Dimensions of blanks for a Yakut knife. Yakut knife

The knife is somewhat different from the usual one in our understanding - asymmetrical, with notches on one side of the blade - such products have long been used by the inhabitants of Yakutia. Today they are the hallmark of this region of Russia.

History of origin

The republic is known in the world as the main supplier of diamonds. The musical instrument khomus is recognizable even in the most remote corners of the earth. Another famous invention is Yakut knives. Since ancient times, people of the Turkic language group have lived on such a vast territory. The ancestors of modern inhabitants came from Central Asia. The Yakuts call themselves “Sakha”. Having mastered the harsh laws of living in the northern regions, these people not only adapted to them, but also learned to benefit from them.

Since ancient times, the Sakha have learned to mine and process iron ore. Blacksmithing skills were not inferior to the products of blacksmiths in developed European countries. Russian Cossacks back in the seventeenth century, having begun to interact with Yakut hunters, noted the quality of their tools and hunting. Yakut blacksmiths knew how to smelt iron, bypassing the cast iron stage.

Archaeological work on the territory of settlement of this ancient people makes it possible to prove the centuries-old history of Yakut knives. In the studied burial grounds and sites, scientists find samples of knives that are very similar to Yakut knives. Over the millennia, they have retained their size, geometric parameters and appearance.

Varieties

The design of the knife has not changed over the many centuries of its existence, but the ratio of the blade to the handle may vary in each specific case. Different regions of Yakutia have their own standards for manufacturing this product. The classic Yakut working knife is a blade of 110-170 millimeters mounted on a wooden handle.

Among all the diversity, three main types can be distinguished. The first one is distinguished by its small size. The blade length ranges from 80 to 110 mm. It is made for children and women. Used for various household operations. The second type is the traditional and most common knife. The length of the blade is no more than seventeen centimeters. It is used by hunters and fishermen. No man can do without it. The third type is rarely made because it is large and looks like a military weapon. The length of the blade is from eighteen to thirty centimeters. They respectfully call him “hotokhon”.

The hunters themselves distinguish between tundra and taiga knives. The difference between them is the width of the blade. With a narrow blade, a tundra knife is often used for drilling and river work. with a wider blade, they are used for cutting game and livestock or working with wood.

Main distinguishing feature

The most important difference is that the blade of the Yakut knife is asymmetrical. The knife itself has a blunt and straight back with a sharp end. They sharpen it only on one (left) side. If you look at the knife from the handle, the side edges will appear completely different. The left side is convex and completely smooth.

All knives with an asymmetrical profile are sharpened on the working (right) side, but the Yakut knife is sharpened only on the left. This approach has its own explanation: the master most often processes wood. Having a left-sharpened knife, a person can precisely regulate the depth of planing. The same feature gives the accuracy of a multifunctional plane.

Slicing frozen meat or fish is much easier, the knife goes like clockwork. Skinning an animal and dressing it with such a knife is a joy because everything happens quickly and without delay. Another undoubted advantage: you can sharpen such a knife even in the field. A stone or, for example, the edge of a metal bucket is suitable for this.

Based on this feature, the Yakuts distinguish between knives for right-handers and left-handers. For a right-hander, you need a standard knife sharpened on the left side. For a left-hander, you will have to make a special mirrored knife.

Second feature

The right side of the blade is usually absolutely straight, with a longitudinal groove in the center. The presence of a fuller on one side of the blade is another feature of the Yakut. Craftsmen make knives with a short and thin fuller or a wide one along the entire length of the blade. The Yakuts call it Yos. The appearance of this feature is explained in different ways. The first version of the origin of such a detail is associated with the original material for making the knife from bone cut lengthwise. And the groove is nothing more than a hole from the bone marrow.

Another option: Yakut knives were made from two components. The base is made of soft iron, the hard part is for the blade. This was done to save durable steel. The groove in this case was like a compensatory leash, which appeared during the process of hardening the two components of the blade.

The flat right side plays an important role. It brings the cross-section of the blade closer to a quadrangular shape. Working with wood or sewing leather clothes requires force. The punching effect is enhanced by this special shape of the Yakut knife.

What is a gutter for?

There are several reasons for the relevance of the valley. In addition to saving iron, there are also practical indicators. In Yakutia, frosts below 30-40 degrees Celsius are not uncommon. A knife without a fuller is difficult to sharpen and edit. The fuller blade is thinner, very sharp, and holds an edge well. You can sharpen it quickly and easily.

When cutting a carcass, a wide groove allows the knife to come into contact with the meat only with the back side. The gutter remains free, the skin from the animal is easier to remove due to the reduction of the contact area. Blood flows freely through the recess in the blade.

