A Batangas Brass Bladed Dagger

Robert · 2nd May 2016, 12:33 AM

Detlef, Again I thank you for your very kind words on my work. Here are a few photos of what I believe to be a powder-mans knife that I had just won. Other than turning the guard to its correct position (as the hilt was loose from the blade when it arrived) I have only cleaned and oiled the scabbard and wooden section of the hilt. Later I will replace the small brass band now missing from the tip of the scabbard and repair the break in the guard where the tang passes through before reattaching the hilt in a more permanent way. The total length of the knife is 12-3/4 inches, the blade has a single beveled cutting edge, is 8-1/2 inches in length, 1-1/8 inches wide at the hilt and is 3/8 inch thick. All in all a very heavily built piece. This knife would serve well for cutting open powder bags as well as cutting fuse without the problem of producing sparks. I believe that this knife deserves its own thread so I will start a new one hopefully to get more response from our members.

David R · 2nd May 2016, 10:43 AM

Re. the "one piece scabbard" if the wood is split rather than cut/sawn lengthways before working the cavity, then the join would be virtually invisible! Could this be the case here?

Robert · 2nd May 2016, 05:06 PM

Anything is possible David, but I have worked with wood for years and even when split in the manner you suggest there are still tells, usually shown in the end grain of the wood. Even though I can find absolutely no evidence of this method being used anywhere on this scabbard, if done with great care to detail what you suggest could still explain how this was accomplished.

Best,
Robert

P.S.
I have just taken a second look at the scabbard and because of the way the grain runs (it looks to be quarter sawn) splitting it in the manner you described before working the blade recess would be all but impossible to accomplish.

2nd May 2016, 12:33 AM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Detlef, Again I thank you for your very kind words on my work. Here are a few photos of what I believe to be a powder-mans knife that I had just won. Other than turning the guard to its correct position (as the hilt was loose from the blade when it arrived) I have only cleaned and oiled the scabbard and wooden section of the hilt. Later I will replace the small brass band now missing from the tip of the scabbard and repair the break in the guard where the tang passes through before reattaching the hilt in a more permanent way. The total length of the knife is 12-3/4 inches, the blade has a single beveled cutting edge, is 8-1/2 inches in length, 1-1/8 inches wide at the hilt and is 3/8 inch thick. All in all a very heavily built piece. This knife would serve well for cutting open powder bags as well as cutting fuse without the problem of producing sparks. I believe that this knife deserves its own thread so I will start a new one hopefully to get more response from our members. Attached Images Last edited by Robert; 2nd May 2016 at 04:53 AM.

2nd May 2016, 05:06 PM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Anything is possible David, but I have worked with wood for years and even when split in the manner you suggest there are still tells, usually shown in the end grain of the wood. Even though I can find absolutely no evidence of this method being used anywhere on this scabbard, if done with great care to detail what you suggest could still explain how this was accomplished. Best, Robert P.S. I have just taken a second look at the scabbard and because of the way the grain runs (it looks to be quarter sawn) splitting it in the manner you described before working the blade recess would be all but impossible to accomplish. Last edited by Robert; 2nd May 2016 at 05:40 PM.

2nd May 2016, 10:43 AM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,055	Re. the "one piece scabbard" if the wood is split rather than cut/sawn lengthways before working the cavity, then the join would be virtually invisible! Could this be the case here?