Push Dagger Question?

[Ned Buckshot]

How was a Push Dagger carried? What type of sheath was used?

I've seen lots of pictures of originals but it looks like there is no provision for attaching any way. At least that is what it looks like to me.

I appreciate any help.

Thanks

Ned

[John M Cohea]

Ned in most of the pics I have seen of originals, they usually had a nickle slver sheath with a spring loaded clip that could be cliped to a belt, waistband, or boot.Im, sure this wasn't the same in all cases, some probably could have hade the leather covered sheaths with the metal throat and tip with a clip of sorts.

[Ned Buckshot]

Seeing as my silver working skills are non existant I'm going to have to stick to leather. I'm just trying to come up with a good idea for a push dagger I'm working on.

Ned

[St. George]

They featured mostly metal sheaths with a button - sometimes a spring clip - and there are examples with metal throats and tips, with a leather main body.

I suppose that a 'button' could be worked into a leather sheath - but you'd be best served by finding a large-headed one - one that was capable of using a buttonhole.

Look for examples made by Will and Finck of San Francisco - they made some of the better ones during the Gold Rush Era.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[John M Cohea]

Ned, another option could be something like this piece, made by my friend and master leathersmith Paul Long.

[Ned Buckshot]

Beautiful leather John!

You need to show that off in the Leather Shop so more of the boys can drool on their keyboards!

Ned

[John M Cohea]

I can't lay claim to this one Ned. The sheath was made by my friend Paul Long in Texas, and the knife is by a mutual customer of ours by the name of J Neilson. I was asking Paul a question about this method of construction and he sent me several pics that would answer my questions.And your right, Paul's stuff is definately drool worthy

[rebsr52339]

Ned, just some more added fuel to your fire.  St George is correct in his assestment of the sheaths. Some of the spring/belt clips had a pin that went thru the throat of the sheath. It went into a hole in the ricasso of the dagger to retain it in place. They were usually carried "upside down", under the vest or sash. I saw one "years" ago in a private collection that was mounted in a "shoulder" type holster slung under the left arm pit. It was really neat and fit me well. Alas he would not sell it to me. Could not understand why.    Today the California push daggers command some telephone #s for prices. They are rare compared to the fixed bladed bowies. I remember some being made during the late 60s or 70s and were of "good" quality. I will see if I can locate one for you. All we can do is try. Hope St. George and I have answered your question.

[rebsr52339]

Ned, here are a few available today. Hope this helps.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=153064480

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=152043726

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=153066375

[Ned Buckshot]

Howdy Dick!

I don't want to buy a Push Dagger. I'm just trying to figure out what type of sheath I can make out of leather with no silver work, a skill I don't posess.

I'm primarily a leather worker but have branched out into knives many years ago. No I'm not a knife "maker" more of a knife assembler. I generally buy a finished blade and do the rest with my own twists. My living arrangements just won't allow me to set up a knife shop. I live in a small 2 bedroom apartment with the larger of the two my shop. I have done it in the past when I lived in the country but no more. The neighbors just don't appreciate the anvil ringin' at 6AM!

I finaly found a blade for a push dagger at a reasonable price, anealed and completely blank.

Here's a picture of what I have to work with.

I appreciate your input and I can tell your going to be a BIG addition to this forum.

Take care.

Ned

[rebsr52339]

Ned;
   I live in the country and have 17 acers and a whole bunch of open space around me. I have a 25, 50, 75, 100 and 200yard range in my back yard. I am pretty lucky but that is what comes with old age   
   That is a great looking dagger. An ivory or stag grip ground down a bit would work well. As far as a leather sheath goes you have several options. Make a friction fit leather sheath with a small imbedded spring friction clip in it,  and then trim it in NS by forming the tip and throght  over a wooden form the same size as the leather. There is a thread on the web somewhere that shows step by step how to do this forming. You can also make a latch that would "grip" the blade and release it on drawing it,  It is not so bad because you are doing a one time deal and can spend a lot of time on it. Today I could NOT see me doing another sheath like my pierced silver/gold one just because of that fact. Where did you get the blade?

[Ned Buckshot]

The blade came from usaknifemaker.com.

The customer has requested Black Walnut for the scales. I have some very nice pieces from trees that I helped my Father cut down to square up a field over 40 years ago!

Think it's dry yet? 

Ned

[GunClick Rick]

40 years.Mercedes would love some of that.

[Ned Buckshot]

Tell them I'll trade enough to do one car for a 5 series sedan!

Think they'll take it!

Ned

[rebsr52339]

OK Guys, now that's funny.