The presence of a gutter allows you to lighten the weight of the product. When a craftsman forges a Yakut knife, he tries to make it light so that it does not sink in water. The fisherman, having dropped the knife from his hands, is sure that he will not drown, or at least not immediately go to the bottom. A special handle helps you stay afloat.

Handle

At first glance, the knife handle does not have anything special. It is made from birch burl - this is a kind of growth on a tree trunk. Impregnate the finished pen with special oil. The length of the handle is thirteen to fifteen centimeters. When ordering individually, the width of the palm is measured; the handle should be slightly wider, without any guards or stops. The shape of the handle resembles an egg, the narrow part of which is directed towards the blade. Taking such a knife in his hand, the hunter feels comfortable and reliable.

Sometimes the handle is made of birch bark. Fishermen have a special requirement for such products: the craftsman must make a Yakut knife such that the handle can keep it afloat. Products with handles made of plastic or mammoth bone play the role of souvenirs. They are not used in everyday life.

Scabbard for "Yakut"

The Yakut knife needs a unique sheath. Initially, they used oxtail for this purpose. The stocking was turned inside out and a wooden insert was inserted inside. The dimensions of the insert had to be larger than the knife itself. His task was not to hold the knife, but to protect it from breakage.

The knife goes into the sheath two-thirds of the length of the handle. In this position, the sheath firmly held the product by the handle, and the blade remained free. They could build a sheath from birch bark or wood. A cord was attached to the body for attachment.

Traditional wearing

The Yakut knife is worn on the left side or in front. Free hanging does not interfere with human movements. The hunter quickly pulls out the knife with his right hand, while resting his thumb on the base of the sheath.

The blade of the knife faces to the left, directed at the person when removed from the sheath. It has always been this way, it is a tradition.

Significance of the invention

Modern craftsmen, while observing all traditional requirements, make a Yakut knife, the design of which is passed down from generation to generation. The hope that the invention will not become obsolete, and the fire of love of the masters will be passed on to descendants, is very great. Modern experts of edged weapons highlight this knife with a universal and unique design.

The philosophical basis of the knife is to use it only for creativity and work. The master creates his product as an assistant, and not for war or harm.

In Yakut families, a child from the age of five received a knife. The mothers were not afraid that the boy would get hurt. The first blood and a small cut taught the baby to be careful, careful, and therefore rational. The first knife was made specifically for a child's hand.

A man should have several knives: for household purposes, for woodworking and for hunting. On special occasions, an elegant knife was worn, which emphasized the status of its owner. On ordinary days it hung above the bed. None of the household members had the right to touch him. passed on by inheritance to the eldest of the sons.

Historical phenomenon

The Yakut knife is an exceptional historical phenomenon. He is put on a par with the famous “Finnish woman”. Several decades ago it was classified as a bladed weapon and banned. Today it is written about in the legislative acts of the Russian Federation. Since 1995, the “Regulations on the procedure for manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, carrying and transporting the Yakut knife on the territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)” have been adopted.

This knife is suitable for repelling an enemy attack; it is an indispensable friend in hunting and fishing. The Yakuts themselves often call it their third hand. They believe it is better to lose a gun than to be left without a knife.

The Yakut knife (Yakut. byһakh) is one of the main attributes of the Sakha people. In each region of the republic you can find some of its own peculiarities of making a Yakut knife, although the general traditions are preserved, and only some of its details differ.

Features of the Yakut knife are simplicity, ease of use and wide functionality. Yakut hunting knives can be useful for cutting fish, meat, or, if necessary, repairing something. Archaeological excavations show that in ancient times the ancestors of modern Yakuts used knives of a similar design, so we can say that the secret of the Yakut knife is passed down from generation to generation.

Nowadays, the Yakut knife is not only the personification of culture and history - it is widely used for a variety of purposes. It is difficult to find a Yakut family that does not have at least one traditional knife. A good knife for a Yakut hunter is the closest and most faithful friend. Hundreds of craftsmen throughout Yakutia are engaged in the production of Yakut knives. Therefore, there are many versions that imply a variety of its forms and features. Not everyone can make a Yakut knife with their own hands. Traditionally, they are not purchased ready-made, but are ordered individually. The master takes into account the wishes of the future owner - he will never want to be sold another one that is somewhat similar instead of a national instrument. Thus, a synthesis of the traditional and the individual is formed. Each Yakut knife has its own unique features, but they do not go beyond historical standards.

