Interesting way to make bolsters

[Lin Rhea]

Here at the museum where I work I get to rub shoulders with some interesting folks. Among them is Tim Richardson. Tim is a long time member of the "living history" people. He's in the Arkansas group. He has re lived the Hunter/Dunbar Expedition who were contemporaries of Lewis and Clark but explored another river system and given their mission from Thomas Jefferson. Tim helped build and crew the keel boat used in that expedition. There is a documentary about the trip.

Tim has been spending a day a week with me in the blacksmith shop learning things about forging and discussing old tools and ways. Early 19th century surveying is one area he is especially interested in and we are making survey tools for an upcoming living history event this year.

That gives you an idea of the mind set that led up to this knife. Tim showed me a drawing of another maker's rendition of some historic knives, all of which are true to the period and most which employ the use of poured pewter (modern alloy of course).

I will be showing you some pictures of the progress and the mix of old along with new techniques. We used modern tools to save ourselves time but they are built using the same steps.

[Lin Rhea]

The materials. Blade steel is either 1095 or 1084. Forge heat treat so everything is tested anyway. Walnut and the modern equivalent to pewter.


   
 

[Lin Rhea]

More pictures to come. Knives are not finished yet but will be soon. I will take pictures of the molding and pouring too.

[Doug Campbell]

Like I said before Lin, you got one of the best jobs in the world...     Looking fwd to more.        

[Izzy]

Another masterpiece in the works. Ive looked over a few knives with poured bolsters and pommels, in fact I bought one at a pawn shop and Ive always loved the primitive look of them. Looking forward to these.

[D.Ellis]

I tried the poured pewter for a pommel on a hatchet once.......it's tricky to get it right. I look forward to seeing your technique.
Darcy  

[Lin Rhea]

 

 

I have a short video of the pour but cant seem to get it to load.

[Lin Rhea]

Short video of pouring the rear bolster

[Izzy]

Super cool. Where do you buy the pewter?

[longbowman]

Lin, is there a picture of this knife completed some where?

[Bobby Urban]

I like the little hiccup - did that cause any air bubble issues?

[Lin Rhea]

I got tied up getting ready for this knife show. I will be back on it soon. BTW, it did get a little air bubble. I think I can work with it though. If not I will re pour it. Thanks

[halfseminole]

The pewter I use is a high silver bearing solder, for the most part.  With old pewter lead based often times people are leery of using it, and this mix polishes beautifully and is reasonably sturdy.