Quirky old Shapleigh's 1843

[SwedgeHead]

Been wanting to share this one, its an oddity that I couldn't resist picking up.
It was described simply as a "Shapleigh's 1843 with bone handles".
Right off the bat I knew it was a custom piece someone did some serious tinkering on, but I have to say I just really like the look of it all.
Plus it is just HUGE !

First, I way over paid for what it is, but when was I going to see another, so I took it on the chin a bit but not unhappy about it at all.
It is an original Shapleigh's 1843 Hammer forged blade (butcher knife) but that's where the originality ends.
From there they modified a custom guard and installed what I think really may be faux stag handles.
This is where I can't really tell, it has a good look (the "bone" stag) but they did blend it into the blade with some sort of epoxy or coating, and I can clearly see the staining used on the handles too as it bleeds a little onto the brass pin caps. I chipped off a tiny bit to expose the underside on the hilt - still cant tell if it is a plastic or natural surface underneath.

So it's a frankenknife, but it's kind of Piratey and cool and BIG and I dig it for what it is. And the sheath is a nice fit with its age and all too.
(oh and I saved the chip so I'll be making a quick repair to that too)

Here are a bunch of pics, I'll start with what a true 1843 looks like :

Have fun! ARG !

Original Form:

[SwedgeHead]

It also feels really good and heavy in hand, like I could go chopping through the jungle with it or you know, carve some meat.
Has a nice sharp edge on it!

[Gtrclktr-351]

I never thought of modding kitchen cutlery, but that one looks like a well done modification

[woodwalker]

Been wanting to share this one, its an oddity that I couldn't resist picking up.
It was described simply as a "Shapleigh's 1843 with bone handles".
Right off the bat I knew it was a custom piece someone did some serious tinkering on, but I have to say I just really like the look of it all.
Plus it is just HUGE !

First, I way over paid for what it is, but when was I going to see another, so I took it on the chin a bit but not unhappy about it.
It is an original Shapleigh's 1843 Hammer forged blade (butcher knife) but that's where the originality ends.
From there they modified a custom guard and installed what I think really may be faux stag handles.
This is where I can't really tell, it has a good look (the "bone" stag) but they did blend it into the blade with some sort of epoxy or coating, and I can clearly see the staining used on the handles too as it bleeds a little onto the brass pin caps. I chipped off a tiny bit to expose the underside on the hilt - still cant tell if it is a plastic or natural surface underneath.

So it's a frankenknife, but it's kind of Piratey and cool and BIG and I dig it for what it is. And the sheath is a nice fit with its age and all too.
(oh and I saved the chip so I'll be making a quick repair to that too)

Here are a bunch of pics, I'll start with what a true 1843 looks like :

Have fun! ARG !

Original Form:
1843_orig.png

1843_1.png

1843_2.png

1843_3.png

1843_4.png

1843_5.png

1843_6.png

1843_7.png

1843_8.png

It is cool!! I see why you like it!!

[knife7knut]

If YOU like it, then you didnt pay too much. I probably would have bought it as well. Handles look like genuine stag to me and it maz have been made longer ago than you think. JMHO.

[SwedgeHead]

If YOU like it, then you didnt pay too much. I probably would have bought it as well. Handles look like genuine stag to me and it maz have been made longer ago than you think. JMHO.

Thanks for the comments (everyone). It does have a sense of being an older mod, the sheath alone shows that to me so the handles have a good chance of being real too. Even though I can't say for sure myself without learning more, if it is faux it is good stuff. Maybe I'll do a burn test before replacing the chip, no one will ever know!
Either way its a cool piece of folk art along with being a cool blade.

[bighomer]

I think that bugger is some more cool,you wanted it and you got it, l say more power to you, life is short enjoy what you can.