Drawings and dimensions

The sizes of the Yakut knife, due to its wide functionality, have a very wide range - from the smallest to the very large. Drawings of a real Yakut knife are not so easy to find, because the secret of its correct manufacture is carefully kept. General sizing information is given below.

According to manufacturing style and application, they are divided into twelve varieties:

Oyuu bychchata - used for applying drawings (patterns) on wooden products. The length of the blade is 3-5 cm.
Otohut bychchata - used by a doctor, healer, with a very thin and sharp end of the blade. Usually 3-7 cm.
Wal o kychchanar bygychchata - a knife for a boy. Blade length 7-11 cm.
Die-wat bykha - a homemade knife. Length 9-14 cm.
Tabagyt bygaqa - used for cutting a deer carcass (reindeer herder's knife), the tip is very thin and beak-shaped. The blade is thin, one might say “delicate”. Length 9-12 cm.
Kyra bult bykha - a small hunter's knife. The blade is 9-14 cm long. Soft hardening.
Balyksyt bykha - fisherman's knife. The blade is wide, the spine is thin, the tip is slightly curved upward. The handle is made of birch bark.
Bullt bull is a hunting knife. 15-18 cm.
Mas uuhun bygychchata - used by cabinet makers. For cutting shaped parts of furniture and other wooden products. Length up to 12 cm.
Mas uuhun bygakha - also for the cabinetmaker. For processing large parts, with a wide, thin blade. Strongly hardened.
Badaai is a large knife. Up to 25 cm.
Bolo bykhakh - even larger and heavier, blade length up to 30 cm. These two types of knives are long, designed for heavy work. For example, for butchering large animals, for cutting through ice, for cutting willows, overgrowth, etc.

In general, the dimensions of a Yakut knife can be divided in the following order:

If the blade length is from 8 to 11 cm, then it is a small knife. It is called “bykychcha” and is made for children and women. However, there are a number of problems that are easier to solve with a knife with a small blade. Therefore, it can conditionally be classified as economic.
A knife with a blade length from 11 to 17 cm is the most common. It is called “bykhakh” and is used for a variety of purposes.
A longer blade - above 17 cm makes it a combat weapon. It is called “khotonokh” and is made quite rarely.

There are also knives with a longer blade size, which already belong to the type of axes and spears. For example: the Yakut batas or the Yakut batyya, the length of their blade is 40-60 cm. This is a beautiful, light military weapon, once loved by the Yakuts. They could both stab and chop.

In the classification of the Yakut knife, the width of the blade also plays a role. If it is narrow, then it is classified as tundra. This makes it easier to cut something or make holes in something, which is what is primarily needed in tundra conditions. The taiga Yakut knife is intended for cutting hunting trophies or livestock, as well as for processing wood. It is easier to carry out such work with a knife with a wider blade.

Blade

The blade of the Yakut knife is asymmetrical. The butt is straight, even, and the blade is sharp. On the right side there is a dol. It can have a variety of shapes. Some craftsmen prefer to make a notch almost over the entire area of the side of the blade, leaving only a small edge near the butt, while others limit themselves to a groove that is shifted closer to the handle. In the same direction, the fuller can be wider, and towards the “nose” of the blade it narrows. This notch is called "yosom".

Yos arose for several reasons. Firstly, with it the Yakut knife resembled those that their ancestors made from bones. The notch is simply a tribute to tradition; it represents the natural opening for the bone marrow. From the technological side, it once arose as a compensatory leash when connecting, during the process of forging and hardening, soft and hard iron. Secondly, Yos simplifies sharpening and sharpening a knife in the cold and, although for some reason this is rarely talked about, it plays the role of a regular bloodstream, which is present on most combat knives.

The shape of the Yakut knife, the presence of an unsharpened, smooth side of the blade, which is called “bykhakh haptagaya,” enhances the piercing effect, which makes it possible to deliver piercing blows to animals with thick skin, as well as to pierce or drill the skin with a knife.

Today, only real masters know the true secrets of making a Yakut knife. Those copies that are distributed in central cities are far from the original. Typically, a Yakut knife is forged from soft steel. It is easier to sharpen such a blade on anything - any suitable stone. It cannot be said that modern options involving the use of damask or Damascus steel have any negative properties. They just do not correspond to historical realities, which have always put practicality first.

Handle

The handle of a Yakut knife is made from a single piece of birch burl - essentially a very strong wood, which is impregnated with oils. In cross section, the handle has the shape of an egg. This shape was chosen so that during some work the knife does not rotate in the hand.

