Say hello to the latest addition to my weapon collection. I am still awe of it’s beauty and ruggedness so I thought I would share it with you all!
A few of you that have been following my blog for a while, might remember that I am heavily into my Martial Arts. With my love of the martial arts comes a love for weapons. I have trained extensively with most Chinese weapons (well the more common weapons) such as sai, Tonfa, bo, nunchaku, short staffs, three section staffs, bull whips, nine section whips, butterfly daggers, butterfly knifes, tai chi swords (jian), kitana’s, throwing And daggers (to name a few).
I am pretty excited to share my latest weapon acquisition with you all as it is a beauty. this is not a martial arts weapon as such, it’s history lies more in the American culture (I think) and this is a stunning piece of workmanship that I think is deserving of a post of it’s own.
This is a hand crafted Bowie knife. It has been hand crafted by artisan blacksmiths with hammer and anvil, using the traditional method to create Damascus steel. The technique involves forging together different grades of steel, there are different techniques utilised to layer and twist the steel them together to create a unique design or grain that is evident in the Blades unique pattern. The technique honours the traditional skills and methods that have been passed down through the millennia. Original Damascus steel dates all the way back to Viking age, and blacksmithing of early civilisations.
This particular Bowie knife has full hidden tang blade, and the handle grip is a polished stained camel bone cylinder with a walnut fiber and brass accent. The bone has been dyed green to resemble jade.
The blade itself measures 235mm with a 140mm handle, which gives us an overall length of 375mm. It weighs 760 grams and has a very strong, heavy feel in the hand. The blade is razor sharp and as it is full tang, the blade, bolster/guard and pommel is all Damascus steel. It is completely hand made, and I am really excited to add it to my weapon collection. I also have a Damascus Steel ninjutsu katana (straight kitana raher than the curved Samurai Kitana) that has had a unique method employed, which utilises black steel and the Damascus pattern (or grain) is orange and brown. I used a picture of this sword in one of my steemlords posts, and it resembles an almost obsidian look to the blade.
Anyway I hope you enjoy the photo’s of this beautiful work of art, and feel free to show off your own pride and joy weapons.
