Mesquite Handled Dagger by Steve Auvenshine
by Heinz Ahlers
Steve Auvenshine has generously donated this fine boot knife to the 2015 CLF Fundraising Auction.
This beautiful knife, 9 inches overall, showcases Steves well-known talents as a knife maker. The knife has a dagger shaped single edged blade with a period correct crocus finish. It features silver mounts, including the silver overlays on the ricasso of the blade. All the silver mounts including the coffin inlay, are punch decorated.
Steve related an interesting history on the knife.
The knife is my interpretation of an early 19th century boot knife. Specifically, at least in my mind, what might have been carried in Texas during the “Alamo period. I have visited Texas several times in the last few years. This included a trip to San Antonio and the Alamo itself. Needless to say I was inspired.
On my last trip I was able to harvest some mesquite from near San Antonio. Mesquite is an extremely hard wood and this piece is particularly well figured. The handle is from that mesquite.
This is a grand and elegant knife, it speaks of the Alamo and San Jacinto, of those cabins in Tennessee with Gone To Texas or GTT painted on the door. It would be worth having a pair of boots made to mount it. But you would need to remember it was there, it would get you kicked right off an airplane.
The CLF is privileged to have outstanding Artists, like Steve, support the Fundraising Auction. Steve is a regular at the annual meeting. Be sure to visit his table at the show.
