Vonderek
Member
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2006
- Messages
- 1,537
I've recently posted some photos of knives that I've been finding among the things from my deceased family's home. Earlier I found some beautiful old carving sets, some stag handled, another from the 1930's. Also found was my older brother's bowie knife from back in the 60's.
Today I was rummaging through another box of stuff and found a very long, thin package wrapped in paper. After unwrapping I was surprised to find this hickory handled full tang carving knife. It is a big one. The blade is 12" long and the knife is 17" overall. On the blade is marked "Foster Bros., USA". The steel has a nice patina to it.
After I gave it a good washing I went to work on it with my diamond block and ceramic rods and finished with a stropping. It has taken a very sharp edge. Here is a photo. Apologies for the poor quality but I took the picture quickly with a flash. Playing card with 'ol Stonewall Jackson is to give the viewer some scale of the size of the knife.
It's funny...I have had more enjoyment finding these old knives and cleaning them up than I have had buying any new knife. Not only are they well made, but it is pleasurable holding something with history in my hands. Not only does it remind me of childhood memories, but it connects me to my family members when they were all alive, young and vital. When I look at and hold the Bowie, I think of my brother who was like Superman in my youthful eyes. I envision my grandfather as a young man in the 1920's and 30's standing at the head of the table carving the roast for his family's holiday dinner, my mother as a child sitting next to him waiting for her plate. Somehow, as I uncover these old things and take the care to clean and restore them to their rightful places in the kitchen of my home, I feel my family's presence and a sense of approval and satisfaction.
Today I was rummaging through another box of stuff and found a very long, thin package wrapped in paper. After unwrapping I was surprised to find this hickory handled full tang carving knife. It is a big one. The blade is 12" long and the knife is 17" overall. On the blade is marked "Foster Bros., USA". The steel has a nice patina to it.
After I gave it a good washing I went to work on it with my diamond block and ceramic rods and finished with a stropping. It has taken a very sharp edge. Here is a photo. Apologies for the poor quality but I took the picture quickly with a flash. Playing card with 'ol Stonewall Jackson is to give the viewer some scale of the size of the knife.
It's funny...I have had more enjoyment finding these old knives and cleaning them up than I have had buying any new knife. Not only are they well made, but it is pleasurable holding something with history in my hands. Not only does it remind me of childhood memories, but it connects me to my family members when they were all alive, young and vital. When I look at and hold the Bowie, I think of my brother who was like Superman in my youthful eyes. I envision my grandfather as a young man in the 1920's and 30's standing at the head of the table carving the roast for his family's holiday dinner, my mother as a child sitting next to him waiting for her plate. Somehow, as I uncover these old things and take the care to clean and restore them to their rightful places in the kitchen of my home, I feel my family's presence and a sense of approval and satisfaction.
