Spectacular Bowie Knife from Jud

Just this week Jud completed a priceless Bowie knife with special features of his own design. The general idea was to pay homage to an historic rifle originally made for Titian Peale, youngest son of Charles Wilson Peale, and a noted pioneer American naturalist. This rifle is in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and was viewed by the author of this blog and Judson and his sons Jesse and David, courtesy of Debra Breslin, curator. Our visit was arranged by our good friend Gary Blumenthal.

This knife incorporates many unique features into its construction and design. I will leave it to the reader to fathom these artistic flourishes but will state that the blade is uniquely made of special grade of steel used in ball bearings with special requirements for hardening and tempering.

As of this time, the author has forgone any personalizing of this knife out of modesty, but it is cherished as a jewel in the crown in his collection of outstanding Jud made Bowies!

First, glimpses of the Peale Rifle.

Next, early stages in the making of the blade and engraving and inlaying of gold into the handle.

Next the forming of the silver sheath and adding a gold shield to the sheath.

Finally, engraving the sheath and the final finished knife.

The Mechanics of the E. Marshall lock finished!

Note the impressive paneling of the margins of the lock plate all around and filling and polishing of the internals.
Last, after final inletting and fitting to the stock will be the engraving of the lock plate.

More progress on the E. Marshall style Rifle Lock