What am I going to do with this ?

[lemaymiami]

JShirley... thanks so much for the above info... I've long known that the old Japanese bladesmiths did outstanding work - but have never seen finer examples...

I lived in Japan as a small boy (Army brat, early fifties..) and have always had a small interest in their culture... Every now and then I'm faced with just how little I know about that subject...

 

[hso]

A dagger would show the layers on both sides but daggers are hard

Yep

How about a santoku? Slight rocker for cutting/mincing/slicing and to show off the san mai, hard Hitachi Super Blue core for hardness, nice stabilized wood scales or handle. Something that would be used several times a week instead of just sit in a case or sheath?

 

[OrangeCat]

If I had the skill, tools and access to that bar I'd like to take a crack at a wharncliffe or a broken back seax type of knife o think you could make something really handsome with that blade profile

 

[JShirley]

HIJACK ALERT


Most of you know that a traditional tantō (短刀) is a Japanese blade less than 1 shaku (11.93 inches) in length with a strong kissaki (point). The kissaki is beefy, but not a “chisel-like” point, nor is the Western knife interpretation of a “tanto point” found historically. Bob Lum, may he rest in piece, created the angular westernized "tanto" that Cold Steel had made so famous. Bob's work was wonderful, but he was a little conflicted because this design influenced people's thinking about what Japanese blades were "supposed" to look like and his association with it overshadowed his knifemaking with many. He also didn't make any money off of it, but CS made barrels full.
]

Sorry, I must not have refreshed. I didn't see your very useful and detailed description before I replied.

John

 

[JShirley]

JShirley... thanks so much for the above info... I've long known that the old Japanese bladesmiths did outstanding work - but have never seen finer examples...

I lived in Japan as a small boy (Army brat, early fifties..) and have always had a small interest in their culture... Every now and then I'm faced with just how little I know about that subject...

Maybe a blade shape like the one on the left would be a good way to go...(These are all Shirley-Owens blades ground by Sam.)



Here's a Shirley-Owens "Samto" (basically a small kaiken with a choil) and a Super Daily Kiri (double-edged kiridashi).

 

[hso]

I didn't see your very useful and detailed description before I replied.

Which means we independently provided the same accurate and informative information that people will hopefully now remember (and maybe think kindly of Bob Lum).

 

[Boattale]

You mean the so-called "American tanto" is easy. Real tantos sre not cliched, or as easy, and definitely not useless.

Here's a 16th century example: note the gentle curve of the blade near the tip, not some chisel abomination that's easy to make...

And another.

Now those are interesting indeed. The so-called American tanto has no interest to me. Thanks hso and JShirley,

 

[JohnKSa]

Yeah, should have said "American" tanto.

 

[Jim Bowie]

That was dumb , what I said earlier about Tantos being easy and all...

 

[hso]

I don't think the American angular "tanto" is an easy grind. There are essentially two "tips" that have to be ground symmetrically and there's no margin of error since they're so close together. Toss in the variations of a more faceted tip and it gets more complicated.

 

[JShirley]

That was dumb , what I said earlier about Tantos being easy and all...

It's easy to do badly.

 

[Jim Bowie]

A few passes at the grinder....

 

[JShirley]

Great start!

 

[Jim Bowie]

 

[JShirley]

Nice lines. Looking good.

 

[Jim Bowie]

Thank you guys so much for following my threads and looking at these pictures of my knives. I know I don't post in a timely fashion, or with any logical progression, but I'll try to keep you guys posted more thoroughly from now on. If I make dumb comments from time to time forgive me for my stupidity.
I really like all of your comments and replies it gives me something to think about while I'm thinking about my next knife. As far as that Tanto thing goes, I'm going to have to show you how I do it and what makes it quote" easy" for me. So stay tuned for my text thread when I get a 22 Layer Bar of Shiro 2

 

[JShirley]

Jim, whatever the subject, there's always more to learn. Never be afraid to ask questions from people who are willing to give answers, especially if they have a clue...

Looking fwd to it.

John

 

[Speedo66]

This short piece gives you info on how the original tanto blades were formed of two different types of steel, and how they perfected their edge.

Interesting read from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has an amazing arms and armor collection: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/japb/hd_japb.htm

 

[RA40]

Nice!
Been having urges to make some kitchen knives so seeing this I'm motivated.

 

[Jim Bowie]

Nice and thin

 

[Jim Bowie]

Now I'm thinking about handle material. I've got some ebony a friend of mine got from The Guild Guitar Factory

 

[Jim Bowie]

I really want to do a frame handle but I don't know if this knife is the one for that

 

[hso]

You're set up for a guard it looks, what are you thinking?

 

[Jim Bowie]

3/8"copper

 

[ArfinGreebly]

If I had the skills, I might try for a camping style knife. Possibly a Leuku pattern.