I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

[Tnmountains]

I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

Some guys found this while do some excavating in their yard. It was in an area that was occupied by troops during the Civil War. I do not know if it's Cw related or not. I hope the picture show the size of this thing. Its solid steel. Seems to be in two pieces the hilt and the blade. I have not seen anything like this before. It weighs several #'s.
Thanks for any help.
HH
TnMountains

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Cry Of The Eagle: History And Legends Of The Cherokee Indians And Their Buried Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[vayank54]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

Cool. I've never seen one like it but would have to agree with Spooky about ti being someones project.
Still cool though

 

[Tnmountains]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

I have not seen anything like it either. It may have been under or beside a garage from what I was told. That might be the lack of deep pitting if it was protected some. I wish it was confederate ingenuity with the Bowie design and hilt but again it may just be a homemade project.
The knife is still very sharp and shows hammer wear on the top of the blade like they were using it to split something. Its as heavy as it looks.
Thanks for looking and replying.

 

[Lucas]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

Hard to tell from the pics but looks like gas or arc welding between the guard and handle... that would rule out CW.

 

[vayank54]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

Hard to tell from the pics but looks like gas or arc welding between the guard and handle... that would rule out CW.

Right. Also I've never seen a civil war period bowie with an iron or steel handle.

 

[Tnmountains]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

Hard to tell from the pics but looks like gas or arc welding between the guard and handle... that would rule out CW.

Right. Also I've never seen a civil war period bowie with an iron or steel handle.

I agree. I scratched down between the blade and hilt and it seems to be like a weld. It also does not have enough of a guard either for a true parry or a safe parry without it rolling off into your knuckles. It does have the weight though to handle a parry.
I think you guys have solved this. Shop project it is !!!
Thank you.
TnMountains

 

[DrGrip]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

Hit it with a wire brush on a grinder if possible since you believe it isn't as old as once thought. Some folks tend to "sign" their work and you may be able to find it.

Still a cool piece and I would preserve it and place it on a stand if it were mine.

Grip

 

[silverswede]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

Could be it was made for splitting cedar shingles or something similiar. With the size, length, weight and evidence of pounding on the blade top. Picture it kinda used like a Froe.

 

[Tnmountains]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

Could be it was made for splitting cedar shingles or something similiar. With the size, length, weight and evidence of pounding on the blade top. Picture it kinda used like a Froe.

It would have been perfect for splitting shingles. I never would have considered that. That might fit with the time frame as well with cedar shakes being popular.

 

[RPG]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

I think that's Jims knife.

 

[Tnmountains]

Re: I.D help on "Big Ole Honkin Knife"

I think that's Jims knife.

Harr Harr Harr. I wish,,, its heavy enough to kill a bear