Old Knife Makers Mark?

[dentontexas1]

I purchased this knife at the estate of a Civil War Collector. I need help in identifying the makers mark. Can anyone help.
Thanks in advance, I am not certain if this was a part of his collection or unrelated to the Civil War,

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy. The etching might be from a later date??

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Welcome @dentontexas1 !
I'm sure some of our relic experts will answer your question shortly.

My first thought is a 20th century knife.

But each time I comment on such things ... within minutes the experts prove me wrong.

 

[Rhea Cole]

This knife was not made by a professional knife smith or manufactured. The bevel edge is indistinct. The tyne is not centered. The guard is made of sheet copper. The overall profile of the blade is good.

The touch mark profile has the guard turned backwards. Somebody worked hard making this knife. They still had a lot to learn. It is a good start.

 

[dentontexas1]

Thanks for responding. One question, did the amateur knife maker stamp or etch the "knife" makers mark onto the blade?

 

[Rhea Cole]

Thanks for responding. One question, did the amateur knife maker stamp or etch the "knife" makers mark onto the blade?

Hard to tell in this photo. However, a punched touch mark is far more likely than etching. "Knife smith" is the term you are looking for.

This is an example of what a drop point Bowie should look like. Notice the thicker point that is less likely to break off.

This Damascus steel Bowie knife by David Roader is an example of a master knife smith's work.

*edited - copyrighted image*

Zoom in ahead of the guard is his small DR touch mark.

Link to I Forge Iron Gallery page:

Gallery - I Forge Iron

www.iforgeiron.com

 

[lupaglupa]

The etching is lovely!

 

[scooter748driver]

Welcome from the Fort Sumter and the Fredericksburg forums.

Interesting knife - thanks for sharing it.