Hi all,

Many dirks from the 17th and 18th century feature nice decortive lines and patterns on the top of the pommelplate.
When I was working with my dirk project recently, I had no clue about this. To decorate the pommelplate, I simply used some fine files and made some simple lines which formes a cross. This I think looks OK, but how does one make sircles etc.? Please tell me how the historical method would be, since I prefer to do most of the job without electric tools.

Cheers,
Henrik

You use a circle/round punch and hammer. Just be sure to practice first abit to get the technique to strike without rocking to one side or the other to get a goodlooking/perfect circle.

Kirby makes his own for whatever size hole needed but you can also find steel counter punches.

Thanks Laurie!
You're a great help!
Does brass need to be heated in any way before this is done?

Cheers,
Henrik

Having the brass on an anvil or something that won't bounce will help a great deal.

Thanks!
Does one have to get special tools for this?

Johan, you're right, I've bought brass sheets from Clas Olsson (in Kristiansand, actually :D )

Cheers,
Henrik