Kevin,
In the early 40's my grandfather Jesse Burchett worked in a steel mill in Portsmouth Ohio and made knives from bearing races during this time. Some of his Knives were given to men going off to war and they were called freedom knives. I would have to say my grandfather inspired me along with my father and has been passed down through the family. Here is one of mine from 154cm, no longer use bearing races. Full tang, handles are white phenolic and brass guard front and rear are peened. I'm not good with photography but I tried. Do you recognize the hawk head? Yea I've been to busy to put a handle in but hope to soon...You done a good job on that hawk bud.