Swedish Viking Fighting Knife


"The Shieldmaiden" is a handmade replica of the large Swedish-style of fighting knife used by the Rus Vikings, and is similar to the one found in the grave of the female warrior found in Birka.

In keeping with the technology of the Viking Age, I forged this blade in a charcoal forge with a hammer and anvil.  The handle is ash wood that was wild-grown in the woods of Michigan, and carved by hand with a draw-knife.

The leather sheath comes with copper hardware and leather suspension straps that allows you to wear the knife horizontally, as well as don and doff the sheath without removing your belt.

Belt not include.

Blade length: 11.5"
Overall length: 16"
Handle length: 4.5"
Blade width: 3/16" 
Knife weight: 11oz
Knife and sheath weight: 15oz 








Saturday, July 20, 2019

S-Guard Bowie knife

Available here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackheartForge?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Classic. Simple. Robust.

This is a rugged mammoth of a bowie knife that speaks to the legend of the American West and the days of the pioneers and mountain men. It features a 12" long blade that is 2" wide, yet is still thin enough to keep it a nimble fighter, and with it's sharpened false edge this knife is true to it's cowboy heritage. Please check your state and local laws before purchasing, I take no responsibility for the legality of possessing this tool. On that note, the purchaser assumes all responsibility for any injury that might arise from it's possession. Treat her with care and respect, and she won't bite you.

The walnut grips are plain but are comfortable in the hand and allow for powerful swings when hacking through brush and branches. The steel is 1095 high carbon that has been quenched in Parks 50 and tempered back for toughness. I left the patina on the blade from this heat treatment, which helps protect the steel from rust and gives it a classic look, like something from antiquity. It is a unique finish that can only be achieved in a forge. The guard is also forged from the same 1095 steel, and was wrought for this specific blade. Every knife I make is a one-of-a-kind piece, and there will never be another quite like this one.

The sheath is cut from 8oz cowhide and stitched together with tarred bank-line. I also dyed the leather from it's original, natural color with homemade birch-oil, which gives it a rich, authentic golden-brown color.

You can see how I make my knives on my Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/PhilBaumhardt.

Blade length: 12"
Cutting edge: 11"
Overall length: 18"
Blade width: 3/16"
Weight: 21.9 oz
Weight with Sheath: 27.4oz











Saturday, July 6, 2019