The method of mounting the blade into the handle is interesting. First, a wide central hole is made and the pointed shank is driven into the handle. Then wedges made of soft wood are inserted on the sides of the blade. They are bursting, and they clamp the blade in the handle. In order to protect the wooden handle from moisture, it is impregnated with special oils.

The narrow side of the handle is directed towards the blade. The length of the handle is always greater than the length of the blade and the width of a man's palm. Usually it is 130 - 150 mm.

Firstly, in this way even a knife with a blade length of less than 110 mm turns into a weapon. The long handle allows you to deliver a range of strikes that would otherwise be much more difficult to execute.

Secondly, with such a handle it is much more convenient to cut up the carcasses of hunted animals.

Thirdly, a knife with a long handle will not sink in water - it will act as a float. The Yakut knife does not have any additional elements - guards, stops, etc.

Sheath

The sheath of the Yakut knife is simple and functional. They are made from an oxtail, removed with a stocking, and a wooden insert inserted into it. The Yakut knife is recessed into a leather sheath 1/3 of the handle and is fixed there due to friction. The blade hangs freely in a wooden insert inside the scabbard.

This makes it possible to freely insert and remove a knife with a blade on which blood and fat freeze when cutting game in winter. By the way, a real Yakut knife can be removed with one hand, resting your thumb on the mouth of the sheath. The sheath is worn on the belt, on a free suspension from a leather strap in an inclined or horizontal position.

In the old days and today it is acceptable to use sheaths made from sewn pieces of leather. Once upon a time, birch bark was also used, very rarely only wood.

Sharpening

Sharpening of a Yakut knife is done from the fuller side (on the right for a right-handed person, on the left for a left-handed person). The block should be applied to the cutting edge at a slight angle (<5°) и точить лезвие сверху вниз (в направление от обуха до кромки) до того момента, пока не появится тонкая блестящая линия на режущей кромке. Эта линия по-якутски называется «кылаан» и является самой острой частью режущей кромки.

Some experts claim that this is a burr and should be removed, but you should not listen to them; most likely, they do not know how to sharpen a Yakut knife correctly. "Kylaan" should have a slight angle to the left side of the blade. It is strictly forbidden to sharpen a Yakut knife on the left - it has a one-sided sharpening. On the left, it is only allowed to slightly (extremely carefully) adjust the “kylaan” when it bends.

Sharpening is carried out as the “kylaan” disappears. To do this, you need to have several bars with different grain sizes. Grind from coarse to fine.

Do not stir the coals with a Yakut knife or heat the blade excessively. In this case, a release will occur - the blade will become soft. For the same reason, you cannot sharpen a blade on an electric sharpener.

Wearing and using

A leather strap or cord is threaded into the sheath. With its help, the Yakut knife is attached to the belt, on the left side and with the blade to the left. This makes it possible for a right-hander to grab it quickly. Of course, left-handers carry a knife on the right. The suspension is free so as not to interfere with movements.

It should be understood that the “bykhakh” with a notch and a forged blade length of 110 mm is a real weapon. And its production, distribution and carrying is a matter that is reflected in the Criminal Code. This was the case during the times of the RSFSR, when “bykhakh” was outlawed. True, possessing a knife did not entail any serious consequences. In modern Yakutia, this is regulated by a separate act of the government of the Republic of Sakha.

The Yakut knife is recognized as part of the culture of the Sakha people, and its storage and use in everyday life, sale to tourists and demonstration during mass events are allowed on the territory of the republic. Yakut handmade knives become not only exhibits of folk art exhibitions, but are also widely used in everyday life, during hunting, fishing, various housework.

Where can I buy?

You can buy a real Yakut knife in specialized stores or directly from local craftsmen in. Each copy has its own documents and licenses. Prices vary from 4,000 rubles to 20,000 rubles.

You can buy a Yakut knife not only in Yakutia, but also beyond its borders. Knowledgeable people give preference to factory samples in this matter. In factory production, the manufacturing process of the product is debugged, defects and deviations from forging traditions are minimized.

Samples of Yakut knives, made in a piece copy by local craftsmen, have a unique design, but for this the price of such knives is many times higher.

Video

If you are interested, you can watch a video about the Yakut knife, which describes in detail its actual work:

Photo

Below are photographs of Yakut knives by famous Yakut masters:

The Yakut knife is gaining popularity among hunters, fishermen, tourists and collectors of edged weapons. Let's take a closer look at the Legend of Yakutia and the most frequently asked questions, namely: what it looks like, how to sharpen a Yakut knife and its features.

History of appearance

For the Yakuts, hunting is the main activity: this is how they obtained food and warm animal skins. Every hunter is sensitive to weapons. A knife is an irreplaceable, mandatory attribute. The first appeared in boys at the age of 5 years. The father gave it to his son.

