Claw knives

-Good morning sir. How can we be of use for you today?
-Good morning. Say boy, is the blacksmith here? I wish to speak to him.
-He's in the workshop, but if you don't mind waiting, I can go fetch him for you!
-We'll do that then.
The boy disappears in the back, leaving the man alone. He soon reappears from the same back door, following his master. The blacksmith is stocky, with a short beard. His whole face is darkened by a thick layer of grime, only cleared out by tracks of sweat. He cheers when recognizing his customer -My friend! Good morning. What would be the reason of your presence in my workshop?
-There's a good and honest lad you have here. I need you to make something for me. You see, I'm preparing for the next trade expedition, to deliver some wierd rocks all the way to Amaal... So it means that we're gonna take the sea, and I broke my claw knife last time. I'd like you to make a new one for me.
-Well that's a bummer... Of course I'll make you one, how fancy do you want it?
-Well I'd like a nice, thick blade, say two and a half dactyls of width for a cross in length. With a thick claw on the pommel, not too large to fit in the hand however, and for the guard, let's say it sould be strong enough to pull a few carries with... It's for the carriages and ship work, you see. I use it to pull cordage and to haul couplings and stuff.
-Kalsh, that's almost a bush knife you're describing! I must warn you, it'll be heavy !
-Yeah... I know... Also, could there be a scraping part on the spine? I like to have a handy tool on me whenever I need to tend to my heeruses' claws... And a slot to tighten shackles would be nice too.
-Okay, that's feasible, on the extend of losing someresistance to hits. Let's see... Right-handed, thick and large, with a thick claw... I 'd use a springy steel, so it's not too rigid. For the handle, do you prefer engraved ceramic? Or there's this nicely adorned one, coming straight from Sookva, it's expensive, but high quality, so no risks of shattering it, and it gives a good, smooth grip.
-You know what, I think I'd rather have some wood.
-Oh, mister Enmeersen likes it classic! Well, what would you say of some blackwood? THE classic I'd say...
-Nah. Look here, I brought you something better.
The man uncovers a piece of colorful wood from his bag. The piece shows vibrant pink, red and black colors.
-Kalsh! When will you cease to amaze me? It's mauvetree wood, isn't it? But how did you get it? It's like, super expensive an all!
-Man, you know me. Well, this piece is plenty enough for a few fancy handles, isn't it? I had wanted to give it to you anyway. So I guess it would be rather nice to have some on my knife, what do you say?
-Oh, yes! I think it'll do marvelous. Well, I haven't had a lot of orders lately, so I will make your knife right away! It should be ready in a dozen days. I'll send you a message when finished, so you can pick it up.
-Nice! Oh, by the way... I'll pay for it. I know how you always want to give me stuff for free, but don't try it there, I'll pay you, even if you don't want, hear me?
-Oh c'mon! You're my friend. I owe you way more than a knife! Plus you give me something of high price once again, I can't accept!
-Don't try it! I can afford anything, and you have the kid about to be born. The last think I want is to see you make fruitless efforts just for me, so no arguing there!
-Fine, fine... You beat me, like always. Well, I'll make the knife.
-Good. Give my love to your girl. I may come check on you later to see how it's going. Have a nice day pal!
-Yeah, all the pleasure is mine, old friend.

by Furilax