Gus,
The decoration on the flap is carved. I have used that design on several bags of that type as it looks right to me. I did do a couple that I carved a grotesque face, and one with ivory eyes and teeth in the face. As to the skirt there are examples of german short hunting swords with that type of clamshell motiff attached to the guard and it slides down over the throat of the sheath.
The knife pictured above with the spanish notch at the choil is not mine , its Meldad's, he includes a photo in his signature line.
As to forging, all of my blades are forged, im pretty low tech, hammer anvil and files. I enjoy working in that manner. I have made some dirks and like to make all manner of blade types. Most of the knives that I make right now are to accompany the bag sets that I make. Im working on another deer leg bag now, that will be a complete set, bag, horn , knive, etc.
Once again thanks for the comments.
Regards
Jerry Fisher
