Old Bulgarian knife

[Eustace]

New handle of Old Bulgarian...fork

You do great work Eustace. Does the antler handled table ware have a name? Is it a particular style?

This is my contraption. I had an old broken fork and a piece of horn, and I thought about what I could do. Free style.

[doglegg]

New handle of Old Bulgarian...fork

You do great work Eustace. Does the antler handled table ware have a name? Is it a particular style?

This is my contraption. I had an old broken fork and a piece of horn, and I thought about what I could do. Free style.

Here I have seen dinner ware with antler handles referred to as Lodge ware. I don't know that that is an official name. But I sure do like it and yours are very well done.

[Eustace]

Renovation and new handle of a Bulgarian shepherd's knife from the end of the 19th century. It is forged by the San Mai method or as it is known in the Balkans "damar-chelik". The rough handle with a "dirty" look is a sought-after effect.

[orvet]

Nice work!!
I like the rustic look, it is nice with the old blade!
Well done!

[Eustace]

Thank you, Dale!

[doglegg]

Eustace, glad to see you back in the shop. That one turned out good. The handle is perfect for that blade.

[Eustace]

Thank you, Floyd!

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Eustace, nice work. I’m curious, what would they use that knife for?

[Eustace]

Eustace, nice work. I’m curious, what would they use that knife for?

Now we could call it multi purpose outdoor knife. Its use is associated with the way of life of Bulgarian shepherds for hundreds of years. Most of them were wealthy people with nice houses in Bulgarian villages, but they actually spent 9 months a year in the open air. The sheep graze from early spring to late autumn in the mountain pastures and only in winter they are harvested in the sheepfolds. 3-4 shepherds and several shepherd dogs guard the sheep. 2-3 times a month someone goes down with a donkey to the nearest settlement for flour and onions.
So, the use of the knife is for everything - To cut branches for shelter or fire, to slaughter a sick sheep or to cut bread, To defend against thieves, wolves or bears.
I have seen many such knives. The length can be 35-50 cm, but the shape of the blade is very typical. The thickness of the blade is usually about 8-10 mm at the base and gradually tapers towards the tip. Convex grind, unlike a yatagan, which has the same shape. The shape of the yatagan is borrowed from the shepherd's knife (most janissaries are of Bulgarian origin), but unlike it the yatagan is designed to be only a weapon and therefore has the typical hollow "T" grind.

[Sharpnshinyknives]

Thank you Eustace, I would not have guessed that blade was that thick. I figured it was likely a defensive knife and being that thick you could cut brush with it too.
Interesting connection with the janissaries, I have read about them in quite a few of my history books.

[glennbad]

Looks like it's ready for more action, nice work!

[Eustace]

Pig-sticker from Mannlicher M95 bayonet.

[Meridian_Mike]

MAN....that "pig sticker" sure turned out NICE!!

2 thumbs up!

[glennbad]

Looks good, is that Osage orange?

[Eustace]

MAN....that "pig sticker" sure turned out NICE!!

2 thumbs up!

Thanks Mike! Nothing special, but I think it will do a good job for someone. The poor pigs ...

Looks good, is that Osage orange?

Thank you! No, it's acacia. Here in Bulgaria, people put acacia sticks in homemade brandy. Acquires a nice yellow color.

[1967redrider]

Great looking work, Eustace, and thanks for the information.

[Ivoryman]

Way to go Eustace, looks great with that acacia wood handle. Great work you do, keep it up and hope you keep showing stuff like that.

[Reverand]

A beautiful old bayonet, given new life!