3V Tanto { Build Along } Finished pics added

BenR.T.

BenR.T.

Tanto grinder & High performance blade peddler
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Apr 18, 2011
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After finishing up the last tanto, I really wanted to make one that is more of an armor piercer than a slasher. I figured I would snap some pics along the way and share them.

Starting with .290" CPM 3v.




I like to mill in the fullers before I profile the blade. That makes it easier to keep everything lined up and square.




Main fullers milled and blade profiled.




Filing the shoulders square.




First bevel rough ground to 60 grit.




Skip ahead.....I ground it up to 400 grit and then hand sanded the bevels. It is much easier to get any grind lines out before HT. It gets hardened in a SS foil pouch, so It can be very close to finished before HT.




I decided to try something different and mill a tapered fuller in the spine. I think it came out pretty cool.



Laying out the guard while the blade heats up in the kiln. It will be 6al4v Titanium.




The hardening phase of HT was a success, it then received an immediate soak in LN. Nice and frosty. Next up temper cycles.

 
Thanks guys!!

More Progress pics.....

Here the slot is milled in the guard and I am laying out the shape. I like to use a brass rod for marking sometimes, it is more permanent than a sharpie, but doesn't leave deep scratches like a scribe.




Jump ahead and here are all of the fittings. The guard is orange peeled Ti, the spacer is hammered copper, and the menuki are hammered Ti.




Test fit.




Heat coloring the Ti parts.




I was gonna be all cool and give it a dark antique finish, but it turns out it is way too corrosion resistant for my normal methods. So it will be getting a satin finish on the bevels.




Marked on the spine.




Shiny Bevels.




Under wrap complete. I like to use this bamboo fiber cord, it has a nice look, And its eco friendly!! :D




And with the magic of the internet.......all wrapped up!! This style of wrap gets soaked with a wood hardener. It is solid, but leaves a natural look.




I will leave you with this teaser shot until I can take some better pics it in my light tent.

 
Thanks for the comments guys.

This one is all finished up and I was able to snap some pics. It only bit me once. :)
OAL 14 5/8" with a 9" blade.














 
Gorgeous, Ben. I like everything about this fine work - except maybe that that hand is not mine in the last picture :). Mike
 
Now that is what I am talking about.

A lot of character in that blade.

I love it
 
Thanks guys, I am stoked with the final product. I see a lot more of this style in my future.....
 
Damn you make a mean blade. I quite like that tapered fuller along the spine.
 
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