Dutch Knife - ?

Jim McDougall · 21st March 2009, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matchlock

Peter,

This sure is a wonderful knife, no doubt.

Although this is not exactly my field of competence I should attriute the item to roughly the first half to mid 16th century. It may well be of Dutch origin.

Are you sure about fruitwood? Looks to me like boxwood which was preferably used for carvings at that period of time.

I will try and look for similar samples.

Michael

Looks like a pretty good call there Maestro!!!!

Nicely done Michael, it appears your field of competence is much wider than your modesty will admit.

All the best,
Jim

Matchlock · 21st March 2009, 06:10 PM

Hi Jim,

As to fruitwood vs. boxwood: I have no experience in carving myself but have read that fruitwood, meaning mostly pearwood and cherry, was preferred for stocks as they are pretty tough and hard, whereas boxwood, just like limewood (lindenwood), is said to make an easy carving. Also, the very color and the graining on Peter's knife grip both remind my of boxwood.

Peter, could we have a clear detail of the surface of the grip?

Michael

21st March 2009, 06:10 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Jim, As to fruitwood vs. boxwood: I have no experience in carving myself but have read that fruitwood, meaning mostly pearwood and cherry, was preferred for stocks as they are pretty tough and hard, whereas boxwood, just like limewood (lindenwood), is said to make an easy carving. Also, the very color and the graining on Peter's knife grip both remind my of boxwood. Peter, could we have a clear detail of the surface of the grip? Michael