Rifle man's knife cross gaurd

[StarnesRowan]

hey everyone I wank to know how the cross gaurds on "Rifleman's knifes" are made. I think they are one peace buk I can't tell if they are foreged or cast. If they are forged what are they forged from. Thanks

 

[LRB]

Usually forged or file shaped of mild steel such as 1018 or similar. Historically would be of near pure soft iron. In general, if of brass the knife would be a salvaged broken sword. In reality and historically, cross guards are rarely found on single edged knives and usually found only on daggers, but knives such as you have shown in your post do look cool.

 

[StarnesRowan]

Usually forged or file shaped of mild steel such as 1018 or similar. Historically would be of near pure soft iron. In general, if of brass the knife would be a salvaged broken sword. In reality and historically, cross guards are rarely found on single edged knives and usually found only on daggers, but knives such as you have shown in your post do look cool.

How is the bolsdter attached? Is the bolster hollow or solid?

 

[LRB]

The bolster in this case is more of a ferrule, intended to reinforce the handle against cracking or splitting in the construction or use, formed of cut sheet or banding metal of your choice sized then brass or silver brazed together making a wide band. Normally steel, silver, brass or you can pour a band of pewter around the grip to form a thick ferrule. A band of 20/22 ga. metal is usually sufficient, but it can be more or less in thickness depending on your choice. For 18th c. PC accepted compliance, avoid brass or over use of brass on knives.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

hey everyone I wank to know how the cross gaurds on "Rifleman's knifes" are made.

Just a side comment to the excellent answers that you already have in answer to your question.

I caution you to be mindful that "fighting daggers" or "fighting knives" with guards, while being often seen with fellows today who are portraying Continental or Militia Riflemen of the AWI, may not have been what was normally found among such fellows in history. Yes there are some excellent examples of such surviving knives, but inventories or ledgers of what was for sale to these men when the AWI began and they volunteered for service, was a butcher knife, sans guard, OR a "scalper", also sans guard. Such a utility knife would be more akin to was carried, than a special made fighting knife. In fact, the legal requirement was for a rifle and a tomahawk, the knife was not specified, so they were expected to fight with a hawk, if close combat happened.

I'm not, by any means, suggesting that you shouldn't have one, or better yet learn to make them.

LD