Damascus Thistle Scottish Dirk

Product Description for Damascus Thistle Scottish Dirk

Maker: Paul Cooper (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 105872
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 6.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 5.90 in.
Total length: 10.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.30 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.31 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.18 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 8.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 9.8 oz.
Blade: Hand forged damascus, combining 1095 and 15N20 carbon steels
Bolster: Integral damascus socket
Handle: Elk antler
Sheath: Hand stitched leather custom sheath
Description: Boston-based bladesmith Paul Cooper has been forging knives since 2006. He studied under Mastersmith JD Smith through the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and was awarded a Traditional Arts Apprenticeship in 2007. Paul's interest in knifemaking began as a matter of necessity. “I had an interest in certain knives," says Cooper, “and I couldn't afford them or no one made what I wanted." So he learned how to make them himself, and over time, what began as a necessity became a passion. Over the years, Cooper has been recognized for his exceptional knives. His work has been displayed at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, MA. In 2006, he was awarded "Best New Maker" at the Oregon Knife Collectors Association show. In 2010, he was featured in a Blade Magazine article on five up-and-coming knifemakers to watch.
This Scottish-inspired Thistle Dirk is an exceptional knife. The dirk traces its origins back to the turn of the 19th century. Evolving from daggers, the dirk was the personal sidearm and utility knife of Highlanders. It was often carried by officers in the field along with drummers and pipers in Scottish Highland regiments because their instruments did not allow for larger weapons to be carried. The unique shape and appearance of the dirk has made it an iconic symbol of the unique history of Scotland.
The blade was forged to shape from Cooper's own damascus, combining 1095 and 15N20 carbon steels. The spine is hand fileworked. The flats show the last remains of forging.
The carved elk antler handle is surrounded by an integral socket forged from the damascus tang. This was then rounded to surround the antler. Finally, this was cut and pierced an a thistle motif.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available