Legends of the Fall - Tristan's Knife

[PHArchivist]

For you youngsters - 1994; second film in line to firmly cement Brad Spitt on the cinema map (following that girl-power movie by our famed Alien and Blade Runner director); also featuring such greats as Sir Anthony Hopkins and (well, not so great) Aidan Quinn, Elliot from ET, and Bart The Bear; directed by Edward Zwick, director of Glory...

Spitt plays Tristan Ludlow, the dashing, renegade rebel middle (adult) child of Hopkins' character. Lives life by his own rules, breaks hearts (and lives) along the way.

And...

Carries a kick-a$$, antler-handled Bowie knife...

The original hero prop was indeed a metal hunting knife, but even the hero knife featured a faux stag antler handle.

Film commentary by Brad and Ed, states that Ed kept the knife. But iCollector suggests otherwise.

Regardless, I've always loved the rustic, simplistic beauty of the knife, and it plays a prominent role in the film. Brad's best friend, one might say...


Because I don't forge steel, I've decided - at long last - to replicate the stunt knife; my excuse for working in styrene and Balsa wood instead of steel and resin.

I started with a 2mm spine, with two thinner layers laminated. I'll let the images do the talking. You'll see where I'm going with this...

 

[PHArchivist]

With the thinner layers representing the full blade, affixed to the thicker spine, I'll pinch them together at what would be the sharpened edge of the blade, creating a thinner faux edge.

iCollector suggests the original prop was about 15" long. Mine will be a tad over 16"

I will try to split the balsa into two halves, then glue them back together over the plastic tang. Though splitting the Balsa may be a trick.

Will I ever finish this...?

Not sure - I have a bad habit of starting cool projects, then leaving them lay (Last of the Mohicans musket, Last of the Mohicans tomahawk, 1:1 Indiana Jones figure, spherical sci-fi battle station).

But I think I will...

 

[PHArchivist]

My evil plan is working...

 

[Gen0]

Would absolutely love one of those. Amazing movie. Can't wait to see the final product.

 

[Funky]

Why don't you try to make the handle out of a real antler? Getting a similar shape shouldn't be too hard. Then spend a little quality time with a grinder.

 

[PHArchivist]

Why don't you try to make the handle out of a real antler? Getting a similar shape shouldn't be too hard. Then spend a little quality time with a grinder.

Thought about that, FJ... Even considered purchasing a close, finished metal blank blade (available on Amazon)...

But the bane of the RPF is accuracy, and details count.

I wanted to ensure I had the shape and porportions absolutely correct. I've seen "close enough" vesions of this knife on-line (likely made with real materials - steel and antler), but they simply do not convey the essesence of the prop knife.

Here are some samples of "close enough" - the first one isn't bad, but a couple are way off...

 

[dropshipbob]

ooooOOOHhhhhh, I like the sound of this project. One of the best scenes from this movie is when Brad Pitt goes out for revenge after his brother is killed on the battlefield and comes back with some scalps.

I also constantly get this movie confused with "A river runs through it".

 

[PHArchivist]

By the way, I successfully split the balsa block for the handle, and cut the roughed out shape. Pics later today...

Little worried about how soft the balsa is. Plan on coating it with multiple coats of Varathane (don't have access to brush-on resin or any molding materials right now).

 

[PHArchivist]

Tried to cut off mi finger...

 

[PHArchivist]

Close to done with the "blade"... Shot it with primer...

 

[PHArchivist]

No more love, here, huh...?

See that Tristan's opium pipe is up for grabs at the current PiH auction....

FWIW

 

[Apollo]

just saw this!

Looking good so far, reminds me a little of Hawkeyes knife from LOTM!!

 

[PHArchivist]

just saw this!

Looking good so far, reminds me a little of Hawkeyes knife from LOTM!!

It is similar, isn't it?

On my project, the handle looks to be too big, but it will be pared down as I shape it, then part of it will be wrapped with leather strapping.

 

[PHArchivist]

Attaching the handle....

 

[PHArchivist]

Shaping up the handle...

 

[PHArchivist]

The latest...

 

[Apollo]

That’s turning out really nicely, handle is looking great!

 

[PHArchivist]

That’s turning out really nicely, handle is looking great!

Thanks, my friend

The divots are by design, to make it look more like natural antler. They're evident on the original. I've improved them since posting this pic.

If I can find a bladesmith that can do the blade in steel, I'll do this for real...

 

[chuckyAPP]

Love this movie,,,, the "blade's" looking great! Once it's painted it will look amazing

 

[dropshipbob]

Great progress!