My little mongrel

[rancid badger]

this is my most used knife:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x125/stalch/PB250016copyresized.jpg
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x125/stalch/PB250015copyresized.jpg
it was my first go at making one and it is a converted a putty hacking knife that I found in my father in law's shed. the original was in a desperate state and to be honest, I didn't think I would get anything but experience from the "project". It is, by anyone's standards, rough!
I love this tool and it gets used to death! I cant afford a "proper" knife,:bluThinki actually, if truth be told, I don't want a flashy one at the moment.
I have tried all sorts of blades for all sorts of projects but this little mongrel is perfect for me. It plays a part, to a greater or lesser degree in absolutely everything I make. I use it for splitting, carving, feathering, fire steel use, cutting leather-I even use it for chopping up leeks, turnip etc. when I do a bucket of broth!

It takes a scary sharp edge and while it often requires a bit of honing and tlc I'm never disappointed with it.
I've made several tools since I made this in 2003 and they get a little bit more refined each time but this one still holds a special "something" for me.
Kind regards
R.B.

[John Fenna]

Character - it has real character!
I like it!

[Gailainne]

RB That sheath is something else mate, I've seen some of your totem poles, (Eric had the one you did him up at Loch Tay last weekend) but the sheath outshines it by a long way. Big rep.

Stephen

[SOAR]

very nice RB, I love that sheath, very detailed, very impressive.

Simon.

[brancho]

RB Lovely work I can see why you are pleased with it.

Alf

[dwardo]

Lovely knife Sir....

A knife is only as good as the job its aske to do. PS love the sheath i get a kinda Native OZ feel :)

[jojo]

Love this one, RB. Particularly the sheath with the face on it. Lovely, this one:) :)

[rancid badger]

Cheers everyone, I've been asked about designs and inspiration before and I tend to struggle with explanations.
In all honesty everything I make is a doodle, you know like on a pad? The main difference is that my doodles are 3D!
I take ideas from Native American, Canadian, Australian, Maori, Celtic and then various Stone age art and artefact's. I have a particular affinity with local "cup and ring" markings.

I find that the making of things with minimal technology is incredibly satisfying, almost spiritual. I hope to help people realise that perfection is not necessarily important, rather the satisfaction of having made something yourself from next to nothing.

Its amazing what you find in odd shaped lumps of wood or rusty bits of metal!
Experimentation is the thing. If you see something you like or find interesting- have your self a go. Thats how I do it, you have to be cautious however, as it's easy to get carried away and start spending money!

Anyway, thanks everyone.

Sincerely
R.B.

[John Fenna]

Dammit sirrah!
You may hum wiyh a Geordie accent but you make a mighty fine looking sheath!
The "ethnic Geordieshire" design looks scary good, and if the blade takes a scary sharp edge then what you have is no "mongrel" but a thoroughbred!
As to 3D doodles - when I review a knife for my columns I carve little "Duw, Duw, (boys bach)" or "Ju Ju" sticks - a face - with or without featherstick type hair - in a polynesian/Easter Island/African mask/Celtic head tradition. This kind of tests the ease of use of a knife from chopping the wood out of a tree to fine detailing, grip, edge retention etc and is fun too. Most end up as kindling but some I keep as decoration....
Keep up the good work!
Robinson Fenna