Shikar Hunting Dagger with Cocobolo

Product Description for Shikar Hunting Dagger with Cocobolo

Maker: Paul Cooper (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 105866
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 6.20 in.
Cutting edge length: 6.00 in.
Total length: 10.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.14 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.25 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.22 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 8.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 10.8 oz.
Blade: Hand forged 1075 carbon steel
Bolster: Stainless steel
Handle: Checkered cocobolo
Sheath: Wood core scabbard with checkered leather wrap
Description: Boston-based bladesmith Paul Cooper has been forging knives since 2006. He studied under Mastersmith JD Smith through the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and was awarded a Traditional Arts Apprenticeship in 2007. Paul's interest in knifemaking began as a matter of necessity. “I had an interest in certain knives," says Cooper, “and I couldn't afford them or no one made what I wanted." So he learned how to make them himself, and over time, what began as a necessity became a passion. Over the years, Cooper has been recognized for his exceptional knives. His work has been displayed at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, MA. In 2006, he was awarded "Best New Maker" at the Oregon Knife Collectors Association show. In 2010, he was featured in a Blade Magazine article on five up-and-coming knifemakers to watch.
This knife was inspired by the 'Wilinson-Shakespear Knife', designed by Henry Shakespear, a British Cavalry Officer, author, and noted big game hunter. The word Shikar is derived from Urdu, meaning hunting. It was manufactured by the famed English sword and gun maker, Wilkinsons of London -- with the knife being as enigmatic as it is beautiful.
The Wilkinson-Shakespear Knife (originally called his Shikar Knife by Henry Shakespear) was conceived in India during the glory days of the British Empire. Shakespear's design was very specific and was meant to be utilized as a last ditch defensive weapon worn in the breast pocket of a shooting jacket. Hunting dangerous game in a period where double barreled muzzleloaders with the standard was a life and death challenge. When both barrels were spent and the hunter was under attack by bear, tiger, or other dangerous beast, this knife could be drawn from the breast pocket and thrust into the beast's chest.
The convex ground blade was hand forged from 1075 carbon steel. It features banner etching: IHO SHAKESPEAR. The cocobolo handle is hand checkered, ensuring a sure, comfortable grip.. The knife is accompanied by a wood core scabbard with checkered leather wrap.
Exceptional work throughout!


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