1840's Style Dagger...the Knife from $#*!

[tippit]

I started this dagger last spring.  As I was straightening it out of the quench, I broke the tang.





So I took it back to our home around Boston and welded the tang back.



Then my wirehaired Dachshund came down with acute leukemia.  She was my best ever blood tracking dog and friend.  I took care of her for 6 weeks until I had to let her go. I lost interest in just about everything including finishing up the dagger (my first dagger).

Fast forward to December.  I slotted an oval guard to fit through the tang.  As I started to assemble the dagger, the tang broke again.  I was just about ready to throw the whole project down the toilet.



But I decided to slot a 3/8 bolt, tack weld the guard to the blade, and weld the bolt to the nub of the broken tang while keeping the blade cool in a wet towel.
Finally Finished!!  Dagger OAL 13 inches with 7 1/2 blade from an old file, guard is mild steel, and handle is small elk antler.

[Elnathan]

Nice. I'm glad you were able to salvage the project.

I broke the blade of my first attempt at a dagger right down the middle, and had to make a new one. I then ended up making every other piece for it at least twice before I got an acceptable part..I guess daggers just have to be contrary, huh?

[Greg Pennell]

Looks like it came out rather nice!  Sometimes the projects you have to “work through” are the most rewarding in the end.

Greg

[smylee grouch]

Goes to show you, never say never and never give up. Nice work BTW.