At the same time, parents were not afraid for their children. It was believed that the child would cut himself a couple of times, but in the end he would learn to be careful. The gift was carefully kept, used to solve everyday problems, and in adulthood, small knives were replaced by real adult weapons.

The instrument has a centuries-old history, confirmed by archaeological research. At the same time, finds from ancient times do not differ much from modern items in size and shape. This speaks of strength and functionality.

The peoples of Yakutia independently learned the process of making edged weapons. These lands are rich in iron ore, which they managed to extract. Craftsmen smelted steel, bypassing the cast iron stage. The material obtained as a result of simple actions was processed in blacksmith shops. The result was blades whose quality was no worse than European ones.

Note! Back in the 17th century, Russian Cossacks began to interact with Yakut craftsmen and adopted the experience of making Yakut knives and other types of weapons.

Design

Over the centuries-old history, the real Yakut knife has not undergone significant changes. The main difference that may catch your eye is the size of the handle and blade, which are often determined by the preferences of the blacksmiths and the region of residence.

Blade

The first thing a person pays attention to when picking it up is the asymmetrical blade. Traditionally, the left side is convex and the right side is flat. There is a recess in the middle, which is called yos. Its shape and size are different. It can occupy almost the entire surface from the handle to the end, and some craftsmen prefer to make a small groove shifted closer to the handle.

The presence of jos is explained by several factors:

compensation of the properties of hard and soft metals, reducing the risk of deformation during forging and hardening;
facilitating the process of sharpening and straightening at low temperatures;
blood flow to facilitate cutting of animal carcasses;
lightweight design;
some scientists suggest a version about saving metal.

The unsharpened flat side is a feature of the Yakutia knife, which increased the penetrating power several times. That is, the weapon easily entered the body of the caught victim, the sharp blade cut it, and the hunter could easily process even thick skins.

Small ones could be used not only for hunting, but also in everyday life. The length ranged from 8 to 11 cm.
The middle ones were used mainly for hunting. Their size is 11–18 cm.
Long ones reached 17–30 cm and were less common. It was a military weapon used in battles.

There is a division in width. Narrow blades are more common among tundra dwellers. They simplified the task of cutting holes in various materials. Thick - used in taiga conditions. Better suited for processing wood and animal carcasses.

Lever

The classic version is a handmade handle made of wood. More often, a burl is used for this - a durable stem growth. Birch bark is used as an alternative. The finished handle was thoroughly impregnated with oil to make it moisture resistant.

The ovoid shape prevented the knife from turning over in the hand when working. The narrow part is located closer to the blade. At the same time, the long handle makes it possible to use edged weapons with warm mittens and does not allow you to drown in water if you fall. There are no stops.

Wooden wedges are installed in the handle.

Installing the blade into the handle requires special attention. First of all, the master makes a wide hole in the central part of the handle. After this, the sharp shank is mounted into the handle.

Then wedges made of wood are installed on the sides. As a result, the blade is secured in the knife handle. To many, this method of fastening may seem unreliable. However, it was developed by the Yakuts to be able to quickly change the blade, because they were consumable due to the low quality of the steel used. It follows from this that a real Yakut knife cannot be folding. This is a modern modification.

Sheath

Traditional sheaths should be as simple and functional as possible. They are made from the tail of a bull, which is removed with a stocking and then stretched onto a wooden blank. This is how the skin takes on the required shape. Birch bark or wood are also used.

The weapon is freely immersed to 2/3 of the handle, and the blade hangs. This allows you to immerse the knife with frozen blood and fat into the sheath without any obstacles.

Varieties of Yakut knife

The length and shape of the blade varies. It depends on the region of residence. Several types are known:

Bykhych- the shortest type, used in almost all types of activities. Nevertheless, it did not deserve popularity among men and was used by women and children in solving daily household problems. Blade length 8–11 cm.
Bychakh- the most common type with a blade length of 11–17 cm. Every respectful man was obliged to have such a knife in his belt. It was perfect for both hunting and solving everyday problems.
Hitohon- a combat option, but since the peoples of Yakutia practically did not fight, it can be seen quite rarely. Its length exceeded 17 cm.
Batuya- a hybrid of a spear and a sword, the length of which could sometimes even exceed 60 cm.

Sharpening

Any knife loses its relevance if it is not sharpened properly. The tools of Yakutia were distinguished not only by their form, but also by their method. Let's take a closer look at how to properly sharpen a Yakut knife.

Sharpening features

So, on a knife you can identify a convex side and a flat side with a joss. Many argue that sharpening is done from the convex side.

