"Roach Belly" knife

W

whetrock

Member
I was curious if any of you makers, here had much experience reproducing, or making similar patterns to the Roach Belly. I'd be curious to see or hear any new info on the pattern. I've seen/handled the factory made, CS Roach Belly, but it's obviously a lower end proposition, not a bad knife though. Also I've seen Dave Farmer's take on the pattern, but that's about it. I like the general size, and aesthetics, but that's still pretty broad. I'm trying to narrow down what is/isn't a Roach Belly, and maybe make something similar.
 
A google image search for 'roach belly knife' comes up with many results, but every one a modern interpretation of what is a supposedly historic design.... I personally would want to see examples of the original artifacts, and I'm having no luck finding them.
 
I appreciate the input, I searched too, but I'm still interested in seeing as much as I can. I think it's a cool design, from what I've seen. My google-fu is
weak LOL.
 
whetrock said:
I was curious if any of you makers, here had much experience reproducing, or making similar patterns to the Roach Belly. I'd be curious to see or hear any new info on the pattern. I've seen/handled the factory made, CS Roach Belly, but it's obviously a lower end proposition, not a bad knife though. Also I've seen Dave Farmer's take on the pattern, but that's about it. I like the general size, and aesthetics, but that's still pretty broad. I'm trying to narrow down what is/isn't a Roach Belly, and maybe make something similar.
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Here is a web site for one maker that builds pretty much as historically correct as possible. He builds a lot of period correct, knives.
http://www.wickellerbe.com/

In my opinion the roach belly knife is
9k=
typical to this design. The one in the picture is from a site that sells a lot of products for our history here in America. Click the link and click knives. http://www.trackofthewolf.com/index.aspx EDIT: The picture did not post if you want to see it go to the site and they have pictures available!! So I guess I wasn't allowed to post the pic! Click on this link and it will take you to the photo I tried to post. http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/464/1/KNIFE-RB

I posted this one not as a perfect example but I can post it as they sell such items. The blade of the knife looks like a belly, the blades spine is close to straight but not always straight. The blade is usually a longer profile rather than a short profile. My research says this type of blade may date back as far as the 14th century.

This type of knife appeared in America heavily during the 1800's ~ early 1900's. Historical copies are hard to find. If you are truly interested contact, Wick Ellbere, http://www.wickellerbe.com/ or Chuck Burrows, http://www.wrtcleather.com/ Both are a wealth of information to true history in early America, and beyond its borders from about 17th century to 19th century, when it comes to knives and weapons in general!!
 
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Interesting C Craft. I like the looks of the said knives. I will keep those two gentlemen in mind. I really like the different interpretations.
 
This type of knife appeared in America heavily during the 1800's ~ early 1900's. Historical copies are hard to find. If you are truly interested contact, Wick Ellbere, http://www.wickellerbe.com/ or Chuck Burrows, http://www.wrtcleather.com/ Both are a wealth of information to true history in early America, and beyond its borders from about 17th century to 19th century, when it comes to knives and weapons in general!!
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I absolutely agree, both of these men are very knowledgeable about the knives of this era, and would be the people to ask... they are also both members here.
 
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