From a block of local oak to my daughter's first bushcraft knife. A true father-daughter project with a Viking soul.
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a very special project that just came off my chopping block. I recently started a passion project called ISTORD, where I try to combine my local Istrian roots with a rugged Viking spirit. This piece is officially dedicated to my biggest fan—my daughter—for our upcoming bushcraft and camping adventures.
I deeply respect wood as a material, and this project is extra special because the oak was actually cut down by my neighbor while he was clearing his family land. I'm so happy that instead of it being wasted or burned, I get to give this piece of wood a completely new life and purpose.
Working with this raw piece of local Istrian oak was incredibly tough with just hand tools, but after a lot of axe and knife work, the clean shape finally started to show.
On the handle, I carved the Triquetra (the Viking trinity knot) as a symbol of family, eternity, and protection while we are out in the woods.
The best part? My daughter wanted to be a part of the process, so she stained and darkened the blade using strong coffee to her exact liking. We finished it up by burnishing the wood to close the pores and sealed everything with a coat of natural oil. I absolutely love the heavy contrast she created between the dark blade and the lighter oak handle.
It’s safe, rugged, and ready for the wild. Would love to hear what you guys think!