However, this opinion is wrong. If you adhere to traditions, then they sharpen from the side of the valley. For a right-handed person it is located on the right, and on the left for a left-handed person.

This fact is easily explained:

Convenience, user comfort. The side to be sharpened is located on the handy side.
Product service life. If you sharpen from the side of the lens, then sooner or later you will reach a recess in the blade and then the knife will be impossible to use for its intended purpose.

note! First, coarse-grained bars are used for rough sharpening, and fine-grained ones are suitable for final work.

Sharpening angle

You can even sharpen the blade with a pebble, which is convenient in camping conditions. In order not to damage the weapon and improve combat qualities, you should adhere to a certain angle of inclination.

The block is applied to the edge at a sharpening angle of no more than 5–7 degrees and moved upward from the handle. The steps are repeated until a thin shiny line appears on the edge - this is a sharp cutting part.

It is not advisable to use mechanical sharpeners, since in the absence of experience, the edge of the blade can become very hot, which will lead to a loss of strength of the material.

Carrying a knife

The sheath is hung on the belt on the left or in front. The weapon is pulled out by resting the thumb on the base of the sheath. The sharpened side is located to the left. For left-handed people, knives are designed individually and are worn on the right side.

These rules were strictly observed by the hunters, because following them, they could freely get their weapons and take a fighting position.

The suspension itself is free. It should not hinder the owner's movements.

Yakut knives can be used to solve many household tasks, cleaning fish and hunting. But improper storage of it will significantly affect its service life and operation. By following simple rules, you can extend it:

This bladed weapon must be stored in a dry room, away from moisture and heat sources. It is best to organize an individual box or casket.
It is better to entrust the restoration of the blade to a professional craftsman.
To preserve the appearance of a wooden handle for a long time, it is recommended to regularly lubricate it with linseed oil.
To treat sheaths made of bull leather, it is recommended to regularly treat them with colorless shoe polish. For sheaths made of wood, oil is suitable.
After cutting meat, it is recommended to treat the blade with alcohol without touching the handle.

Historical and cultural significance

Many years of archaeological excavations and the wild interest of scientists in the history of origin cannot be underestimated.

The fact that despite improved technologies, the shape of the blade, the method of making the handle and sheath, and the wearing rules are preserved to this day is in itself unique. This speaks of it as a functional invention that has passed through the years into our modern society. Without exaggeration, this is one of the most important factors for the survival of the peoples of Yakutia in the harshest climate.

In addition to its performance characteristics, it is distinguished by its rich historical past, because the prototype of the steel product was knives made from bones, where yos is an area filled with bone marrow. The Yakut knife will probably be found in the collection of edged weapons.

note! This is one of the symbols of the republic along with Jew's harp, venison And diamonds.

Knowing the features, you can not only add to your collection, but also find a faithful assistant in hunting and fishing. In addition, a handmade Yakut knife made of Damascus steel will be a wonderful gift for a man for the holiday.

Yakut knife. from Anton Khodzhimirzaev.

The distinctive and most important feature of this knife is the dol. It is not a bloodstream! It performs at least three functions

Actually geometry. On the side of the valley the descent is straight, on the other there is a lens, which makes it an excellent tool for planing wood.
Metal saving. During the forging process, the wedge is stretched in width and length, resulting in a full-size knife with minimal steel consumption.
A forged fuller turns the blade into a channel, i.e., with low hardness, we obtain maximum bending strength.

So, an old Soviet file was chosen as the source material.

We saw off a small piece and weld it well to the bar

Slowly heat up the workpiece in the furnace. The color rendering is poor, and it’s light outside, so it’s difficult to determine the heat colors by eye; I use a magnet. At a temperature of 723 C (I don’t remember exactly), steel loses its magnetic properties and this means that somewhere in this range you can knock on it. For file steel (y10-...13), approximately the same temperature is hardening. Not everyone can be tested this way.

We pull out the piece of iron. I use a 1500 sledgehammer

My rod fell off (((It was better to weld! Now we take pliers

I pulled it out into such a plate. Now I’m forming the shank. Responsible place!

And the radius of the leading edge.

I forge the slopes, the wedge bends, this can be fixed...

already looks like a wedge!

I forge the dol with a sharp edge of 600 g of hammer. The geometry we need has already been formed. We align in a common plane, we carry out normalization...

And simmer it in oil. I thought it would be more effective

I don’t notice the leash after hardening

After hardening, the wedge did not scratch the glass, so the tempering was done for only 1 hour at 200 degrees.

Grind off the excess using sandpaper. Raise your shoulders a little.

