A New Knife from Howard Clark and Don Polzien

D

DrRMJ

Joined
May 7, 1999
Messages
209
I just received this piece after sending of the Howard Clark blade to Mr. Pozien some time last year. The blade has a length of 6" from the tip (kissaski) to the top (muromachi) of the blade collar (habaki). It is an aikuchi-style tanto so it doesn't have a guard (tsuba). The blade exhibits a temperline (hamon) that has been brought out by a full polish by Mr. Polzien. The Handle (tsuka) is wrapped in silk (tsukaito) over white ray skin (same). The scabbard (saya) is wood with a black speckled finish and has a heart piercing at the end (kashira). The scabbard opening (koiguchi) has a blackened silver fitting that matches the handle end (fuchi). There are two handle ornaments (menuki) that are of a flower motif.

The blade is what is known as shinogi-zukuri, and has a profile very much like a sword, which is traditionally uncommon. The blade steel is forgeg 1095 and is shaped perfectly, at least to my tiring eyes.

As a student of traditional Japanese swordsmanship, I have never had a companion piece to my sword, but I have one now. I appoligize for the these lengthy writings, but I really like this piece. I wish I had a digital camera so that I can share some pictures with all of you.

Howard Clark's blades are superbly crafted, and Don Polzien's fittings are the same. For those of you wanting a Japanese-Style piece, I would more than highly recommend them.

Roger L. Su, D.C.
Above Down Inside Out
 
Roger,
I bet it is special. The thing about Howard's work is that he makes them all so that they could be used. Great choice of makers between him and Don.

I happen to know Howard a little and have not seen any of his work I did not like. The first custom fixed blade I ever purchased was a bowie he had for sale at the in Atlanta when he earned his Journeyman's stamp.

Howard’s Site

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" The real art of living is to keep alive the longing in human beings to become greater versions of themselves." Laurens Van der Post in memory of James Mattis

[This message has been edited by Gus Kalanzis (edited 05-05-2001).]
 
Roger,

I agree with you that Don's work is some of the best. I have a Katana and Wakizashi set not 3 feet from my computer. I waited 18 months for both pieces.

I have owned many of Don's presentation grade Tanto's and I think for the money, his may be the best out there.

Here is the link to Don's Web Site:

www.blindinglightknives.com

All the Tsuba's, menuki and fushikara are all cast from original pieces.

Additionally, he does restortation work for Japanese blades.



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Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by DrRMJ:
I wish I had a digital camera so that I can share some pictures with all of you.</font>
Click to expand...

Me too!
smile.gif


It sounds like an excellent package Roger. Howard Clark is indeed a highly skilled bladesmith and a nice guy to boot. I had a few beers with him at ECCKS and realized very quickly how knowledgeable he really is. I'm sure your new shinogi-zukuri is top-notch all the way. Thanks for sharing.



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http://www.apechild.com/blades
 
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