A build-a-long with J.D. Smith, MS

Lorien

Lorien

Nose to the Grindstone
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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J.D. and me became acquainted a couple of years back through our mutual friend, Magnus Axelsson.

I first became aware of J.D.'s work through David Darom's book, Great Collections, where a photo of a knife owned by Steven Garsson captured, (and continues to capture) my imagination.

J.D. has a long and storied career as a bladesmith. His is a significant presence in the craft. He's been the mentor of one of the most impressive, (to me) contemporary artists in forged steel, Andrew Meers.

My daughter's 10th birthday required a special gift, and that gift was my first acquisition of J.D.'s fine, imaginative work. I'll post some photos of that item later.

We have for you a WiP, and we hope you enjoy it!

For me, it all started here, (fresh from the forge);

 
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Primary bevels rough ground;







Just out of heat treat;

4_zpsspy3idcv.jpg




Grease has been sandblasted off;

 
And, some tempering;

6_zpsdret2gxn.jpg




Setting the edges by hand, using a benchstone;




Cutting edge and cross section have been hand set and honed. On to stoning to a finish before etching.

 
Looking good Lorien!

I met JD at Ashokan -very cool guy with his own unique style :thumbup:

looking forward to seeing the results here....


Bill
 
Lorien,

I got my first knife from JD over 20 years ago.

He makes great knives, both folders and straight knives, with a very recognizable style.

I'm sure that you will be getting a great knife.

Jim
 
One side cleaned up;









Let's etch!

 
Brut de forge objects have always held an appeal to me.

While finely finished knives are well worth the extra effort that goes into them, there is great value to be found in less finished versions, since you get all the quality at a price which is more manageable for a collector, (like me) who appreciates Art and function but doesn't have much in the way of disposable income. Especially when dealing with someone like J.D., who is an established and accredited expert, and a fair minded man who appreciates those who appreciate him.

There is something about the raw nature of forged steel objects, left as they are with little finishing work. I mentioned earlier in the thread an item that I acquired from J.D. for my daughter's birthday a couple years ago, and here it is;













The knife featured in this thread is a brut de forge piece. It is usable art, made by a man capable of making this;



and this;



and this;



and these;








 
I forged that Cobra from a Farrier's Rasp! Talk about a steel that's stubborn as hell to forge...NOTHING like wrought iron! It also looks like I stole David Lisch's 'stache!
 
Good to see some of JD's work here and some cool wip pics. Thanks for sharing this Lorien
 
jdsmith02115 said:
I forged that Cobra from a Farrier's Rasp! Talk about a steel that's stubborn as hell to forge...NOTHING like wrought iron!
Click to expand...

channelling Ogun, my friend!
 
Here a few of JD knives that I am lucky enough to own.

My first folder from JD was called "Mastadon Madness." It has a 5" blade with mokume bolsters and filework

SmithJD_16-ww.jpg


A 4" blade with Brown lip pearl, mokume and filework

p3369n1.gif


This short sword has a 15 1/2" blade and Mammoth Ivory 22" OAL

SmithJD_15.jpg


Here is a dagger from JD with a 10 1/2" blade and carved African Blackwood

JD%2520Smith%2520Dagger.JPG
 
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Congrats on being able to get a knife from J.D., Lorien.

J.D. and I have been friends for almost 25 years....he's a good man, and a greatly talented Smith/knifemaker.

He has a sharp mind, wicked skills and the attention span of a fruit fly.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Haha can't help but laugh at the attention span joke.

I took JD's intro to bladesmithing class and as poor as my skills were, I can't get the temptation to take it again out of my head.
 
Wondrous work, Mr. Smith, you're a wizard! :]
 
You know Garson, I can hold a thought as long and as well as anyone! What give you the idea or the right to suggest that, Oh Shit! what's that I hear coming up the street? An ice cream truck??
 
So here's some new posts for you today...hey look, a squirrel!
 
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