Sojourn is a single-edged Indo-Persian dagger, or “kard” featuring a pattern-welded steel blade and a hollow, metal hilt that is carved, pierced, inlayed, and overlaid with 24 karat gold. It represents the pinnacle of my technical abilities to date. Sojourn’s dimensions and proportions, based on my study of hundreds of antique swords and daggers in India, give it the authentic “feel” and functionality of a historical weapon. It is also a deeply personal piece that embodies my experience of traveling abroad, finding a second home in India, and returning home once more.

The blade is hollow-ground with an armor-piercing tip and a raised ridge along the spine.

The integral bolster is encircled by a rope of decorative file work and raised 24 karat gold inlay.

The hollow hilt, forged from 200 layer pattern-welded steel features a pierced and sculpted apple blossom motif.

Twist and pull the pattern-welded finial to swing the back panel upward and access the compartment inside the hilt.

24 karat gold Koftgari in a Persian-inspired pattern adorns the back panel and the spine of Sojourn’s hilt.

The scabbard is built with a solid poplar wood core, lined with black velvet and covered with goatskin leather. The blackened steel throat and chape are adorned with 24 karat gold koftgari and filed rope-work accents.