I'M VIOLATING SAFETY!!! But it’s very difficult to create a flat surface on sandpaper any other way.

Now is the time to check the wedge for cracks and overall strength. I took several shots, but none of them showed that I was completely standing on it. Take my word for it) holds 60 kg calmly

Nothing fell off

And now the sanding. Now this is a very long and tedious process...

We grind and polish...

After 1200 sandpaper

Now on the felt circle. It's better to do this with an assistant!

Nice shot) Almost a selfie against the backdrop of the setting sun

Now the handle. Material apple tree

We drill for the shank. The diameter of the drill is selected according to the width of the shank in the middle of its length

We adjust the wedge using a jigsaw file or a needle file, or a thin knife, or all of the above. And we cut out the chopsticks

Pour epoxy glue mixed with sawdust

It turned out a little unsightly, so to speak It can be better, but it can’t be worse!

We remove all unnecessary

We draw a center line and dance from it.

I shoot the rest

After roughly removing the material it looks like this

It’s a pleasure to polish the handle of a Yakut knife)

Now according to the old scheme: wet and grind, reducing the grain of the sandpaper. I finish with a sponge.

And impregnation in linseed oil. Later, I dilute wax, rosin and flaxseed in a water bath and process it completely. Then there will be a scabbard....

A real Yakut blade actually has a rather ancient history, this is confirmed by archaeological excavations. And, today, comparing knives of modern versions and those pulled out of the ground, there is practically no difference.

The finished product amazes with its elegance.

So we can safely say that today’s topic will concern the reproduction of an ancient Yakut knife with your own hands. It may be said loudly, but manual labor can also be associated with ancient methods of work. An interesting fact is that in the past the Yakuts bypassed the cast iron processing stage in some interesting way. And the products were forged directly from a steel alloy.

According to contemporaries, the quality of today's knives is in no way inferior to European manufacturers. And most importantly, the Yakuts do not lose the ancient methods of forging and making their products, but pass them on to their children.

Features of the Yakut knife

An important feature of the Yakut knife, which distinguishes it from other products, is its asymmetry. On one side there is a groove, quite large in size, which runs along the entire blade. And the opposite side has a convex shape. There are several explanations for such interesting forms:

in the old days, blacksmiths tried to save metal in this way, gradually drawing out the blade;
Since the Yakuts live in extreme conditions, at -50 °C, -60 °C, it is almost impossible to sharpen a solid product. And with such a fuller, the blade became thinner and more pliable;
when skinning a carcass, especially when skinning, the recess in the blade prevented it from “sticking.” And due to the small contact area and air space, the work became much easier;
the sheath was made from oxtail, removed like a stocking. And wooden inserts were made inside so that the knife would not break. They were also made from birch bark or sewn together with animal skin.

Clearly visible gutter.

Another important point is that the blade is sharpened on one side. But the handle was and is still being made from birch rhizomes.

It is quite reliable and has good grip on the shank.

Varieties of the Yakut knife "Sakha"

In different regions of Yakutia there are different variations in knife making. But in general terms, it is a product with a length of 11 to 17 cm and a wooden handle, all made of the same birch. They call him simply and briefly - “Sakha”. There are twelve varieties. Their names will be presented in purely Yakut language “Sakha Rear”, in brackets there is a literal translation and a small transcript:

“Oluy bygychcha” (small blunt knife) - a blade for applying patterns on wooden products, its length is 3-5 cm.
“Otohut bygychcha” (very small) is a tool of a doctor, a healer, with a very thin and sharp end of the blade, the length of the blade is 3-7 cm.
“Uol oko kychchahar bygychcha” (knife for a boy) - a knife for a boy, length 7-11 cm.
“Die bygychcha” (house knife) is a home helper with a length of 9-14 cm.
“Tabakhyt bysaka” (for a reindeer herder) - for cutting a deer carcass, the edge of the knife is very thin and beak-shaped, the blade is thin, “delicate”, its length is 9-12 cm.
“Kyra bult bykhaga” (small for hunting) - a small hunter’s knife, length 9-14 cm, soft hardening.
“Balyksyt bykhaga” (fishing tool) is an equipment for a fisherman; it is quite wide, the butt is thin, the tip is slightly bent upward. The handle is made of birch bark.
“Bult bykhaga” (for hunting) is a hunting wedge, its length is 15-18 cm.
“Mas үүһүн byһychcha” (wood knife) - designed for woodworking, its length is 12 cm. Designed for cutting shaped parts of furniture and other wooden products.
“Mas үүһүн byһаҕа” (large knife for wood) is a blade for working with wood, but larger in size than the previous one. Provides processing of large parts with a wide, thin blade. Strongly hardened.
“Badaai” (large heavy knife) is a large wedge, its length is up to 25 cm.
“Bolot byhakh” (knife-sword) - even larger and heavier, blade length up to 30 cm.

