Icthean Forge Stiletto

Western(esse) Martial Arts / Numenorean Martial Arts....

Combat and self-defense in Middle-earth

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Greg
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Icthean Forge Stiletto

Post by Greg »

I have here, to show off, Eric C's interpretation of a ladie's dagger, or Stiletto, which was made for my wife.

First of all, I have to say, for those of you who have been around quite awhile and have seen a number of Eric's knives, be it in person or on the boards...













...you ain't seen nuthin' yet.

What we have here is a triangular cross-sectioned blade (which is wicked sharp, and could serve as a straighforward dagger in a pinch, despite how narrow it is), with a guard and pommel worthy of a full-size fighting dagger. All of it is Eric's design; I had nothing to do with it. I don't know what material the lighter wood in the handle is, but I'm positive the dark brown is Walnut. There is a small leather spacer between the guard and grip.

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Some Specs:
OAL: 12 1/8"
Blade Length: 7 1/2"
Blade Width: 11/16"
Grip: 3 3/8"
Guard Width: 3 3/4"
Weight: 155 g/5.46 oz
POB: 1/2" behind the guard.

All in all, it feels very comfortable, and is very quick in the hand. The POB puts virtually all of the weight inside your hand...feels a bit like a hand load for bare-knuckle, actually. The finish is lovely on the blade, the fittings are all solid, and it feels nothing like the toy-ish feel I've gotten from several MRL and similar daggers I've handled. Eric, you've outdone yourself.
Now the sword shall come from under the cloak.
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Mirimaran
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Re: Icthean Forge Stiletto

Post by Mirimaran »

I remember seeing this on Fb and thinking how neat it looked! A great job and glad that it has a good home!

Ken
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Eric C
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Re: Icthean Forge Stiletto

Post by Eric C »

Greg wrote: All of it is Eric's design; I had nothing to do with it. I don't know what material the lighter wood in the handle is, but I'm positive the dark brown is Walnut.

Is that a disclaimer?! :P :lol:

Greg, you're too kind. I am humbled by your words.

The darker wood is indeed Walnut. The lighter wood is actually White-tail antler. The blade is made of coil spring steel. The guard and pommel are mild steel. There were a few "firsts" in this blade. First time using spring steel, first time using antler, first guard and pommel of that style (not the last :twisted: ), first time using more than one natural material in a handle, first blade of that style, first time pressure fitting a guard... I'm sure I can think of a few more firsts.

For some reason this knife stumped me for 3 years! I hope it paid off in the end though. Greg has been more than patient as he waited on it. Really a top-notch guy to deal with if you haven't yet.
Ichthean Forge (pronounced Ick thee an). Maker of knives, and primitive camping gear.
Laothain
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Re: Icthean Forge Stiletto

Post by Laothain »

A truly beautiful blade Eric! May it serve its wielder well! :D
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Eric C
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Re: Icthean Forge Stiletto

Post by Eric C »

Thank you Laothain. As I have not been active in quite a while, I missed your coming into our ranks. Welcome! It is nice to make your acquaintance.
Ichthean Forge (pronounced Ick thee an). Maker of knives, and primitive camping gear.
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Greg
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Re: Icthean Forge Stiletto

Post by Greg »

We had suspicions. I knew you wouldn't have used basswood in a handle...too soft. It turned out lovely.

The attention to detail is very evident. Today, I discovered that the handle is almost perefectly parallel for the first half, coming away from the guard, and then tapers ever-so-slightly from the second ring of antler to the third, at the pommel. It's clearly deliberate, and added a nice touch, when it could have been straight the whole way and no one would have been the wiser.
Now the sword shall come from under the cloak.
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Eric C
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Re: Icthean Forge Stiletto

Post by Eric C »

I thought tapering the back end of the handle would be a nice touch. It is my theory that it will help the grip a bit too if the blade is used for its intended purpose (let's hope that never has to happen :shock: )
Ichthean Forge (pronounced Ick thee an). Maker of knives, and primitive camping gear.
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Greg
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Re: Icthean Forge Stiletto

Post by Greg »

The grip on my Bristol features this, though a bit more dramatically, and it's quite comfortable. Lori says it fits her hand well, and that's all that matters.
Now the sword shall come from under the cloak.
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