Dutch Styled Trade Knife

[LRB]

A medium sized belt knife with an 18th c. Dutch/Flemish flavor. 5 1/2" sheepsfoot blade of 01 steel with a through tang peened over a steel butt cap. The grip is stained Boxwood, turned and chip carved. The sheath is vinegaroon stained 6/7 oz. vege-tanned leather sewn with linen thread, and cuir bouilli treated to harden it. Hope you enjoy a look.

[Riley/MN]

cuir bouilli?

[LRB]

Cuir Bouilli is translated as boiled leather, which hardens it, but boiling isn't really necessary. The same result can be done by dampening the leather then baking it dry at around 135°. Cuir Bouilli was used to make leather armor in medieval times, and to harden sword sheaths and such. Simply put, it is heat treating leather.

[Riley/MN]

Cool - Nice knife, BTW!

[rickevans]

Wick, any reason why "Dutch" inspired or copied blades all have that particular sheeps foot design? What was it about the Dutch that caused them to utilize that style?

Beautiful knife. I have a hunk of Boxwood at home that I bought probably 18 years ago at a custom (exotic/imported) lumber shop outside of Oakville Ontario, Canada. Can't wait to cut it into blade handles and/or scales.

[LRB]

Although the sheepsfoot blades are commonly attributed to the Dutch/Flemish, they seem to have been very popular throughout western Europe. They also show up in Scandinavia and Germany. Must have a fashion thing or maybe looked at as a working mans knife rather than a weapon in everyday society. This may not be fact, as I forget where I read it, but I read somewhere that Boxwood was the only wood OK'ed by the Euro guilds to be stained.

[rickevans]

Thanks Wick. I have heard that as well about Boxwood. I will do some research when I get home and see if we can re-locate the source.