Skye Knives Decorative and Art Blades, Tantos

Gentleman's Blue Mediterranean Dirk. This distinctive knife is the first of a series of knives based around the Mediterranean style of dirk. An elegant and eye-catching display piece. The blade is clay-tempered, edge-quenched O1 high-carbon tool steel, with a copper insert. This single-edged blade has been hand polished, and then heat blued to bring out the delicate temper-line. The hexagonal brass ferrule bolster has been sculpted and mirror polished, and the exotic Zebrano hardwood handle has a gentle swell to fit the palm of the hand. This knife is accompanied by a tooled leather pouch sheath, to protect the finish of the blade. SOLD - £375

Ray-Skin Tanto. Hand-forged from ½ inch round silver steel, clay tempered, hand rubbed to 1200 grit, and etched to show the hamon. The tsuka is Maccassar ebony, with fuchi and kashirae of grey ray skin. Maccassar saya, has since had a ray-skin throat added for strength. The tsuba is Maccassar ebony, and the copper seppa is much heavier than usual to allow for this. The habaki is polished brass. Duncan House - £375

Gentleman's Dirk. The second of a series based around the Mediterranean style of dirk. An elegant display piece, using traditional materials for an antique feel. Edge quenched O1 tool steel blade with copper insert, hand polished, etched to show the differential temper, and then random pattern etched for a delicate patina and antique feel. The handle is a piece of Highland red deer stag’s antler, naturally cast in the woods of Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye. This knife has a composite brass ferrule and butt-cap, which is threaded to the hidden tang. Tooled leather pouch sheath. SOLD - £295

Scaled Pukko. This blued blade has a handle of copper scales, which have been brazed, beaten, and interleaved, then engraved and riveted. The sculpted pommel is of polished Purple Heart hardwood. Commission - £750

Bone Handled Dagger. This elegant double-edged dagger has a spring steel blade, which has been heat-blued to a peacock blue colour. The ricasso on the face of the blade has been hand engraved with Celtic interlace. The handle is of laquered bone, framed by hand carved brass quillions and a brass tang nut. SOLD - £750

Necklace Knife. This is an elegant little multi-purpose knife with a three and a half inch stainless steel blade. The handle is of stained London plane, with a ray-skin mount and turned brass pommel. The two-tone sculpted leather sheath has copper fittings, which allow the knife to be worn around the neck, or looped onto the belt. SOLD - £125

Integral Necklace Knife. This forged blade with integral steel handle has a hamon that echoes the handle curve. Its lines are emphasised by the cutouts, and the inset cabochon of polished ebony. The sheath is designed to be worn on a thong round the neck. Duncan House - £275