This is a great discussion !
Since I'm a knifemaker it is of particular interest to me.
Period correct- I understand this to mean, an object produced with materials and technology available for the time period.
I would love others opinions on this "definition" of mine.
I do tend to agree with St.George that there probably weren't many ninjas running around with their MYSTICAL swords. (misinformation galore on the subject of Japanese blades out there)
However oversees travel was common during this era so it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibilty for knives of this type to have been in the Old West, they certainly were in Japan.
Damascus, (pattern welded not wootz)- Lets stick with some with basic facts and see what conclusions logic gives.
The process of pattern welding was well known during this era and was in fact in use for shotgun barrels
The process for making damascus was never LOST, just out of favor for some time BEFORE the 19th century
Edited to add this link
http://damascus-barrels.com/Time_Line.htmlConclusion-The information on pattern welding WAS available during the 19th century
Really all thats needed to make damascus is two types of steel (one with enough carbon to harden and another), a forge, anvil, and hammer. Blacksmiths of the 19th century were very skilled individuals not only shoe-ing ponys but also making things like nails, hinges, belt buckles, etc. etc. etc. Any local blacksmith worth a salt could make a damascus knife out of a RR spike and a piece of wrought iron. Damascus isn't difficult to make it's just very labor intensive.
I would agree that damascus knives we're probably uncommon in the USA during the 19th century but would also say I would consider any random or twist (ladder) pattern to be Period Correct.
On to the original posters knife. Looks to be made of steel, antler, brass, and red spacer material (
) The red is probably something modern, however red leather spacers wouldn't have been a problem back then. Not necessarily my personal taste but it looks like a knife any blacksmith COULD have made in 1801.
Thats my take on the discussion thus far Pards. Some of the ideas are my personal opinion and I welcome any further discussion of them... even you think I'm flat out wrong and crazy I'd like to hear what yall think.
-Josh
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