The dragon knife by Knut Dahl:

In the picture you see the first dragon knife made by Knut Dahl, and it was elected "knife of the year" in Norway. It is probably the best known of all Knut’s knives, and it has never been for sale, but from time to time it has been displayed in various exhibitions. You can order a dragon knife for later delivery, but it’s quite expensive.

The blade in this knife is hand forged, and the handle is made from masurbirch. The top and the front plate are made from whale tooth, and the top is, as can be seen, shaped as a dragons head, and this is the reason for the knife’s name. the sheath is made from semi tanned leather, in which a relatively simple pattern has been pauted.

Knut Dahl’s knives are well known by every knife interested person in Scandinavia, and in many other parts of the world for that matter. He is especially celebrated for his exquisite design, in which you’ll find a unique balance in the lines of the knife, without this in any way reducing the utility value of the knife.

In addition Knut Dahl is known as "Mr. Pauting" because of his unique leather sheaths, for which he uses a very old decoration technique called pauting by the Norwegians. He has developed and perfected this technique to such a degree, that he is able to make almost irrational decorations.

The greater part of Knut Dahl’s knives has a blade from his own smithy. His production is so big, that once in a while you can have the opportunity to buy one of his blades, and start making your own handle for it.

Apart from making knives, Knut Dahl is also the author of a knife book, simply called pauting. In the book he goes over the basic techniques in leather work, but he also has a few remarks on design and lines. It is a very inspiring book that will start a lot of thoughts, even if you normally are not occupied with knives in the Scandinavian style.

Knut Dahl has participated in several knife exhibitions, and he has received numerous prizes for his knives.

If you want to see more of Knut Dahl’s knives, follow this link.