Description

FINAL REPORT OF
FILE KNIFE ANAYLSIS
by James L Batson Jr, Ph. D.
23 November 2024
ABSTACT
This report contains proof that the file knife on exhibit at Fort Clatsop was made of an antique 7-inch flat file made of shear steel. A handle schematic is presented that shows what is under the mule deer antler handle. After an analysis, I have failed to find anything that indicates it was not made by the Corps of Discovery at Fort Mandan in 1804-1805 and as stated in provenance.
DEDICATION
This report is dedicated to Bethany Candalor and to the rest of the staff at the Lewis & Clark National Historical Park.

About the Author:

ABS Master Bladesmith
40 Year Knife Making Career
Bladesmith Teacher for 35 Years
Past Member of Knifemakers Guild
Antique Steel Researcher
Damascus Steel Maker since 1978
Founder of Alabama Forge Council
US Army Rocket Scientist, 33 yrs.
Rocket & Missile Consultant, 10 years
Member of ABS Cutlery Hall of Fame
James Bowie & Bowie Knife Historian
Member of Blade Cutlery Hall of Fame
Founder of Batson Bladesmith
Symposium Past-President of American Bladesmiths Society
Past-President of Artist Blacksmith Association of North America
Artist Blacksmith’s Alex Bealer Award
Life Member of Antique Bowie Knife Association.
Author of:
How to Build an Antique Bowie Knife
Build Your Own Hydraulic Forging Press
James Black and His Coffin Bowie Knives
James Bowie and the Sandbar Fight Books I
& II