Varieties. Small handmade blades. Small knife.
Medium blade. Original blade. Large knife.

The last two types of knives are long, designed for heavy work. For example, for butchering large animals, for cutting through ice, for cutting willows, overgrowth, etc. I had to use a translator, now I can show off my new skills to my friends.

DIY instructions

For people who live by reindeer herding and hunting, a knife is simply necessary. The blade is intended for both household work and more serious events. Depends, of course, on the length, as already described above.

In the Republic of Sakha, since 1995, by government decision, the Yakut knife has been recognized as a cultural part of the people inhabiting it. And thanks to this decision, the blade can be worn without any permission. And use it for everyday life and in the household.

The manufacture of products is also not punishable by law, and many craftsmen are engaged in forging knives. As a rule, they are very similar to their ancestors, the only thing that distinguishes them is steel. Previously, it was used softer, so that it could be sharpened in any conditions, but now they use anything for this purpose.

Springs, springs, bearings, files, parts from any equipment, etc. The only difference is this, but otherwise the process has not changed.

Blade size drawing.

To start manufacturing, make a drawing for yourself, and always refer to it while working. Small errors are acceptable. But it’s better to calculate everything in advance.

To make it, you can take any item from the above, but to reduce problems, choose a more rectangular shape. It will be easier to work with a file, let's try to give step-by-step instructions for making a knife at home:

Cut a piece of the required size from the file and weld a rod to it for easy heating in the forge.
Carry out the first heating slowly, when the color reaches incandescence (bright red), the temperature will be about 750 °C. It’s better to check with a magnet; professionals distinguish by color. If the workpiece is not magnetic, it's time to start forging it.
It is better to use two types of sledgehammers: a heavy one, 4 kilograms, and a lighter one, 1.5 kilograms. We forge with a heavy hammer, if the workpiece cools down, put it back into the forge, watch its color, otherwise you can simply break it. You need to forge along the entire length to a thickness of 2-3 mm.
Don't forget about the shank and the radius of the leading edge. You can immediately forge the slopes to make sanding easier.
Forge a large fuller with the sharp side of a smaller hammer. We align the wedge and carry out normalization in oil. Don't forget a vacation for a couple of hours.
We remove all irregularities with sandpaper and bring the shape to its normal form. We correct the descents, if necessary, and grinding and polishing - be patient.

File. Warm up and cook. Don't forget to reheat.
We continue to forge. We forge a gutter. Vacation.

Slowly, deliberately step on it with your foot and transfer all your weight to the blade. It should withstand 60-70 kilograms, if your weight is more, ask someone.

If it does not change the geometry, then everything is done correctly, and you can continue with other stages.

Lever

Everything can be done simply with the handle; anyway, we won’t be able to make a real Yakut blade, it will be a replica, and nothing else. Therefore, we select an unnecessary small block of wood and go ahead:

First of all, we drill a hole for the shank, insert the blade and select “caps” for a tighter fastening. At this stage, it is better to wrap the wedge with masking tape.
We mix epoxy with sawdust, pour everything into the hole, insert the shank and drive in the prepared wood chips along the edges. We make sure that everything fits securely and leave it to dry for 24 hours.
The next step is to draw the center lines and begin to plan the future handle from all sides. And in all available ways.
Having reached a round shape and normal diameter, we grind the handle, soak it in oils, and then dip it in boiling wax for 30 minutes. This is at the request of the owner of the blade.

Let's drill. Epoxy. Marking. Planing.

The work must be carried out carefully, one wrong move and the handle is damaged. You will have to clean the shank from the epoxy resin, which will already be like stone, and do all the work all over again.

Sheath

The easiest way is to make wooden ones; for this, two wooden blanks are taken, the width of which is larger than the resulting knife itself. Then, placing a blade 2/3 long on them, mark the grooves with a pencil. And we select them using a chisel and carefully sand them with sandpaper.

The next step is to carefully remove the excess from the outer sides with a plane. Then we check the fit of the knife in the sheath; if everything is good, we glue both halves with epoxy resin and sand the outside.

We apply the blade.

Quite an original scabbard made of wood.

You can also sew separate sheaths from leather, the process is much more complicated, but aesthetically more pleasing to the eye. There is an article on our website: how to make a sheath at home from leather. We really hope that it will help you.