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Something Different-A Knife Thread [Hosted by: Jake Holenhead]

Knives, Swords, and Tomahawks

Thanks to Ace and Misanthropic Humanitarian for allowing me this opportunity.

Several weeks ago in an email to Mis Hum I added as an afterthought a question; "Here's a thought, how about a knife thread?" He responded with; "If you want to put together a knife thread I would be happy to run it for you. Why don't you try to have one later in January?" OOPS! I quickly realized I might be in over my head. But oh well, if I'm knocked on my arse and get embarassed that's better than not trying because it might be too hard.

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Blacksmithing

Making a knife or sword is an art. Blacksmiths take an ugly hunk of metal and transform it into a thing of beauty. This NOVA documentary has a blacksmith in Wisconsin recreating a Viking Ulfberht sword.

Ulfbehrt sword.

This documentary is the making of a Japanese Katana, or Samurai sword.

Throughout history men have been blacksmiths with women excluded. There were a number of reasons for this. Sometimes it was the clothes they wore while in a foundry or not being serious about the work.

But were women always excluded? There is evidence of women working along side men in foundaries, usually as a wife, mother, or daughter of the man. They made nails, linked chain mail, and forged small chains.

A blacksmith's wife forging nails. From the 14th century Holkham Bible Picture Book.

"Rouse, Ye Women": The Cradley Heath Chain Makers' Strike, 1910

What a Woman Blacksmith Wore, c. 1775

The Master List of Historical Women in Combat.

Ancient women warriors

Japan's warrior women.

Japan's female samurai warrior. (Onna Bugeisha).

Female Japanese warriors

Japanese women practicing naginata-jutsu

Knives

Whether it's a Fixed blade (non-folding) with a Straight or Serrated edge, or a Folding knife with a Straight or Serrated edge there are a gazillion types of each. Some links.

Fixed blade vs. Folding blade.

Serrated vs. Straight edge.

Why don’t all Boy Scouts carry and use fixed blade knives?

Boy Scout knives.

A neat collection of Girl Scout knives.

And more Girl Scout knives.

Folding knives (these are absolutely gorgeous).

10 deadliest combat knives.

Necklace Knives.For the gal who wants a necklace with a "sting" to it (I suspect some knives don't get a good grip in the sheath).

Swords

Like knives there's a gazillion of them. Here are some links.

History of swords.

10 of history's most terrifying swords.

Fantasy and Role Playing
Those who are part of the fantasy and role playing world have a variety of knives and swords. Below are some neat examples. If you go to one of the conventions where they gather such as ComicCon, Dragoncon, Steampunk, or a Renaissance Fair don't expect to see them brandishing their weapons about. The conventions are very serious about security. Knives and swords have to be peace-bonded. Usually it's a zip-tie, or something similar that prevents the weapon from being unsheathed. Those that aren't peace-bonded are wood, plastic or cardboard, or should be.

Steampunk gunblade sword.

Just a neat sword.

Tomahawks

Native American Tomahawks.

The Tomahawk.

Wood Trekker (this a great outdoors site).