Sword Knife repro

[IronJohnLogan]

Thank you forum members! its been a bit since I was online last, but digging through the forum today I found a bunch of posts on WWII Sword Knives - these cut down fighting knives made from pre-existing swords - and I absolutely love them!
As a bladesmith who makes historic knives and swords the mix of the two is enticing! but the question is - -

Make them today from the cheap swords on hand?

or

Make a knife blade to look like it was once a sword?

or

 

Heaven forbid, cut up an old sword?

What if any interest is there in a modern custom maker playing with these old things? And/or people interested in WWII era sword knives?
I'd love to see what the community thinks. If anyone needs to see more of my work look up my past threads here or view stuff on my new blog https://hammerseye.blogspot.com/

 

 

[aznation]

Hi John,

 

Yes, I love the looks of those WWII sword knives also. I think I'd have to go with the "Make a knife blade to look like it was once a sword." I guess if a existing old sword was in pretty rough shape aesthetically speaking, it would be ok to cut it up in my opinion. I know I'm definitely interested in sword knives for sure. I think they're so neat. You may or may not remember, but I've purchased three of the knives you've made, and I'm good with anything you make. You're a true artisan and craftsman. You'll only get better and better with time.

 

Take care...Matt

[doyler]

I went to an auction 15 years ago.In an old wooden nail keg were 5-6 sword blades.No handles,no guard and kinda rough.Story was they had gotten ruined in a barn fire.They were Civil war era.I think no real value there and I thought about buying them for the purpose of having knives made.

 

Just a thought if you see an old ratty blade.No harm in rebuilding a knife out of it as the collector value in the ones I saw were nil...

[jw517]

Great Smithing John! You are a talent volcano!

[IronJohnLogan]

Thanks every one, and yes I remember you aznation (Matt) thank you too.

I am currently working on a sword for the National Park service at California's San Juan Capistrano that I plan to make a post on here soon - even though it is a Spanish military sword, it was a type used in the founding of the US so I feel may fit in here some how.